Top 10 Times The Golden Girls Tackled Serious Issues
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Date: 2023-11-21
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Comments and reviews: 30
Cassandra
I think an episode that hit hard that wasnt listed is the episode where Sophia recognizes that she is starting to forget her past, in particular her husband Sal. Dorothy notices that Sophia had become more forgetful and Sophia herself was grief stricken at the idea that she was losing Sal for a second time. This hurts even more knowing that just a short time later Estelle herself started to suffer from the symptoms of Dementia. She started to forget her lines more frequently and she struggled to perform and understand scenes both in Golden Girls and Golden Palace. Rue McClanahan who played Blanche in an interview detailed her last conversation with Estelle. She explained that she tried to talk to Estelle during a lucid moment (a time free of the symptoms of Dementia) but unfortunately Estelle was not able to clue in to who she was talking to. Heart breaking reality.
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I think an episode that hit hard that wasnt listed is the episode where Sophia recognizes that she is starting to forget her past, in particular her husband Sal. Dorothy notices that Sophia had become more forgetful and Sophia herself was grief stricken at the idea that she was losing Sal for a second time. This hurts even more knowing that just a short time later Estelle herself started to suffer from the symptoms of Dementia. She started to forget her lines more frequently and she struggled to perform and understand scenes both in Golden Girls and Golden Palace. Rue McClanahan who played Blanche in an interview detailed her last conversation with Estelle. She explained that she tried to talk to Estelle during a lucid moment (a time free of the symptoms of Dementia) but unfortunately Estelle was not able to clue in to who she was talking to. Heart breaking reality.
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XxJellyOwlxX
Im queer and one of the reasons I love the Golden Girls is because of how they raised awareness to being gay and how some families cut ties with you. My mom was mad when I came out twice and acted similarly to Blanche. She ended up coming around and supporting me now but others aren't so lucky to have supportive family. especially since the show came out during the 80s were hate crimes were high due to fear around AIDS. and all four of the golden girls were ACTIVE in raising awareness to gay rights. So whenever Im watching it and the episodes with Clayton comes on, I think about how Blanche behaved so similarly to my mom and wonder if my mom thinks the same. it might be shocking or confusing when your loved one comes out as gay but its your duty to support and love them or lose them due to predujuce.
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Im queer and one of the reasons I love the Golden Girls is because of how they raised awareness to being gay and how some families cut ties with you. My mom was mad when I came out twice and acted similarly to Blanche. She ended up coming around and supporting me now but others aren't so lucky to have supportive family. especially since the show came out during the 80s were hate crimes were high due to fear around AIDS. and all four of the golden girls were ACTIVE in raising awareness to gay rights. So whenever Im watching it and the episodes with Clayton comes on, I think about how Blanche behaved so similarly to my mom and wonder if my mom thinks the same. it might be shocking or confusing when your loved one comes out as gay but its your duty to support and love them or lose them due to predujuce.
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Vikki
The episodes of Dorothy battling to get a diagnosis for her CFS hits hard for me. I battled for 5 years to be taken seriously by someone, ANYONE in the medical field and was always treated like I was attention seeking before I was listened to and steps were taken to get me on the right track for diagnosis. Sadly, even though I now have a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) most doctors/nurses and other medical professionals treat me worse off than before because they dont believe its real. Theres nothing worse than being made to feel like youre going insane just because they dont have an answer
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The episodes of Dorothy battling to get a diagnosis for her CFS hits hard for me. I battled for 5 years to be taken seriously by someone, ANYONE in the medical field and was always treated like I was attention seeking before I was listened to and steps were taken to get me on the right track for diagnosis. Sadly, even though I now have a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) most doctors/nurses and other medical professionals treat me worse off than before because they dont believe its real. Theres nothing worse than being made to feel like youre going insane just because they dont have an answer
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Wayne
You can't overstate how progressive this show was, and the appreciation of this fact continues to grow since, as is pointed out, many of the issues it tackled still plague us today. I think it's important to acknowledge that for the show to have been so ahead of its time meant that every actor, writer, producer and director of the show had to embrace this mindset fully, and we continue to discover the ways that those involved with making the show were progressive in their own lives. We will be watching this beautiful show for generations to come.
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You can't overstate how progressive this show was, and the appreciation of this fact continues to grow since, as is pointed out, many of the issues it tackled still plague us today. I think it's important to acknowledge that for the show to have been so ahead of its time meant that every actor, writer, producer and director of the show had to embrace this mindset fully, and we continue to discover the ways that those involved with making the show were progressive in their own lives. We will be watching this beautiful show for generations to come.
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Runwaygirl20
When are they going to do other Golden Girls top 10s
Top 10 Dorothy and Sophia moments on The Golden Girls.
