This could be read as institutional racism, as Bel Air Prep’s need for conservatism means no criticism of America’s racial history. The committee is apprehensive about Will’s idea, claiming that there is not enough space in their curriculum.
This strives Vivian to help Will voice his opinion at a parents-teachers meeting. Will says it is his individualism that has resulted in bad grades in history, due to no black culture being taught. Will expresses his individuality through wearing his jacket inside out, decorating it with badges of black icons. Throughout Will’s time at Bel Air Prep, he is insistent on his own individuality. In this case it is Bel Air Prep, an elite private school where the majority of students are white. The Ethnic Trip reflects difficulties in incorporating black culture into an established institution, as well as understanding one’s own culture. The Ethnic Trip – Understanding One’s Racial History Vivian temporary teaches Will and Carlton’s History class to advocate black culture. Phil realises that he “didn’t have it that hard” as his parents always loved him, thus making his rural background insignificant to his reputation. This results in Phil contemplating his thoughts regarding his image accepting his rural past. Phil acts as if being highly successful and having a rich lifestyle is second nature to him, yet he has forgotten his rural upbringing which built his character. Hattie’s comment reveals Phil’s contradictory nature. Hattie confronts Phil over his remarks, “that is where you are from Zeke!”. “You destroyed my image!” is Phil’s mortified response, which Hattie overhears. When news reporter Susan Klein believes Phil’s life story is dull, Will gives her Phil’s childhood stories. Phil’s determination to move away from his rural background results in confrontation, once a newspaper interview goes astray. The distinction between Phil and his parents’ attire, formal suits against casual clothing, reflects the extent in which Phil has gone to maintain an image of wealth and success. Phil’s rural upbringing includes skinny dipping with his pet pig Melvin and becoming a pig racing champion, which Phil has not disclosed to the public as it is a clear contradiction of his desired image. Phil’s mother Hattie deconstructs by referring to him as Zeke (his childhood name) and his rural North Carolinian upbringing. Phil presents himself as a successful lawyer with elegance and taste in terms of his clothing, mansion and other accessories. Yet Will’s joke has significance once Phil’s parents arrive. This leads to Will making a class-based joke about Phil’s chauffeur, which Phil denounces due to his contribution towards black working class people. Not with My Pig, You Don’t begins with Phil’s announcement that he will receive an Urban Spirit Award as recognition for helping “our brothers and sisters in the streets”.
Not with My Pig, You Don’t – Class-based Vanity Phil and his Mother come into conflict over his embarrassment regarding their rural past. The episodes listed below reflect The Fresh Prince of Bel Air‘s sincere writing quality that is usually not associated with its reputation.
As a sitcom centered upon a wealthy black family, it is inevitable The Fresh Prince of Bel Air would examine issues of race and class within society. Although The Fresh Prince of Bel Air is best remembered for Will’s exploits, chasing girls and finding himself in various predicaments, there are episodes which deal with serious subject matter. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air (1990-96) centers on Will Smith, sent to live with his biological aunt’s family after struggling in his working class background.
Race and Class in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air
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