You notice how Carlton immediately went over to fight for Will when he thought it was Will they didn't want? That's the type of person you want around you in life.
Did you know the Carlton dance came from watching Bruce Springsteen dancing on stage with a fan from the audience? He said in the script it called for a scene with Carlton dancing. He said that he made the dance up based off of Bruce Springsteen. It's being exaggerated of course. But that's what made it hella funny to watch. Love Carlton!
I feel the same way because I have some blacks in my town that are like that, they go around saying that they care about you, but just like any human being, they treat ya like crap That's why I always be careful who I associate with as my father use to tell me, that's why I have more white friends than I do blacks (most of them ladies though)
He may be black but he ain't from the bottom and that was the real point. He a prep school I've league never had to worry bout nothing kid and that frat wasn't bout that. Leave some room for the ones that made it from nothing
@@jourdan9504 Then you missed the whole point of the episode. The point is in this country, it doesn't matter how much money you have, if you're black you're black. Do you not remember the episode when Will and Carlton got pulled over and harassed by racist cops? Their money didn't save them then did it?
@@anthonyanderson9303they didn't want him because he acted like a privileged rich kid. Which he is. And despite that there may still be times where he faces adversity. But he still has never known true hardships nor relates to his people who were not born with a silver spoon
Beta gamma bullshit doesn't work beyond college.. When it comes to earning taxes food and stuff, every brother is on their own. It would be a miracle if a fraternity can feed the poor, give shelter to homeless, give medicine for the sick. Clg can give an education, but basic humane values are self taught self executed, and self fulfilled
That was the lead frat guy and it was clear he had no problem with Carleton he was the one telling top dog not to single him out cause he s “different” so top dog got everything that was coming to him being told like it is by carelton and the leader saying he would have him kicked out top dog was very envious and ignorant
And when he puts this chick in her place soooooo smoothly and gently mate if it wasn’t in the script she would have said yes daddy instead of his name 🤣😂😂🤣😂🤣
"Penalty for success in the black community" This really pisses me off because this is something that I had to deal with most of my life. I got looked at and talked down upon by my black peers for speaking proper English, for enlisting in the military, for not wanting to return to the hood. It gets old FAST!!!!!!!!
As an mixed woman growing up i feel for Carlton I was too black for the white people and I was too white for the black folks so I would constantly be judged my skin color, and the way I act I’m very fair skinned mixed girl
I love that they don’t feel forced to end the episode on a joke. “When are we going to stop doing this to each other?” Gives you something strive towards
Fresh Prince was a bit unique like that. Most other sitcoms won't leave viewers sitting through a somber moment and like to throw in one last laugh to keep it light, but Fresh Prince ended a number of episodes on a serious & quiet note for a funny sitcom. The episode with Will's dad still has one of most solemn conclusions I've ever seen in an ordinarily funny show, it still wrenches my heart a little going back and watching it.
@@PintheDog Same when Carlton and Will were pulled over and charged with vehicle theft by the police because they happened to be two black kids driving an expensive car, of which was owned by their Uncle's legal partner whom granted them permission to travel in it. Carlton was still in complete denial about the root issue and it was only after Uncle Phil casually mentioned he faced a similar situation in his youth that Carlton's world is shattered and the episode ends there with him in profound contemplation.
I like it. It reminds us that real life doesn't always have happy endings or resolutions. Some problems persist long after we're gone. We should always try to fix what we think is wrong with the world, but we have to accept also that it may not happen in our lifetime or at all. Doesn't mean it's not worth trying.
Because blood doesn't matter. They are family, some of the strongest. Hell, it extends even outside the show - the actors both reunited on a talk show where Will even recognized one of the music guys from the show, and the two did the Carlton.
@@leothewhiteranger I saw that! I think it was on the Graeme Norton Show, when Will and Jaden were doing an interview for that father-son sci-fi movie (Jaden was wearing a cummerbund up over his shirt like Will did in the Fresh Prince pilot).
