Dwayne is a nerd. He's not a geek. That's the difference; however, it depends on people's personal definitions. If you see a nerd as negative, then a character you like can't be defined as a nerd.
@mikeking9061 That's part of the problem when your identity is labeled a color. We are people, not a color. Now people trying to define people by color. Is that because of what was done with labeling people white.
Fun fact: Family matters was in the verge of being cancelled in the season that the Steve Uriel character debuted, his character literally saved that show and the show going forward was based around Urkel and not the Winslow family
Even The Cosby Show which some folks thought was “bougie” was LITTERED with black cultural references. I also love that they had “Cousin Pam” come and live with them because that is common
why do people forget about the TV show called “ Benson” believe it or not that was a black show, but it started a black man who broke every stereotype imaginable and ran the governor’s mansion.
Family Matters was more of a show that elementary, middle and highschool students would watch, an adult couldn't really relate to it, it's a show that incorporated si-fi with the whole Steve transforming into Stephon and all the outlandish Urkel inventions like time travel etc, as an 80s baby growing up in the 90s me and peers really enjoyed it but it was for our age group and I think it's that simple.
I was a 90s kid. Literally saw every episode of Family Matters that ever aired. Loved the show. However, when talking about blackness, those other shows really were unapologetically black. They showed various elements of black culture, and I don’t mean just serious topics. They literally just showcased more of specific elements of black culture. Also, the writing was generally better. That does not take away from Family Matters. They had a number of episodes where they directly addressed black culture, and they showcased some of the greatest black guest stars, including several musicians. However, the other shows were much more directly reflective of black culture. Urkel is an iconic figure, and he always will be. That show will always be in syndication. It was just a different kind of show.
"Family Matters" was surrounded in a line up with several other (so-called) White Family shows, such as "Full House", "Perfect Strangers", "Step By Step", "Boy Meets World", etc. That may be the reason it may not be as accredited as other Black Family sitcoms!! 🤔🤔
That's right. It was considered part of the TGIF lineup. When White, referred to it as not being seen as a "hood" show this is possibly what he meant. Other shows with predominately Black casts that were part of the TGIF lineup were: Sister Sister, Hangin' With Mr. Cooper, The Hughleys, Where I Live, and On Our Own. Bottom line, every Black show is for everyone. We are not monolithic.
When I look back at Family Matter now that I am 42 it makes me look at it differently. The problem with the show was there was way too much of Urkel. The aunt, and grandmother I actually thought were great characters. Carl and Harriet showed how there can be a black married couple that really loved each other flaws and all and have a long lasting marriage, which wasn’t shown much on television during that time. When I think of all that it’s why I think it’s still worth watching
I agree with that sentiment. I am not nostalgic on Family Matters as I am with Cosby Show, Martin, Different World, Living Single much moreso than a Family Matters.
The Cosby Show broke barriers and countered the stereotypes that Jaleel is referring to. But, in fairness to Jaleel's point, there were debates about whether the Cosby Show was realistic or whether it was black enough.
People complained about good times too and they were in the hood. So a few black people complaining about a show doesn't matter if most of us still watched. And overall black people loved the cosby show no matter who complained
They had racial issues on family matters. Remember Carl Winslow was a black cop. I remember vaguely an episode that dealt with Carl's blackness in-law Enforcement. And the whole Stefon thing was all about urkle's desire to be desired, Which I think is part of Jaleel White's Trauma that he hasn't dealt with. Being desired by black women, maybe it's the reason why he married a white woman. I never looked at Steve urkel as a black buffoon type of character, because every sitcom had a nerd or a baffoon black & white. Remember family ties had Skippy as their nerd. And to a certain degree Alex p Keaton was also a nerd. And saved by the bell had screech🤔
People see. People see what they see. It could be what they want to see. It could be what other people want them to see. It could be what they think they see. Not even being sure about it. PEOPLE SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY.
The reason Family Matters isn't mentioned with other "black" shows from that time, to me, is because it had no flavor to it. If you took the cast of the show and replaced them with a white family, then it would've been no different from any other family sitcom on TGIF (Full House, Step By Step). The problem had to do with the writing of the show. It completely ignored black culture as a whole, which could've been easily done in a way that isn't "ghetto" at all. In fairness, they did have an episode where Eddie Winslow experienced police brutality. But outside of that, I feel like the show's creators missed out on an opportunity that could've made a bigger impact than it did.