Top 10 Times Rose Nyland told St Olaf stories on The Golden Girls.
Top 10 Love Interests on The Golden Girls.
Top 10 Stan and Dorothy moments on The Golden Girls.
Top 10 Recurring Characters on The Golden Girls.
Top 10 Family Members on The Golden Girls (Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia's family members appearance)
Top 10 Saddest Moments on The Golden Girls.
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When are they going to do other Golden Girls top 10s
Top 10 Dorothy and Sophia moments on The Golden Girls.
Top 10 Times Rose Nyland told St Olaf stories on The Golden Girls.
Top 10 Love Interests on The Golden Girls.
Top 10 Stan and Dorothy moments on The Golden Girls.
Top 10 Recurring Characters on The Golden Girls.
Top 10 Family Members on The Golden Girls (Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia's family members appearance)
Top 10 Saddest Moments on The Golden Girls.
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Sunni
One of my favorite episodes was when Blanches daughter, Rebecca comes to visit. She is has a weight problem and she introduced to her boyfriend, Jeremy and reveals she is getting married. Blanche is very concerned by how Jeremy treats Rebecca and makes very hurtful jokes about her weight. Verbal abuse can leave a woman just as broken as physical abuse! When you watch your daughter being disrespected it makes you want to just go ape st on the person!
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One of my favorite episodes was when Blanches daughter, Rebecca comes to visit. She is has a weight problem and she introduced to her boyfriend, Jeremy and reveals she is getting married. Blanche is very concerned by how Jeremy treats Rebecca and makes very hurtful jokes about her weight. Verbal abuse can leave a woman just as broken as physical abuse! When you watch your daughter being disrespected it makes you want to just go ape st on the person!
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Mary
&&&& the deportation episode of mario is exactly what's needs to be done nn Chicago because the immigrants from Venezuela has taken over the whole windy city. thanks to the governor of texas but nevertheless theses stories speak so many volumes on what's goes on with every day people especially the one about the nursing home it's sad how the older folks are treated in those nursing home living of $30 a month out of there social security funds.
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&&&& the deportation episode of mario is exactly what's needs to be done nn Chicago because the immigrants from Venezuela has taken over the whole windy city. thanks to the governor of texas but nevertheless theses stories speak so many volumes on what's goes on with every day people especially the one about the nursing home it's sad how the older folks are treated in those nursing home living of $30 a month out of there social security funds.
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jofez27
This brought me to tears. I was still a baby when Golden Girls came out and loved it when I got older. I myself have face a few of these issues and now some of my family are facing things like the nursing home issue. I thank the Golden Girls cast and crew for being crusaders and really making a difference in people's lives even though all of the cast have passed on. Their legacies continue to live on in today's world.
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This brought me to tears. I was still a baby when Golden Girls came out and loved it when I got older. I myself have face a few of these issues and now some of my family are facing things like the nursing home issue. I thank the Golden Girls cast and crew for being crusaders and really making a difference in people's lives even though all of the cast have passed on. Their legacies continue to live on in today's world.
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Laura
My early 20s were shaped and very much formed by The Golden Girls & Designing Women. Pretty much the same show but they tackled the battles of their respective age groups. They also tackled many of the same very taboo topics (for that time era) and both did so with such grace, intellect & always a dash or two of humor. I am now a Golden Girl myself and I find myself reflecting & quoting these 2 shows still to this day.
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My early 20s were shaped and very much formed by The Golden Girls & Designing Women. Pretty much the same show but they tackled the battles of their respective age groups. They also tackled many of the same very taboo topics (for that time era) and both did so with such grace, intellect & always a dash or two of humor. I am now a Golden Girl myself and I find myself reflecting & quoting these 2 shows still to this day.
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Peggy
Another theme wasnt mentioned is people with disabilities. There was an episode where Roses sister, who happens to be blind, comes for a visit. She is having difficulty adjusting and accepting having to live life as visually impaired person. Theres a scene where she attempts to cook a meal for herself and nearly sets the kitchen on fire. Distraught and terrified, she begs Rose to come live with her.
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Another theme wasnt mentioned is people with disabilities. There was an episode where Roses sister, who happens to be blind, comes for a visit. She is having difficulty adjusting and accepting having to live life as visually impaired person. Theres a scene where she attempts to cook a meal for herself and nearly sets the kitchen on fire. Distraught and terrified, she begs Rose to come live with her.
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elis
Sadly not much has changed in 33 years regarding ME (known as CFS, the most awful, horrendous and debilitating illness you could ever imagine. The episode on golden girls was spot on how we are met by doctors. Espically as a women, you are regarded as a neurotic hypocondric who is making it up. Meanwhile your body gets more damaged the further you push it and nobody believes you.