I can relate. My Dad was an Engineer and my mom was a Chemist. I was given hell by other black kids for growing up the way I did. I eventually learned never to apologize for my parents success.
@Illidan Stormrage uh huh which was evident in the last scene of Mistaken Identity where Carlton blames his misfortune on himself and Will. Meanwhile Will blames their misfortune on the cops being caste in the way that when they see a black dude driving a fancy car and he is not somebody (rapper, pro athlete), he stole it.
The guy who called Carlton a sell-out, didn't realize that Carlton didn't become privileged until a few years earlier. There was a scene in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air that shows Phillip Banks and his family struggling in a low-income tenement in Philadelphia. It was only once Phillip Banks became a judge in So Cal, that he was able to move his family to Bel Air.
Yeah, no. Nobody's "too black for white people." White people are actually the friendliest people, ironically. All those social justice liberal morons who demonize whites and talk about how horrible they are have never actually experienced racism in their lives. This is coming from an Assyrian person who grew up in Chicago. So I have no reason to be biased. Most of my friends have always been white. The times when I have experienced racist prejudice, it wasn't coming from white people. In my experience whites just tend to be nice people. Almost every time I had to deal with a bully who was talking shit in a racial way, they've almost always been black. And every time I dished out a beating, other blacks felt the need to come help, even though the beating was deserved and even though they might not even be friends with the person I'm having a confrontation with, and even if it was literally self defense. They just see a black person getting dealt with and humiliated, and come to their aid. That kind of racism and in-group preference is very rarely seen in whites, but is common among everyone else. So your quote is 100% bullshit, whoever the fuck Earl Sweatshirt is.
@@PalashaGabarra The white people you've met may have been the friendliest people of the people you met. But it isn't accurate to say that white people period are the friendliest. There isn't a good race, a bad one, friendly one or whatever description. There's only good and bad people. Race is irrelevant. Racism is taught; not inherited. There are great and horrible people in every race, because race itself doesn't determine the person someone will be. It's all individual character
What upsets me the most about that statement is the knowledge that Uncle Phil marched with Dr. King in Selma, and was very active with the 60s Civil Rights Movement, and now he’s called a sellout for trying to give his children more opportunities and privileges than he ever possessed.
i'm from puerto rico. and sadly my people have the same mentality as black people in usa. if you get an education and succeed you're seen as some sort of "sellout".
Crabs in a bucket. You'll be glad to know that it's much bigger than black people though. It's human nature. Group together, keep all the good stuff for you and your crew, and defend your position by putting down the competition. "The game of life" that we all play in some way. This game breeds jealousy, even your cousins/siblings will be jealous of you sometimes. It's sad really. They see you with opportunities that they want and that cripples some people. It's really hard to escape the ghetto because of that. Even when you do escape that's just the beginning. That's why most NBA players and rappers go broke, they have no clue about investing and real financial stuff they're too busy flexing on IG. Which is why they get strung along by intellectuals and left with nothing.
I am not black, but this hits home to me as well. I'm hispanic. My parents migrated here (legally) and scratched and clawed to give me and my brothers a real good life. My brother's and I went to good schools and made a good life for ourselves. But when I talk to other Hispanics, I get told that I act white, or I conform to the white man to get ahead. They actually tell me that I must be ashamed of my heritage since I sold out who I am to achieve success. Its infuriating
You didn't have to explain how your parents migrated here. You don't fall at the "Because I'm Hispanic, people would think me and my family are illegals". I'm Black and had already had people told me to go back to my country, which is the United States. Don't let people assumed of what kind of person you are. Don't let people destroy your parents' success.
Dude my mom went through the same thing growing up. She’s also Hispanic and was told the same thing about selling out and being ashamed of her heritage. What used to infuriate her and my uncles is people telling them that they forget where they come from and they would rebuttal with I was born in the United States I know where I come from.