Family Matters was a black show, but it did not resonate with everyone. It was a show for families with smaller children, which made the storylines simpler. Jaleel was wrong and also did not understand how groundbreaking shows like Martin, Living Single, and A Different Show were.
To be fair, White, never said ghetto nor did he imply this. What he was saying that if people, more specifically, black people don’t see the story as one that is rooted in the hood or a quintessentially black story of the time then people don’t necessarily see it as one that is part of the Black story and if so, then it’s on the periphery of a much larger Black opus. I don’t think he’s casting any aspersions on black folks as we can only relate to “ghetto” stories.
The problem with the producers of these legacy shows is they go overboard on a character - look how they ruined Happy Days by going from a collaborative character focus to pretty much just Fonzie.
No Jaleel, it is not just about being hood. It was the fact that the show did not have good convos on Blackness at times. Literally an episode of the show about racial profiling by police and takes "a bad apples" approach to it without having a systemic racism convo. Don't play in my face Jaleel.
I disagree with him that other shows were more "ghetto". I do AGREE that Family Matters gets less recognition for being a black show. Urkel & Stefan were good positive characters. I remember good serious topics on the show too. Eddie becoming a drunk and getting kicked out was a really strong story in my opinion. Dont let Urkel being silly at times take away that he was a brilliant black man and his alterego was cool AND nice. Great representation.
Martin had a radio show for maybe 2 seasons. And. Someone claiming Sha-Na-Na wasn't ghetto is out of their rabbit axz mind. We won't speak on the colorism on Martin regarding how the character of Pam was talked about. Karen stopped 2 adults didn't like Jaleel. The kids were all friends. JJ was being played by 20 year old man compared to a 12 year old. He never even mentioned the other shows.
I recently watched Martin reruns. The way he did Pam 🤦🏾♀️. Yeah…I can’t mess with those jokes today. I used to LOVE that show to death. But when that show aired, I was like 14….so there you go.
The colorism point is so accurate. They did Pam and Tommy similarly. Not cool. Man I used to love that show too. But looking at it now it was just full of anti-blackness and it left a bad mark on how I viewed black people for so long.
Yes, also the Cosby show had Nancy Wilson, Joe Henderson and so a lot of well known jazz singers and actors to educate their children and the audience so I don't understand where Jaleel White was looking or thinking. And people in different world sitcoms also talked about slavery and found chains in a basement so there were a lot of important issues that came out of those sitcoms that were talked about. Don't forget the rape issue when Dwayne and the others came to sista rescue.
Agreed, but I’ll also add that those characters (Shanaynay and Jerome) were also stereotypes….the minstrel! The broadcasting companies will put big money behind black shows that live up to stereotypes and buffoonery. Positive black shows usually never last long. I’d say The Cosby Show (and its spin off shows) really carried the ball for repeat “touchdowns” of positivity without any buffoonery. High class! 👍🏾
Love this video. I'm pretty young but I've been watching Living Single, Different World, Cosby Show, Martin, and My Wife and Kids because my GF is older.
Re Martin, it's definitely not hood culture. However, the common thread is that a Black man being silly is always more acceptable and palatable. That includes, JJ, Urkel, Martin, Fresh Prince, and on and on and on. It is a known fact and one of the reasons established intelligent Black actors had so many issues on those shows. We already know Different World and Cosby Show didn’t fall into that category, but it wouldn't have been.
Karen Hunter, I was looking at the entertainment newsmagazine "Dish Nation" last night. This particular topic came up and the focus was more on Jamiee Foxworth character "Judy Winslow" going upstairs and didn't return on the show. Jaleel White's character Steve Urkel was scheduled for one episode and stayed throughout the remaining seasons of "Family Matters" on the ABC network. I remember something similar happened on the sitcom "Happy Days" on the ABC network. Perhaps I'm missing something regarding sitcoms on the ABC network. 🤔
It's interesting to see those people who are missing the point. It doesn't matter whether you, or these hosts here, liked Family Matters or not. They're making what should be a very clear point of the fact that he dismissed important parts of black culture as ghetto because he's envious and small minded.
