A Different World Today

One of my favorite TV shows years ago was “A Different World,” a spin-off of “The Cosby Show,” which followed the eldest Huxtable daughter to college. The writing was wonderful. The characters were a bit stereotypical the first seasons, but the actors did a good job of fleshing them out eventually. I adored Whitley’s mannerisms and probably still have a crush on geeky Kadeem Hardison.

I remember clearly my favorite episode. It had to do with fireflies captured in a jar. Even after the lid was removed, the fireflies kept banging against the sides of the jar.

This was a show made by African-Americans with an African-American cast for mostly an African-American audience, I presume. The issues addressed were universal.

I can only wonder WHY, 20 years later, we still have this societal race issue. And why is it considered so un-PC, even racist, for a white person to tell those damn fireflies to SHUT UP and FLY.

I think Bill Cosby would have made a better POTUS than Obama.

Furthermore, what do we get for TV shows today? Stoopid crap. “A Different World” dealt with TRUTHS (black Southern Belle Whitley learns her family owned slaves), date rape, domestic violence, AIDS. They did a dance routine one episode that was horrifying and brilliant back then that dealt with the “Mammy” image. Enrollment increases at historically black colleges and universities during the late 80s/ early 90s were credited to this important television program. The show had a message, and it was heard.

What message do people hear today? “You need help. You obviously SUCK and can’t do it on your own. I’m the government – I’m here to help you. Never mind that I have to steal other people’s money to push my will upon you.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3cGgr-Rz-w&NR=1