And that is why you must be the person you choose to be, not what others believe you should be. Carlton is just a character, but the stand he made here is a stand many in the real world must make, as well.
@@Shiirow Amazing TV father. He set a great example. In this world, we just gotta keep fighting. Sometimes those that bear your colors are your greatest foes.
I'm a 37 year old Afro-American male and I LOVE listening to all varieties of music. I Love R&B, Soul, Pop, Reggae, Hip-Hop/Rap, Country, Jazz, Folk, and more. Because music is "UNIVERSAL". This is the most important and memorable moment in TV sitcom history. Gotta love Fresh Prince! ✊🏾
Always loved how Will defended Carlton and then tried to spared his pain by saying it was him that didn't get in but Carlton only found out the truth by defending Will right back.
“I’ve worked very hard to give my family a good life, and now there’s someone telling me there’s a penalty for success?” I don’t know about you, but for me, that line completely stole the scene.
I'm sure the gangsters, the rappers... have accomplished the same rich and famous without worrying about the "penalty for success". Weird mindset of the black community.
@@biteme8822 You missed the point completely, success in life does not equal to money as many rappers and gangsters showcase this. Phil educated his kids and provided for them and his family and gave them a happy life.
I love Carlton so much. Such an underrated character with great morals and development. He was ready to fight tooth and nail for his cousin. And when it was him on the line, he defended himself with logic and reason. Just a really good man.
According to Top Dog, you apparently cease being as black as he is when you have a butler, wear designer clothes & wing-tipped shoes, let alone be part of corporate America...
@@rlouie05 dont alot of "gangsta ghetto" people nowadays wear designer clothes like gucci, lv, and all that other bullshit? Some of the stuff doesnt even look good, just worn for the brand.
@UK Drill i am white "its not what I'm trying to be, its who I am" sometimes, in fact most of the time, I'm not proud of the race I was born as. I hope at some point my actions and opinions show what I believe more then my skin color.
This brought a tear to this parent of two. It just reminded me of something from several years back. Here in the UK, there was something called Enrichment Week at our local school. Outdoor pursuits and leisure such as kayaking and abseiling, you get the picture. I worked 54 hours a week for the best part of two months leading up to, and during the Easter period. All so that my sons could get in on the trip, gain some experience, and enjoy themselves. Only for me to get a letter through the door from the headteacher announcing that it would not be going ahead, or for the foreseeable future due to 'class division issues'. Almost cried real tears. The general consensus was that parents supported the move as 'we can't afford it so it makes us look bad'. Right. You've just helped penalise those of us in the working class who genuinely cared and wanted to make it happen. What a sick joke. They didn't gain anything, just another nice thing that was snatched away, for good as it turned out. 'Why do we do this to each other' indeed!
@@milithdheerasekara6957 That maybe true, but at the end of the day when he graduated college and all, he still need to work his ass off if he wants to continue with the lifestyle he is accustomed with and/or increase his wealth at the same time or he can be like many rich man's kid who sees his or her inherited wealth disappear by the time he's a grandfather. There are many grandchildren and great grandchildren of the wealthy from the 50's, 60's, and 70's who are now middle class because their parents or grandparents squandered the wealth they inherited.
@@milithdheerasekara6957 Like those in the Middle East and other Oil producing countries, different rules. Here in the US, Steve Jobs' kids won't be able to maintain their father's billions nor would Bill Gates or any kid of every other American billionaire. US Estate tax is one reason and the other, you are assuming that the next generation will be as successful as their parents. History had shown us that the wealth acquired by one generation is often squandered and gone by the time the grand children are grown and have kids of their own. Unless one marries into politics or nobility and even that isn't a guarantee that one would stay super wealthy as their parents or grand parents.
Everything that wins "Awards" these days are just the typical illimnati controlled bs. And when something isn't controlled by them it gets brushed under the rug. So it minipulates our perception a lil bit (when something wins a lot of awards it MUST be good, right right?! And what doesn't win awards must suck..)