Dwayne Wayne was NOT a nerd. Nerds are into 'things' and not people. Dwayne interacted well with people. He didn't do or engage in things that totally turned people off.
When I think of Urkel, I think of rude, intrusive, no social awareness etc. I stopped watching as a child and not can't watch now. His character just took over. The arrogance is much.
Jaleel has always been known to be very arrogant. Yes, he was the star, but the family was the show. He has always tried to lift himself up by diminishing everyone else. BOO
How r u defining ghetto? I grew up n Black Brooklyn Crown Heights n 1960s-70s. Everybody worked, even the hustlers. We had doctors, lawyers, office cleaners, business owners, teachers, Postmen, nurses, janitors, bus drivers, n yes ,hustlers ( Number runners were quite the respectable hustlers) etc. I was a grown woman when I realized when folk talked about the ghetto they were talking about my neighbor"hood." Now the neighborhood is being " gentrified" -- which only means White folk r moving in because these folk r not gentry just White--n the narrative of them bringing life n saving this poor worn down "hood" / "ghetto" is prevelent, when in fact, this was always thriving neighborhood w local businesses. I always assumed Martin was n the "hood" because all I saw were Black people even n the local bar. That was not synonymous w a depressed poverty stricken area.
It sounds like to me that erkyle wanted to hang with the kool kids but was only accepted by his white nerdy friends. Those shows were not hood or ghetto, they were down to earth and taught life lessons
🤔This guy still had a career outside of Family Matters- He was a host on Total Blackout (I believe) and he was in several episodes of Psych and the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog- non of this is within proxy to his Urkel character Why does he not talk about these accomplishments? I'm on the verge of apathy towards the whole woah is me dialogue myself. - It's becoming stale and redundant. 🤷🏾♀️
People like Martin so much they just ignore that much of it was an extreme minstrel show. It had levels of buffoonery unlike anything else which is why I can’t disagree when anyone criticizes it.
@@KarenHunterShow The show could be very funny and the relationship between Martin and Gina was classic but Shayneyah and even Mama Payne were beyond anything even the Wayans brothers had on their sitcom. Martin Lawrence even did white face a few times! But I know people like the show so much and have a lot of nostalgia for it so they just ignore all that and act like it’s no big deal.
I loved Martin to this day. I still watch it and identify with All the characters. I actually knew people that were almost identical to every character in that show, even Sheneneh Jenkins. However,I did think that the comedy was very broad, I even thought it was too over the top at times. I even called it stupid but was laughing out loud ever week. In retrospect I don't think it was any more stupid than the comedy that shows like" I love Lucy"displayed. Talk about broad comedy.
Funny how Tommy no job Cole stayed with his mother Sha naney was what? Then Martin boss with chains and schemes hustle man selling chicken n pork beans then Ole boi from what floor walking into homes.
I am not getting why Jaleel White is fussing over what is considered a "Black Show". Hell his character which originally was on the sidelines and supporting became JJ'd and the "star" putting the family in the background. The family characters had to be surrounding Urkel to be of any relevancy. When I hear of him beyotch & complain I think of well gee I am quite sure Gary Coleman at peace wherever he may be would gladly trade places with Jaleel White. As he came from an acting career of a larger than life tv character with a popular catchphrase like Jaleel. Yet was never able to overcome his challenges of that character, was financially used up and broke, very bad health issues he had since childhood and rightfully bitter and wounded emotionally. Someone should tell Jaleel go hit up that Peacock documentary on Gary Coleman & consider himself very blessed & grateful. #RealTalk💯
I get what Mr. White was trying to say. Family Matters is often characterized as a family comedy, not a Black one. It was part of the TGIF 2 hour family comedy segment that aired Fridays on ABC. Their other shows with major Black cast were Sister Sister, Hangin' With Mr. Cooper, and The Hughleys. Generally, only one aired in this time slot along with three white comedies. The genre was geared to an audience that stayed home Friday nights - pre-teens, parents with young children and older folks. Both The Cosby Show and A Different World aired Thursday nights. Both shows received high ratings but from different demographics. Guess what, you had Black folks watching one, two, all three, or none at all. We are not monolithic. Was there buffoonery in Family Matters, yes. It was also quite apparent in Martin. Same can be said of Seinfeld. This from a person who lived in the hoods of both Chicago and Detroit. There is a family value theme that is part of Family Matters that people tend to overlook, the togetherness of the extended family. Carl and Harriet had their children, grandmother Winslow, Rachel (Harriet's sister), and Rachael's son Richie all living under the same roof. Plus, they helped Rachael start her own business. I know a lot of everyday Black folks who have done those types of things. The Black experience is more than where you work, your degree, and/or where you live. It's an experience and there is more than one.