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Sadly not much has changed in 33 years regarding ME (known as CFS, the most awful, horrendous and debilitating illness you could ever imagine. The episode on golden girls was spot on how we are met by doctors. Espically as a women, you are regarded as a neurotic hypocondric who is making it up. Meanwhile your body gets more damaged the further you push it and nobody believes you.
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ElvisRose
In a class project, I used the HIV/AIDS episode as an example of media's cultural relevance. These episodes could easily have slipped into the tasteless & tacky in the hands of lesser writers but Golden Girls not only set the standard in TV of how to portray female friendships as well as how to handle societal issues with respect and grace. Man, how I love this show.
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In a class project, I used the HIV/AIDS episode as an example of media's cultural relevance. These episodes could easily have slipped into the tasteless & tacky in the hands of lesser writers but Golden Girls not only set the standard in TV of how to portray female friendships as well as how to handle societal issues with respect and grace. Man, how I love this show.
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Andie
We need to mention what a great woman Estelle Getty is. In the episode Ebbtide's Revenge, the writers originally wanted Sophia to make jokes about cross-dressing during her son's funeral while standing at his casket, and she called the showrunners and refused to do the scene that way; she insisted that a mother would NEVER make jokes at her own child's funeral.
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We need to mention what a great woman Estelle Getty is. In the episode Ebbtide's Revenge, the writers originally wanted Sophia to make jokes about cross-dressing during her son's funeral while standing at his casket, and she called the showrunners and refused to do the scene that way; she insisted that a mother would NEVER make jokes at her own child's funeral.
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Kittenclysm
This show was and will always be good, solely for the fact that it holds up decades after it's premiered and will continue to hold up for decades from now. Not to mention they knew how to balance out the serious issues with just enough humor so you can laugh, but still know that they're not making jokes about the problems they're trying to tackle
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This show was and will always be good, solely for the fact that it holds up decades after it's premiered and will continue to hold up for decades from now. Not to mention they knew how to balance out the serious issues with just enough humor so you can laugh, but still know that they're not making jokes about the problems they're trying to tackle
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Amanda
The episode when Phil dies still guys me like no other. The entirety of it is painful but at the very end when Sophia asks what she did wrong as a parent to make him the way that he was and Angela responds what he was, Sophia, was a good man - oh man, then Sophia wails my baby is gone. I cry every single time and I've seen it a thousand times!
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The episode when Phil dies still guys me like no other. The entirety of it is painful but at the very end when Sophia asks what she did wrong as a parent to make him the way that he was and Angela responds what he was, Sophia, was a good man - oh man, then Sophia wails my baby is gone. I cry every single time and I've seen it a thousand times!
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CJ
One of the reasons Golden Girls is rightly held aloft as one of the best shows ever, is because the writing was so phenomenal. The topics they tackled like Senior suicide, Houselessness happening to ANYONE (from a PhD student to the elderly, etc are topics STILL NOT discussed in broadcast tv today. Such a wonderfully written show
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One of the reasons Golden Girls is rightly held aloft as one of the best shows ever, is because the writing was so phenomenal. The topics they tackled like Senior suicide, Houselessness happening to ANYONE (from a PhD student to the elderly, etc are topics STILL NOT discussed in broadcast tv today. Such a wonderfully written show
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Melody
The girls were always so open minded and even when they weren't they always learned in the end. Thats why the episode about interacial marriage was so out of place because they didn't learn anything. They gave in because they realized they were getting a grandkid out of it but they was ready to abandon their own kids.
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The girls were always so open minded and even when they weren't they always learned in the end. Thats why the episode about interacial marriage was so out of place because they didn't learn anything. They gave in because they realized they were getting a grandkid out of it but they was ready to abandon their own kids.
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Jazzy101
I was a child watching the Golden Girls but it was and still is my favorite show. I remember thinking this is how I wanted my older years to be, me and my friends living our best lives. Now as an adult, I realize how many serious topics they addressed and how we're still dealing with them all these years later.
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I was a child watching the Golden Girls but it was and still is my favorite show. I remember thinking this is how I wanted my older years to be, me and my friends living our best lives. Now as an adult, I realize how many serious topics they addressed and how we're still dealing with them all these years later.
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fanjoy
This was being broadcast back in the 1980s, but Republicans and their neo-Nazi trolls all over social media would have you believe that it's all new and woke.
The truth is that American society has always been moving in the right direction to recognize the liberties, freedoms and rights of ALL.
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This was being broadcast back in the 1980s, but Republicans and their neo-Nazi trolls all over social media would have you believe that it's all new and woke.