Won few awards? Fresh Prince and Family Matters were the 90s exemplified. Everyone watched and thats why they remain relevant to this day. These two shows helped destroy racism in America more than any other initiatives imo
would be difficult for us as the audience to focus on the dialogue if the music was loud, and it would have been distracting for people to be dancing around....
This episode really shows how Carlton came a long way from the first season. I remember the episode in season 1 where Will and Carlton were stopped by cops for being black when they were driving that car and Carlton thought it was because he was driving too slow but wasn't aware of the racism and prejudice he recieved being blinded by his privilege. Now in this episode while he is still preppy and successful he's fully aware that he's still fighting the same hurdles just by being black regardless of his privilege. And he put the frat leader in his place. Then when Uncle Phil says "when will stop doing this to each other?" brings it all home. Great episode for sure.
“I worked hard to give my family a good life, and suddenly someone tells me there’s a penalty for success?” gotta be one of my favorite quotes from Uncle Phil
They would never do an episode like this in the dramatic reboot. I feel like Will in that version has more in common with the Frat guy than with him in the original series.
I remember back in the '80's when a lot of blacks said that it was "white" to get an education. An education has no color. Knowledge is power. Great video.
@Ken MacDonald he was naive he in another episode he thought a cop pulled him over and locked him up because he was driving too slow and the real reason was because he's black
Carlton was extremely Naive and Sheltered throughout the Series. Parrt of what made his character so memorable. Yea he was Very Smart (Got into Princeton when the Series ended) but was definitely Naive
Man I love how when Carlton found out that 'Will' didnt make it, he went and told off the guy for not letting will in. Just shows how much Carlton cares about his family.
That’s why I can’t stand when brothas and sistas try to tell each other dumb ass shit like “you don’t act black”. All these years later and this episode’s message is still so relevant.
You "learned" some shit off of a sitcom? Carlton WAS an oreo, man. He talked like a Republican. Some of you younger blacks think its ok but its not. Some of us older brothers don't want OUR offspring emulating TV or a whitewashed character.
@@christiandavis9031 HAHA talked like a republican.. BRuh, thats exactly what he was saying.. Not all black people have to be democrats, or into politics at all.If you really know whats up, you know democrats arent helping us at all, they just act nice.
The ending to this episode is how you create powerful internal dialogue and work to a better future for humanity. It hits deep without mocking itself or over analyzing it. Therefore its so abrupt, that it sticks to you like glue. This show was like no other.
But why are you black? You were born that way? But why ? Who says you were born black? Why can't you just be born a person, why does a color need to be assigned to it? Maybe people should stop to identify with a color or skin, and start to identify as a person.
@@mek86 Refusing to acknowledge someone's race does not prevent racism. We all clearly look different. We are also supposed to love and respect other people despite their differences. This colorblind shit just sounds like an easy way out.
@@tim-tbone5513 No, it is not 'ignoring' race. Its not basing our view point based on it. We should not be 'color blind' but it should not be a factor in the way we think of each other. I can recognize someone's ancestors came from another country but it should not be our entire focus when we meet or introduce ourselves. Plus , does black/white describe what you are? No. Its a label created and designed to divide. Leave it behind, stop using it. You are you, I am me.
I love how despite their differences, Will immediately stands up for Carlton without missing a beat. And then Carlton does the same for Will. God damn, I miss the show.
Its like they overlook all that YOU do and will always reflect back to your past or history or family and never bother looking at what's in front of them and see what that person has accomplished on his own.
People really need to read the book about Uncle Tom and quit using it in the wrong context. How bout from now on say Uncle Ruckus if you have to call any brotha at all a sell out. Continue on with your day.
Will’s loyalty to Carlton is beautiful. He turned down being in the fraternity because Carlton wasn’t accepted. And he wasn’t defending Carlton because that’s his cousin. He was defending him because that’s what he truly thinks of Carlton.
