Richard Dawson and the Infamous Family Feud Kissing

 

There are few pieces of pop culture more sacred to me than classic game shows. I've been hooked on them since I first watched Dorothy Kilgallen's wit on What's My Line?.  I have a favorite classic game show, though. There are few things more comforting to me than watching Gene Rayburn and crew on the 1970's hit, Match Game. Match Game was my introduction to Richard Dawson. He was overwhelmingly charming as a regular panelist on the show. Everybody adored him on the show and I was part of that club.

When COVID-19 hit and we went into lockdown in California, I discovered the gift that is Buzzer TV, the PlutoTV channel that plays classic game shows 24/7. It brought me much comfort as the world as we knew it changed around me. Family Feud, hosted by Dawson, is occasionally played on the channel. I watched it for the first time in years and was shocked by his behavior as host. For those who may be unfamiliar, Dawson would kiss every woman contestant, on the lips, during each episode. As someone who supports the Me Too movement fiercely, I was completely put off.

I think most who watch footage of Dawson during his stint as the host of Family Feud find the kissing to be jarring. We simply could not have the host of a popular show kissing women the way he did in our current climate. I was upset with Dawson, I thought what I was watching was wrong. I realized I had to view this situation with my sociological imagination. This is a concept that focuses on ridding yourself of your own biases and exploring concepts from other perspectives. I tried to imagine the time in question. The 70s and 80s were significantly different eras than now. The women seem to be consenting? I've included a video from toyfoxstudios so you can form your own opinions. 

I needed to know how and why this happened. Doing some research, I watched an interview from the Archive of American Television that explained how this all began. Apparently, a contestant was so nervous and couldn't think of an answer. Dawson gave her a kiss to comfort her and the rest was history. It seems the producers on the show tried to cut the kissing, however. Dawson stated in that same interview that while the producers claimed it was because he did not consider the marital status of each woman before planting the kiss, the disapproval may have been rooted in racism. Dawson believes the producers did not want him kissing women of color on television. I believe this is likely true. I could not find proof outside of Dawson's own opinion, but given the systematic racism in the United States, this sounds accurate. Following all of this, a survey was conducted to see if the women wanted the kissing to stop. Apparently, the vote was heavily in favor of keeping the kisses coming.

I have to admit, I don't believe Dawson had bad intentions. I think the kissing started as a kind gesture that got a bit out of hand. I mean, he did end up meeting his wife, a college student at the time, through kissing her on the television show. My concern is stemmed from the conflicting power dynamic. The women who went on Family Feud began to expect the kissing. He was an attractive man who held power on the show and therefore had the upper hand. Women may have gotten caught up in the thrill of kissing a celebrity on television without thinking it through. You have to admit, it is a bit weird regardless of which time period it is. 

Dawson hosted the show twice, coming back in the mid-90s. Upon his return, he decided to stop the kissing. He claims it was because he was now married and promised his daughter he would only kiss her mother, but I am holding out hope that he made the change because he realized he may have overstepped some boundaries. 

Do Dawson and the crew behind Family Feud deserve criticism for their treatment of women on the show? I think so. Does he deserve to be 'canceled'? I don't think so. Using a sociological imagination to view the context of the kissing, I am able to view it as innocent. However, I believe power dynamics between men and women in Hollywood can be damaging and some of the women he kissed may have been upset without the resources to fight it. It's an issue that will always leave me feeling conflicted. 

Richard Dawson is buried at Westwood Memorial Park, a stone's throw away from my apartment. I always visit his grave when I come to the cemetery.  While I battled my own thoughts about his behavior on Feud, he will always have a special place in my heart because of Match Game. 

If you have any thoughts on the Family Feud kissing, I'd love to hear them! Feel free to reach out to me on Twitter (@sociallyhaunted) or Instagram (@sociallyhauting) to chat about it!