The truth is that American society has always been moving in the right direction to recognize the liberties, freedoms and rights of ALL.
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Brandon
Please do one on Designing Women! They tackled some important issues too. In one episode of Designing Women, they had a friend who was diagnosed with AIDS and there was a female client who was really hateful. And Julia Sugerbaker put that woman client in her place and showed her the door too.
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Please do one on Designing Women! They tackled some important issues too. In one episode of Designing Women, they had a friend who was diagnosed with AIDS and there was a female client who was really hateful. And Julia Sugerbaker put that woman client in her place and showed her the door too.
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QueenofXandria
I love love love this show - my coworker and good friend have a running joke that we get each other Golden Girls themed gifts, mostly because one day our entire office broke down in a fit of karaoke and sang Thank You for Being a Friend randomly and it has not been forgotten
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I love love love this show - my coworker and good friend have a running joke that we get each other Golden Girls themed gifts, mostly because one day our entire office broke down in a fit of karaoke and sang Thank You for Being a Friend randomly and it has not been forgotten
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The
What's really cool is that they find the $10, 000 lottery ticket and immediately give it to the priest that let them in the shelter the night before. I love this show. I'm happy to say I own all 7 seasons and will happily watch it any time. R. I. P. to these 4 wonderful ladies.
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What's really cool is that they find the $10, 000 lottery ticket and immediately give it to the priest that let them in the shelter the night before. I love this show. I'm happy to say I own all 7 seasons and will happily watch it any time. R. I. P. to these 4 wonderful ladies.
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1024laf
I was surprised the abusive boyfriend episode wasn't on here, the one where Blanche was dating this jerk who constantly criticized and belittled her and Dorothy tried to warn Blanche but she wouldn't listen until she saw him grab Dorothy's arm in a hurtful way.
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I was surprised the abusive boyfriend episode wasn't on here, the one where Blanche was dating this jerk who constantly criticized and belittled her and Dorothy tried to warn Blanche but she wouldn't listen until she saw him grab Dorothy's arm in a hurtful way.
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SeanT
Golden Girls really was the Golden Age of Television. Some might consider me a heretic, but GG was better than any sitcom that came before it, even I Love Lucy, which for its time, also confronted controversy over social norms in relatable and endearing ways.
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Golden Girls really was the Golden Age of Television. Some might consider me a heretic, but GG was better than any sitcom that came before it, even I Love Lucy, which for its time, also confronted controversy over social norms in relatable and endearing ways.
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Ivo
''72 hours'' was very difficult for Estelle Getty. At that time she had already lost several close friends to AIDS and was taking care of one nephew who also contracted it. So imagine how it was for her to play Sophia being prejudiced against AIDS.
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''72 hours'' was very difficult for Estelle Getty. At that time she had already lost several close friends to AIDS and was taking care of one nephew who also contracted it. So imagine how it was for her to play Sophia being prejudiced against AIDS.
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Yinsin
Blanche standing up for herself against her harasser is amazing. Yes shes very promiscuous but its her body and she chooses to do what she wants to do. Just because someone slept with many people doesnt mean they dont deserve less respect.
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Blanche standing up for herself against her harasser is amazing. Yes shes very promiscuous but its her body and she chooses to do what she wants to do. Just because someone slept with many people doesnt mean they dont deserve less respect.
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Trina
I liked that they addressed that anyone can end up homeless, no matter your circumstances. For instance, the young man whom Blanche befriended in the homeless shelter had a PHD, yet he was still forced onto the streets.
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I liked that they addressed that anyone can end up homeless, no matter your circumstances. For instance, the young man whom Blanche befriended in the homeless shelter had a PHD, yet he was still forced onto the streets.
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Brian
This is the primary reason the Gold Girls was such a powerful & loved show. Those ladies proved that with love-strength & compassion you can overcome almost any rough patch of road. They did that on the show & in life.
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This is the primary reason the Gold Girls was such a powerful & loved show. Those ladies proved that with love-strength & compassion you can overcome almost any rough patch of road. They did that on the show & in life.
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SotheBee123
It's amazing how well The Golden Girls holds up in its portrayal of issues that are still problems to this day.
And it's sad that these are still issues to this days. So many of these have solutions but.
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It's amazing how well The Golden Girls holds up in its portrayal of issues that are still problems to this day.
And it's sad that these are still issues to this days. So many of these have solutions but.
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Patty
They didn't include teen pregancy. In an episode of the golden girls, the ladies look after a pregnant teenager and Dorothy recalled her own experience with being pregnant before graduating from high school.
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They didn't include teen pregancy. In an episode of the golden girls, the ladies look after a pregnant teenager and Dorothy recalled her own experience with being pregnant before graduating from high school.
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