Was Carlton made fun of because for "being white" or because he just was
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
robert-macc — 10 years ago(March 22, 2016 10:02 AM)
I know in most black movies characters are mocked for being white, but I think Cartlon wasn't. If anything he doesn't act stereotypically white, but Spanish, he says "bro" a lot.
And second Will treats him like a dork or an idiot and with some sense of annoyance and antagonism, but never with real racial hatred. -
Salohcin84 — 9 years ago(January 07, 2017 11:45 AM)
Actually it's just pointing out difference purely due to race. There is a thing such as positive-racism (Black people run faster being an example). And that is the type of racism shown here.
Calling Carlton white because he is well spoken, well educated, and not "from the hood". This type of racism doesn't often stem from hatred (although ignorance is often a factor). In the show it is used just to highlight the social and cultural differences between the characters. Uncle Phil often educates Will on his ignorance when he does this.
If you can't do something smart,do something right -
blaque108 — 9 years ago(April 15, 2016 06:53 AM)
I can agree with this statement, growing up I was raised around white people, Asians, and other races the schools I went to on the military bases was mostly diverse. Since I've been back in the US it seem like I get a little criticized or looked at a certain way for not acting like your typical black person. Black men I met don't really mind the way I am they prefer someone who isn't hood and ghetto, but the females are the worst.
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EmilyTheDramaQueen — 9 years ago(April 14, 2016 02:06 PM)
Will really does like Carlton but since they are relatives that are around the same age, he just rips on him. The whole "white" jokes faded out over time though.
"I'd rather lose for what I am than win for what I ain't"
Kacey Musgraves "Pageant Material" -
Coconut_Kaasa — 9 years ago(May 04, 2016 06:59 AM)
Carlton suggests they listen to Barry Manilow at an all Black Frat party, and Will makes a save saying he means Barry White.
That right there is a White joke, in two different ways no less.
They call me the Mayor, 'Cause I spend all my days here -
gc18 — 9 years ago(December 02, 2016 12:43 AM)
That was basically the premise of the show, a fish out of water. Will from predominatly black working class West Philadelphia.
And Carlton form a predominantly white upper class Bel Air California that was the conflict of the series. Both of similar age but different life experiences.
But honestly if you aren't black you probably won't understand some of the cultural references or humor. -
stevenackerman69 — 9 years ago(January 02, 2017 02:06 PM)
Will made fun of Carlton, because Carlton didn't act like him. He seemed to be the sort of guy who turned his back on being black, by dressing a rich way, talking proper English, etc. However, Carlton knew he was black, he just didn't go around flaunting it. In the frat episode, he sort of mentions that to the jerk frat leader who called him a sell out.
And Will did love Carlton, this was just his way. He never did it with malice.