Quote Meaning - What prevailed was that it was a family story, so it didn’t matter what the color. It was also the perfect subject matter for a miniseries: A best-selling book, a generational story, a social problem – they all made ‘Roots’ what a miniseries should be.

The quote emphasizes that a story's essence lies in its family narrative rather than the racial background of its characters. It suggests that "Roots," a widely acclaimed book and miniseries, succeeded because it encompassed several elements crucial to captivating storytelling: it was based on a bestselling book, featured generational themes, and addressed significant social issues.

Delving deeper into the quote's meaning reveals its broader implications for media and storytelling in general. The essence of Wolper’s statement is that compelling narratives transcend superficial characteristics like race or ethnicity and focus instead on universal human experiences such as familial bonds, societal challenges, and historical struggles. By integrating these elements, a story can resonate with a wide audience, fostering empathy and understanding across diverse communities.

David L. Wolper was an influential American television producer known for his work in documentary filmmaking and miniseries production. He had a significant impact on the entertainment industry during the latter half of the 20th century, producing memorable works that addressed important social issues through storytelling.

" What prevailed was that it was a family story, so it didn’t matter what the color. It was also the perfect subject matter for a miniseries: A best-selling book, a generational story, a social problem – they all made ‘Roots’ what a miniseries should be. " - David L. Wolper

" What prevailed was that it was a family story, so it didn’t matter what the color. It was also the perfect subject matter for a miniseries: A best-selling book, a generational story, a social problem – they all made ‘Roots’ what a miniseries should be. "
- David L. Wolper