Devin Baird It might have been different in the first couple seasons, but it’s great to see how much they care about each other by the end. It’s one of those relationships you don’t really realize how much it’s grown until you see moments like this and see they’ll defend each other no matter what
@@papabumba478 Ye it's funny watching the progression of their relationship, I was watching a chunk of the first season the other day and the way Will acts at first with Carlton is completely different to here
Damn both Will *and* Carlton were real ones for this. Will threw himself under the bus to protect Carlton’s feelings and Carlton *immediately* went over to defend Will. This show was so ahead of its time.
It's not that he was a well dressed, well mannered and well educated individual. It's because Carlton is from a different community and grew up "privileged." They are obviously from a different environment, probably growing up in the hood so he didn't relate to him.
This made me respect Carlton. Sure he’s not the stereotypical black man, but he’s a hard worker, eccentric, well educated, can stand up for himself and respectful. I would love a man like Carlton over a real sellout anyway
Will too. Sure he made fun of him (in a loving way that brothers do), but he stood up for what was right. Great show, funny as hell, had a lot of values.
Them college girls knew a real nigga when they saw him. Carlton always been solid, he may be a little weird to some, but he always had Will’s back & always been 💯
@@Jay_Sullivan yeah they take this scene to the heart and forget so much of the rest of the show. Like when Carlton refused to believe he and will were racially profiled. Carlton isn’t a sell out because he’s rich, but it definitely doesn’t help because he doesn’t expresss any knowledge or interest in black culture at all
Carlton was a gangster in his own unique way here. Savage and polite at the same time, not mincing words and speaking truth. Also, I'm glad that sorry excuse of a fraternity leader got kicked out for his words. When you can pull that off with no shame, legendary status.
Alfonso Ribeiro is a great guy! I went down to So. California to watch the Toyota Celebrity Challenge! I met him and we talked about all kinds of things! I used to race 510s, motorcycles, and go- karts! We had a great time. Also, he is a great driver in racing!
That's why I miss it. I never missed an episode growing up. It ages like a fine wine too thanks to the inclusion of serious subject matter that is still relevant to this day.
I'm confused? Was the Frat guy saying, to be black, you can't be successful and sophisticated? Why would any group or organization want the members to not be that. Not say it has to be a requirement, but why can it not be an option?
@@PS-gr5wh Sadly its because of the stigma the black community has about themselves. Some black people will see a well spoken, well groomed and well off black person and say theyre not black, that they are pretending to be white.
@A man of Vision Sorry for the late reply, but could you please elaborate on your claim? The term "white supremacy" is used as an umbrella term to explain away alot of things. Im intersted in knowing why you think this.
Please stop referring you or other black ppl as African American. You was not born in Africa I assume. Hence your country of birth is always first. Your an American with African heritage. The Liberal Democratic party Leaders threw that African American phrase as a means of being separated, making the Blacks divided from the rest of Americans. Blacks have fought in every American war in US History. Crispus was free black man that was the first man to die from a British bullet that started the 3% to revolt. So start to say... " I'm an American with African heritage!" Like myself when I say I'm an American with Italian n Irish heritage! Don't feel you need to be separated. Feel you need to be United!!!
@@chrisscully1817 exactly, white Americans aren't called European Americans. "African American" is a term made up by racist white people to divide white and black, to make them feel like they don't belong in the country that WHITE people stole.
ALPHA dude african american is a term that got popular thanks to black people, like jesse jackson . So don’t start with that BS that was made by racist white people to divide and shit, learn some history
How about we stop calling african americans, african americans They are just americans. You dont call the people of Boston irish americans, or white people european americans. That would be silly, wouldnt it?
I wish that masculinity was taught this way again. Carlton was calm and compassionate when faced with prejudice. People always get excited and cheer when the protagonist punches a d-bag in the face, but what Carlton did required mastery over himself, and the courage to face hate with understanding.
