Media Response #1 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Media Response #1 NameCourse InstructorDate  In The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Will Smith plays the character of a young black street basketball player from West Philadelphia who goes to stay in his uncle’s family upscale home in Bel Air, Los Angeles. Smith stays in the home of Philip Banks a hard working judge, Vivian Banks and their children including Carlton, Hilary, Ashley and the youngest child Nicky Banks. Respectability is a recurring theme in the 90s sitcom and Will learns not to make impulsive decisions and unlike Carlton, his cousin and age mate he gets in trouble for failing to head to Phil’s advice. The sitcom focuses on traditional American families such as family, seeking opportunities including education, tradition, and hard work. The sitcom is representative of American culture as it focuses on American family life, respect tradition, education, and hard work In the episode, Will Gets a Job, Will gets a job partly because he is uncomfortable living off Uncle Phil, but while working at the pirate-themed restaurant, Phil does not recognize his nephew. The episode highlights the importance of success and determined where one can seek opportunities regardless of their circumstances. Will and Uncle Phil recognized and the importance of family is also based on respecting each other, while juggling between school and work is a challenge for Will. TV is an important cultural form for people to articulate their concerns and experiences, even as there are contested explanations (Newcomb & Hirsch, 1983). The sitcom one was one of the few TV programs that touched on economic achievement and Black wealth. Carlton is the opposite of his goofy cousin Will Smith, as he loves education, behaves well, and is honest. Despite Will Smith being a mischievous character, he also a need to be independent and not rely on his wealthy uncle and even as will is young and reckless he was critical of injustices and was open to become a better person. The belief that there are equal opportunities and freedom is one way that Americans have a chance to live a better life However, Bigsby (2006) argued that there are ambiguous meanings on what it means to be American and what constitutes American values. In Burnin' Down the House season 6, episode 1 Will accidently burns the kitchen while trying make dinner and tries to hide the extent of the dame, Judge Walker and his wife are invited to the house, and Will is required to behave well. Unlike Carlton who shows respect for his parents, Will is mischievous. Focus on respectability shows that the show emphasizes American values and culture, and this is something diverse audiences could identify with. While black men are the least accepted and respected in TV portrayal the Banks fami...