2. Nonetheless, both “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “The Cosby Show” fails to highlight enough of the racial injustices many blacks experience as a whole in American society “presenting a misleading cozy picture, a sugar candy world unfettered by racism, crime, and economic deprivation.” (Jhally and Lewis 2) So what does all of this mean? Where is the problem? The network executives are displaying happy "normal" black upper-class families, right? Wrong, " The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," like The Cosby Show, in many ways had detrimental effects on American culture rather than just being a means of entertainment. In an article entitled "Enlightened Racism," authors write: “…these ‘positive images’ can actually be counterproductive because they reinforce the myth of the American dream, a just world where anyone can make it and racial barriers no longer exist.” This provides insight into George Gerbner’s cultivation theory because both black and white audiences’ exposure to these programs has affected their perceptions of reality as the article puts it: “we are seduced by television’s fictions to believe partly that this is how the world is but mostly to believe that this how it could be.” (Jhally and Lewis 133) The shows’ lightheartedness and comical appeal instantly gained the shows their popularity and ratings. Stuart Hall, in his work Racist Ideologies and the Media, points out that sitcoms (situation comedies) allow viewers to take in important racialized meanings under the guise of comedy. With a deeper investigation critics can argue that these character representations lack identity and can perpetuate inaccurate ideological assumptions about blacks in society leaving audiences disillusioned.

3. The families in both shows are seen as a unit of support economically and emotionally, yet the response to their “blackness” is almost nonexistent. Instead “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” places importance on wealth and status. Specifically, in “The Fresh of Bel- Air,” Will is brought in to a world of abundant wealth which greatly contrasts his life. Uncle Phil, as Will calls him is known for giving his family the best. As a judge he provides his family with a lavish house with high end decor, fine cars, and many other upscale amenities. This leads to an identity crisis within his family especially with Will’s cousin Hilary and Carlton for they are looked at negatively as white. “The members of the Banks family, if anything, were ascribed stereotypes that have historically been the domain of wealthy white characters: Stuffy, materialistic, ditzy, and like their cousin Will, from more diverse West Philadelphia, in contrast was upbeat, confident, and playful–qualities…” (Issues) In the episode “Blood is Thicker Than Mud”, where Carlton is trying to gain entrance into a fraternity he is considered an “oreo” (a derogative term meaning someone who is black but acts as if they were white by the way the speak and dress). He is teased by for being a representation corporate America and other stereotypical “white” symbols. Ironically, Will the more urban “down” character is exactly what the fraternity is looking for. He represents to them a real “black”. He represents to them a real “black” which allows a para-social relationship to blossom. Individuals are giving a glimpse into Will’s world as he is thrown into A WORLD WHICH HE IS unfamiliar So does this mean that Carlton’s families’ success and wealth is the reason for them losing touch with their black side? Bret Erhmann writes in Black, White, and Watched All Over, that “The Cosby Show and The Fresh Prince of Bel -Air

4. Whereas The Fresh Prince of Bel Air has, Will, a member of blue collar society to contrast that of the upper class he is surrounded by, the Cosby Show has no representation. Thus, there is an absence of conflict or tension in the show. There are no uncomfortable social situations that the Huxtable family must combat. The Cosby Show only alludes to an ulterior black identity which masses can relate.TheCosby Show only alludes to an ulterior black identity which masses can relate. The show provides typical messages that enforce the idea of equality and an absent working class. In the episode “Theo’s Holiday,” Cliff teaches his family the value of dollar proving that implying individuals must work for what they want. The idea of any barriers again is not addressed. Blacks must realize that such a belief is fantasied. Additionally , with a few exceptions here and there, the Huxtable cultural identity is not made visible. The twins are the names of Sondra’s twins are the names of the Mandela’s but that is all we really see except for an occasional reference here and there. In the same study discussed earlier, when respondents tried to make sense of class issues arising in “many were forced to displace the idea of class onto a set of racial categories. This was particularly the case for black respondents who got enmeshed in the debate about whether the show was ‘too white’”. were then able to bring their stories of blackness and marginalization to the mainstream conversation in the spirit of multiculturalism. This, however, might have come at the cost of portraying blackness in a way that many audience members would describe as unrealistic.” In numerous other episodes Carlton is characterized as being snooty. He wears tailored clothing, looks down on Will’s urban mentality, and tags alongside his white counterparts.

5. These shows make it look so easy to obtain success, yet they never provide a look into the opposite side of the spectrum. Individuals must analyze these images more objectively and thoroughly to determine whether the depictions offer practical and helpful insights or whether they cloud the audience's ability to distinguish sociopolitical reality from sociopolitical fantasy. Whether the Cosby show or Fresh Prince the two shows highlight only a minuscule representation of the black experience without covering multiple experiences. The two shows cover their tracks by relying on comedy to reinforce ideals that as Henry Louis Gates says “throws blame for black poverty back onto the impoverished.” Thus, these supposedly positive images of these black successful upper class families allow audiences to forget the social and economic barriers that do exist in reality.