Cant blame a person for the culture and environment they grew up in. It's what they know. If it's not enough, teach them better. That line of " why you trippin me up?" was deep...and good acting by the frat bro with just a head movement to understand the realness of it all. The lessons this show, and many other black shows taught were just invaluable. But you look at today. it's like shows like these never aired and we never learned anything.
everyone is talking about carlton standing up for himself, which is amazing. but nobody talks about will. as soon as he heard that carlton didn’t get in, he immediately decided he didn’t want to be in the fraternity. that’s family, that’s friendship.
Agreed, loved that part. Not that I didn't like Carlton standing up for himself as well. It showed that he's not weak either. Both men were willing to stand by their principles.
I was born in Seattle in 1973, Japanese-American. Check out 2014-15, when Russell Wilson's OWN African-American teammates made a NATIONAL story, about accusing him of "not being Black enough."
Penalizing success is what the far left does correctly. The far right is still racist. The rest of us are stuck in the middle with terrible policies enacted by the crazy politicians we somehow elected.
@@EqualsThreeable Here is the issue I have with your statement. We all want to be truly equal and will only archive it by not putting people in boxes. Black/white, left/right and so many other dividing categories. Ignore the politicians and the media because the divide is all they want and need to stay in power. If you think about politics you will never be able to come together. Start a dialog without going into politics because those are rich and privileged people who don't give a fuck about, never have and never will. 90% of the people in the US think like you and I, politicians and media tell you that they are the enemy/racist etc. while in truth the opposite side has more in common with you than those people. Much love from a human in Germany, let's make 2021 better by being smarter.
People get on Carlton for being rich but never forget that he was not born into money. When they were babies uncle Phil and aunt viv were living in the “ghetto” They made a better life for themselves
BLM hates on black men like Carlton who grew up with BOTH parents in his life and a strong father to raise him. Will represents the population BLM loves; fatherless, with no strong male role model to raise him....except to fuel hate and anger at those who “keep him down”...and to rely on ‘big brother’ to “help” him. Without Phil in his life, Will would’ve ended up like the frat clown or worse.
@@ericthomas917 BLM is a self-proclaimed Marxist organization bent on capitalizing on breaking apart people and communities through labeling+victimization versus empowerment. BLM has reversed nearly all progress made since the 60s and MLK.
I'm black and this is exactly how I feel. I've been called white my whole life just because I was raised to be well spoken and well mannered, and because I went to college it somehow meant I wasn't black. Then I realized I don't give a shit since I was making bank at that point lmao
@Lo Livingston Wtf so you believe theres a problem with interracial marriage?, I couldnt think of a more regressive view than thinking black people and white people shouldnt date.
same man i feel you i'm black too and because i'm well spoken and because I'm smart and don't say the n-word in every sentence, that's what happened to me
What I love about this is how fast Carlton goes from himself to sounding exactly like his dad. And the fact he stood up to the head of the Beta Gamma dude for calling him a “Sellout.”
So basically you’re saying he’s the kind of guy you walk all over and ignore for the guy who fucks eight other females behind your back. Sorry that’s not fair to say you personally; but you get what I’m saying and I know for sure you know someone who acts just like that.
@@therasheck all of us watched this show. it wasn't a "black show". it was just a show for everyone that featured black people. the 90s felt like a post racial world...
Carlton was my hero as a kid. I'm black, but I never got liked sports, I never liked rap, love and still loved hard rock and metal. And was bullied to the point of attempted suicide. But Carlton always showed me that just be you is always enough and in high school I found friends who accepted me for who I am.
Will knew Carlton was Carlton. Now matter how he dressed. Like Carlton is a guy you do need. He gives his all. I felt like deep down that's why Carlton was the way he was to be successful and prove that ppl of color can be very presentable
That's the way it is. I'll call my sisters or brothers something not nice. But someone outside of the family call them the same thing and the ground gets lowered by three feet for me stomping them that hard. Crazy ain't it.
