When Richard Dawson Cucked America: The Kissing Controversy on ‘Family Feud’
This past weekend, my son and I spent a rainy morning having our cars inspected. While waiting in the lobby of the local Kwik Lube, we watched reruns of Family Feud on the Game Show Network. As a Gen X parent, I found myself chuckling at the antics of Richard Dawson, the show’s iconic host, known for his sharp wit and affectionate habit of kissing female contestants.
However, my Gen Z son reacted differently; he found Dawson’s behavior “creepy.” This stark contrast in our perceptions highlights a significant generational divide we discussed later in the day, reflecting broader societal norms and attitudes changes from the 1970s and 1980s to today.
While I viewed Dawson’s kisses as a charming relic of a bygone era, my son saw them as a breach of personal boundaries, particularly with the younger women contestants. Our discussion illustrates how concepts of consent and appropriateness have evolved over the decades. This difference in perspective provides a lens through which Richard Dawson’s controversial yet influential tenure as the host of Family Feud and how his actions mirrored the cultural climate of his time.
Context
In the mid-1970s to mid-1980s, America tuned into Family Feud not just for the trivia and the competition but also for the charismatic host, Richard Dawson. Known for his witty banter, English charm, and, most notably, his penchant for kissing female contestants, Dawson became a cultural icon. However, his affectionate antics also sparked controversy, leading some to argue that he “cucked” America by pushing the boundaries of appropriate behavior on national television.
The Rise of Richard Dawson
Richard Dawson, born Colin Lionel Emm, began his career as a comedian and actor before transitioning to game show hosting. His big break came with Family Feud, which premiered in 1976. As the host, Dawson brought a unique flair to the show, blending humor with a genuine warmth that endeared him to audiences and contestants alike.1
The Kissing Habit
From the beginning, Dawson’s interactions with contestants were marked by his European charm. He greeted female contestants with a kiss on the cheek, a tradition he claimed was a sign of respect and affection. This practice soon evolved, and it wasn’t unusual for Dawson to plant kisses on the lips of the women on the show. This seemingly innocuous gesture became his trademark, earning him the nickname “The Kissing Bandit.”2
Controversy and Cultural Impact
Dawson’s kissing habit wasn’t just a quirky personal trademark but became a national debate subject. Some viewers found his behavior endearing and saw it as a harmless, even sweet, expression of friendliness. Others, however, viewed it as inappropriate and uncomfortable, especially in the context of a family-oriented show.3
In today’s social climate, where discussions about consent and appropriate workplace behavior are paramount, Dawson’s actions might be scrutinized more harshly. However, in the 1970s and 1980s, the cultural norms were different. Dawson addressed the controversy, stating that the kisses were always consensual and would stop if any contestant expressed discomfort.4
In today’s social climate, where discussions about consent and appropriate workplace behavior are paramount, Dawson’s actions might be scrutinized more harshly. However, cultural norms were different in the 1970s and 1980s.
Psychological and Social Dynamics
The dynamic between Dawson and the contestants reflected the broader social attitudes of the time. Kissing, especially on national television, displayed charm and an assertion of dominance. It blurred the lines between public and private interactions, making viewers complicit in this unconventional spectacle.
Psychologically, Dawson’s kisses could be seen as a power play, subtly reinforcing his authoritative yet charming host role. For many viewers, these interactions reflected Dawson’s ability to connect with people personally, a skill crucial for a game show host.5
The Audience’s Response
Audience reactions to Dawson’s kissing varied. Some female contestants reportedly enjoyed the attention and found it flattering. Anecdotes from the show’s production suggest that many women saw it as part of the fun experience of being on television. However, there were also instances where contestants seemed visibly uncomfortable, though they rarely spoke out, possibly due to the era’s social norms and the live nature of the show.6
Lasting Legacy
Despite the controversy, Richard Dawson’s legacy as the host of Family Feud remains significant. He set a precedent for the personable and engaging game show host, influencing successors like Steve Harvey and Drew Carey. His charm and wit were undeniable; his kisses were part of his unique hosting style for many.
In retrospect, Dawson’s behavior can reflect the times — a period when boundaries were more fluid and the rules of conduct less defined. The fact that he “cucked” America, as some might put it, is indicative of how he managed to push societal norms and challenge viewers’ comfort zones, all while maintaining a beloved public persona.
Sealed With A Kiss
Richard Dawson’s tenure as the host of Family Feud is a fascinating case study in television history. His habit of kissing female contestants was both a signature move and a controversial act, sparking debates about propriety and consent. While opinions on his actions may differ, there’s no denying that Dawson left an indelible mark on American pop culture, charming and challenging audiences in equal measure. Looking back on his legacy, it’s clear that Richard Dawson’s impact on television was as complex and multifaceted as the man himself.
Personal Life and Later Years
Interestingly, Dawson’s habit of kissing contestants led to a significant personal milestone. He met his second wife, Gretchen Johnson, when she appeared as a contestant on Family Feud in 1981. They married in 1991 and had a daughter together. When Dawson returned to host Family Feud in the mid-1990s, he had promised his daughter that he would only kiss “mommy” from then on, thus ending his signature practice on the show.7
Reflecting on Generational Differences
After returning home, my son and I discussed our differing perspectives. While we may see things differently, he noted the importance of not applying current beliefs to past events. We concluded that the greatest agent for change is not to condemn the past but instead to place it in a historical context and use it as a lesson to learn and make positive change.
The conversation reminded me of historian L.P. Hartley, who famously said, “The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.”8
This powerful reminder of the dangers of imposing modern morality on history is also a testament to the value of understanding and learning from the past.
Sources
1. Biography.com Editors, “Richard Dawson Biography,” *Biography.com*, A&E Television Networks, April 27, 2021, accessed June 2, 2024, https://www.biography.com/media-figure/richard-dawson.
2. Jess Cohen, “Richard Dawson’s Kissing Habit on ‘Family Feud’ Was a Lot Weirder Than You Remember,” *E! Online*, NBCUniversal Media, LLC, June 2, 2021, accessed June 2, 2024, https://www.eonline.com/news/1274737/richard-dawsons-kissing-habit-on-family-feud-was-a-lot-weirder-than-you-remember.
3. Savannah Walsh, “The Story Behind Richard Dawson’s Kisses on ‘Family Feud,’” *Town & Country*, Hearst Magazine Media, Inc., July 1, 2020, accessed June 2, 2024, https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a32990245/richard-dawson-family-feud-kisses.
4. Ibid.
5. Cohen, “Richard Dawson’s Kissing Habit on ‘Family Feud’.”
6. Walsh, “The Story Behind Richard Dawson’s Kisses on ‘Family Feud’.”
7. Biography.com Editors, “Richard Dawson Biography.”
8. L.P. Hartley, The Go-Between (London: Hamish Hamilton, 1953).
