Iconic TV Fathers: Words of Wisdom From Our Favorite Black Sitcom Dads
The Bernie Mac Show
By: Joshua Martin
“First things first rest in peace Uncle Phil
For real, you the only father that I ever knew
I get my bitch pregnant I'mma be a better you”
- J.Cole '“No Role Models”
Those words hit home in a way I'm sure many of us can relate to. With the recent resurgence of Reginald VelJohnson, Carl Winslow (Family Matters), in Progressive Insurance ads, many have begun to recall the numerous lessons the patriarchs of our favorite Black sitcoms gave us.
Like most 90s babies, the television set unquestionably had a hand in raising us. As a latchkey kid growing up in that era, I routinely found myself gazing at the t.v. for hours. I along with my peers became enamored with the structured family dynamic that the shows and movies of that era depicted.
Though they had many different defining quirks and personality traits, the prototypical head of the household had the kind of sensibilities that definitely resonated with the youth. Many of them were honorable, wise cracking, and hardworking. Bestowing upon us words of wisdom while also showing us it's ok to be wrong and how to properly delegate and problem solve.
A special bond was formed between the audiences and the families we would watch every night. From John Witherspoon (The Wayans Bros., Friday) reminding us of the importance of hard work and education.
Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, and John Witherspoon
“Well, I’ll tell you one thing: round here, you go to work, you go to school. First of the month, the rent is due. If you ain’t got nothin’ on the table, you ain’t gotta worry about catchin’ a dog. You gotta worry about a dog catchin’ YOUR *ss!” – John Witherspoon as Mr. Jones, ‘Friday’
To Bernie Mac (The Bernie Mac Show) reminding us the importance of contraception.
“If you wanna be happy, dont have kids.”
These men helped raise a generation!
Last but not least, a few words from one of our favorites, James Avery (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) who lends us his thoughts of the definition of success.
James Avery and Will Smith
PHOTO: CHRIS CUFFAIO/NBCU PHOTO BANK/GETTY IMAGES.
“Monetary success is not success. Career success is not success. Life, someone that loves you, giving to others, doing something that makes you feel complete and full. That is success. And it isn’t dependent on anyone else”
Say less Uncle Phil, say less…
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