@@KarenHunterShowNot understanding your question, but this what I think you're asking. Both were comedies with predominately Black cast. Both had Black and white viewers, but appealed to slightly different demographics. The main difference: one had more Black art on the walls and talked about HBCUs. Fact: NBC was number one at the time of The Cosby show. It was part of making it so. When it first aired, it was part of the Thursday night Cheers lineup. You had Cosby, Family Ties, Cheers and Night Court. Realize, NBC also had 227 which was part of their Saturday "V" lineup. This 2 hour comedy slot also included; Give me a Break!, The Golden Girls, and Facts of Life. Again, we are not all monolithic. Because a set has more Black art and books displayed doesn't necessarily make it more Black. None of this matters to me. It's sheer entertainment. I will never see a dime of any of their residuals. BTW: Jaleel White has made over 10 million.
Family Matters had some outlandish, cartoonish plots like going to space, mad scientists, etc and a twin plot like Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie. Jaleel White unfortunately was typecast. Yet what has he done in indie films, starting his own production company, etc.? He is erasing any goodwill left.
if i remember they created another character for jaleen white called myrtle who was suppose to be steve urkels cousin,they had him a black teenage boy at the time in a dress playing a female for laughs .and he fine with that
Family matters did have serious episodes about race and black issues. Laura had the N word sprayed on her locker room, Eddie got profiled racist police and Carl Winslow CONFRONTING THE RACIST COPS!!! Harriet stand up to a Misogynist boss risking her job. They also pulled together to help build and OWN racheal’s place BLACK OWNED!!! And the list goes on this is off the top that I can remember Family matters was a serious show Jaleel is just talking about issue he dealt with from the Black community unfortunately
Plus, it was about extended family. Rachel, Richie, and grandmother Winslow lived with Carl and Harriett. You mean to tell me this doesn't happen in Black families or are we just concerned with what kind of jobs we have or where we went to college?
@@roidmachine In the Family Matters episode "Dr. Urkel and Mr. Cool," Steve Urkel transforms into Stefan Urquelle by using a serum called "Cool Juice" to suppress his nerd genes and bring out his cool genes. Sheer buffoonery....
Doesn't everyone remember when Will and Carlton had to grab the choppers and slide on the opps in Malibu? Jaleel is trying to clean up what was an exaggerated, goofy character.
What scene can you pull from family matters???? Thats the question right there! Because i remember the episode where Eddie was hassled by the cops and Carl immediately made it seem like Eddie did something wrong, and the cops wouldn't just hassle him. Family matter was not a deep show like that. If they touched on anything serious that was the exception not the rule...
Urkel’s character was based on “Jerry Lewis”, to pull the YT ratings up, full stop! I always felt that there was a Jerry Lewis fan on the Family Matters production crew due to the way Urkel’s character mimicked Jerry Lewis’s behavior. Clownish behavior was what he gave and there is nothing wrong with that because Urkel became an icon even outside of black community. If after all these years, Jaleel is still having lingering negative feelings about the Urkel character not being fully embraced by black community, he needs some mental health assistance.
Jaleel was lucky enough to get solid acting work in his teens, making more than the average adult was making at the time. Jaleel needs to count his blessings. Usually if a show is very successful and an actor plays a very outlandish character for a long period of time without playing other characters, they will inevitably get typecasted. Max Baer, Jr. played Jethro on “The Beverly Hillbillies” for so long that when that show was cancelled, he became the character he played and people came to only see him as “Jethro the Hillbilly”. Perhaps Jaleel’s agent should have helped find him work that would show that he can play other characters besides a nerd or “Stefan”.
although i understand, he’s speaking to of his specific line of business/work. it’s the entertainment “industry.” an industry meaning… it was meant to entertain millions of americans and that’s it. it wasn’t real life!
So wasn't the goal fir some actors to transcend race. So had FM been a well written show, it would be in the canon. Urkel crying hungry with a loaf of bread under his arm.
that's not the reason...and either you're too lazy to do your homework or you're obtuse...but we clearly talk about way more than this...and even THIS convo is a entry into a larger issue. But...sure. SMH!
How could white writers create a show concerning black people and lifestyle? Most importantly the majority of shows on TV are written by and for Europeans.
Family Matters the is Deep because Family Does Matter And his character saved the show So what is he talking about Plus he went on to do other shows and Steve urkel his character became an icon so let's get all about that 🤔 and those Phat Check's plus he's still getting paid from that show for the reruns
Dwayne Wayne made being a nerd cool. He was multifaceted and developed and grew as do most real black male/men I know.
Dwayne wayne was literally not a nerd. He was just smart. There's a difference
Dwayne is a nerd. He's not a geek. That's the difference; however, it depends on people's personal definitions. If you see a nerd as negative, then a character you like can't be defined as a nerd.
Dwayne Wayne made an impression on me when I was young as did Col. Taylor and their interactions on Calc 3. It was pretty good.
@mikeking9061 That's part of the problem when your identity is labeled a color. We are people, not a color. Now people trying to define people by color. Is that because of what was done with labeling people white.
Fun fact: Family matters was in the verge of being cancelled in the season that the Steve Uriel character debuted, his character literally saved that show and the show going forward was based around Urkel and not the Winslow family
Steve debuted the mid of first season
True true
Not a flex🤷🏾♂️
Even The Cosby Show which some folks thought was “bougie” was LITTERED with black cultural references. I also love that they had “Cousin Pam” come and live with them because that is common
why do people forget about the TV show called “ Benson” believe it or not that was a black show, but it started a black man who broke every stereotype imaginable and ran the governor’s mansion.
I recently started rewatching reruns of Benson here on RUclips! ❤
What!?? He was the butler . 🤦🏾♀️
@@sjones2195 In the TV show "Soap" he was.
@@frontline2010he was the butler on Benson too. He eventually became Lieutenant Governor but he definitely started as Butler
I wouldn’t call Benson a Black show. He was the only Black person on the show
I loved all those black shows including family matters and I considered it a black show, I wish we still had more shows like them
Family Matters was more of a show that elementary, middle and highschool students would watch, an adult couldn't really relate to it, it's a show that incorporated si-fi with the whole Steve transforming into Stephon and all the outlandish Urkel inventions like time travel etc, as an 80s baby growing up in the 90s me and peers really enjoyed it but it was for our age group and I think it's that simple.
This was the demographic at home watching TV on a Friday night.
I was a 90s kid. Literally saw every episode of Family Matters that ever aired. Loved the show. However, when talking about blackness, those other shows really were unapologetically black. They showed various elements of black culture, and I don’t mean just serious topics.
They literally just showcased more of specific elements of black culture. Also, the writing was generally better. That does not take away from Family Matters. They had a number of episodes where they directly addressed black culture, and they showcased some of the greatest black guest stars, including several musicians. However, the other shows were much more directly reflective of black culture.
Urkel is an iconic figure, and he always will be. That show will always be in syndication. It was just a different kind of show.
The Cosby Show was MAGICAL. I also felt that AMEN and The Jeffersons were incredible too. Great comment section!!!
"Family Matters" was surrounded in a line up with several other (so-called) White Family shows, such as "Full House", "Perfect Strangers", "Step By Step", "Boy Meets World", etc. That may be the reason it may not be as accredited as other Black Family sitcoms!! 🤔🤔
That's right. It was considered part of the TGIF lineup. When White, referred to it as not being seen as a "hood" show this is possibly what he meant. Other shows with predominately Black casts that were part of the TGIF lineup were: Sister Sister, Hangin' With Mr. Cooper, The Hughleys, Where I Live, and On Our Own. Bottom line, every Black show is for everyone. We are not monolithic.
When I look back at Family Matter now that I am 42 it makes me look at it differently. The problem with the show was there was way too much of Urkel. The aunt, and grandmother I actually thought were great characters. Carl and Harriet showed how there can be a black married couple that really loved each other flaws and all and have a long lasting marriage, which wasn’t shown much on television during that time. When I think of all that it’s why I think it’s still worth watching
Great point.
The elephant in the room is, Family Matters just wasn't a good of a show as it contemporaries.
Facts. I can’t stand to watch the reruns
That's off topic
@@roidmachine Nah, Jaleel White is swinging at ghost
I agree with that sentiment. I am not nostalgic on Family Matters as I am with Cosby Show, Martin, Different World, Living Single much moreso than a Family Matters.
That's the bottom line, it wasn't funny.
The Cosby Show broke barriers and countered the stereotypes that Jaleel is referring to. But, in fairness to Jaleel's point, there were debates about whether the Cosby Show was realistic or whether it was black enough.
People complained about good times too and they were in the hood. So a few black people complaining about a show doesn't matter if most of us still watched. And overall black people loved the cosby show no matter who complained
They had racial issues on family matters. Remember Carl Winslow was a black cop. I remember vaguely an episode that dealt with Carl's blackness in-law Enforcement. And the whole Stefon thing was all about urkle's desire to be desired, Which I think is part of Jaleel White's Trauma that he hasn't dealt with. Being desired by black women, maybe it's the reason why he married a white woman. I never looked at Steve urkel as a black buffoon type of character, because every sitcom had a nerd or a baffoon black & white. Remember family ties had Skippy as their nerd. And to a certain degree Alex p Keaton was also a nerd. And saved by the bell had screech🤔
People see.
People see what they see.
It could be what they want to see.
It could be what other people want them to see.
It could be what they think they see. Not even being sure about it.
PEOPLE SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY.
@anotherpointofview222 wha?!👀
Saved by the bell > family matters 😂
The reason Family Matters isn't mentioned with other "black" shows from that time, to me, is because it had no flavor to it. If you took the cast of the show and replaced them with a white family, then it would've been no different from any other family sitcom on TGIF (Full House, Step By Step). The problem had to do with the writing of the show. It completely ignored black culture as a whole, which could've been easily done in a way that isn't "ghetto" at all. In fairness, they did have an episode where Eddie Winslow experienced police brutality. But outside of that, I feel like the show's creators missed out on an opportunity that could've made a bigger impact than it did.
Family Matters was a black show, but it did not resonate with everyone. It was a show for families with smaller children, which made the storylines simpler. Jaleel was wrong and also did not understand how groundbreaking shows like Martin, Living Single, and A Different Show were.
To be fair, White, never said ghetto nor did he imply this. What he was saying that if people, more specifically, black people don’t see the story as one that is rooted in the hood or a quintessentially black story of the time then people don’t necessarily see it as one that is part of the Black story and if so, then it’s on the periphery of a much larger Black opus. I don’t think he’s casting any aspersions on black folks as we can only relate to “ghetto” stories.
4:25 - Why do we feel so compelled to name-call black people? Has that activity actually improved our situation?
The problem with the producers of these legacy shows is they go overboard on a character - look how they ruined Happy Days by going from a collaborative character focus to pretty much just Fonzie.
Aint nobody coming to see you Potsie .
Nothing but facts!
He did star in "Who Made the Potatoe Salad"😆
lol.
Urkel was a prodigy 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿
Oh these guys were huntin today.... Jameel has a huge point!
No Jaleel, it is not just about being hood. It was the fact that the show did not have good convos on Blackness at times. Literally an episode of the show about racial profiling by police and takes "a bad apples" approach to it without having a systemic racism convo. Don't play in my face Jaleel.
egggactly. I remember the episode and it felt shockingly distasteful to me. The approach written in the episode was a cowardly cop-out.
Aren’t the shows’ creators responsible for creating the show?
@InvisibleManNot not blaming him for the show. Calling out his selective memory and ridiculing of other Black shows.
This dude has a horrible personality and was bitter about the character notoriety that couldn't get work. Dispite the character notoriety
I disagree with him that other shows were more "ghetto". I do AGREE that Family Matters gets less recognition for being a black show. Urkel & Stefan were good positive characters. I remember good serious topics on the show too. Eddie becoming a drunk and getting kicked out was a really strong story in my opinion. Dont let Urkel being silly at times take away that he was a brilliant black man and his alterego was cool AND nice. Great representation.
Martin had a radio show for maybe 2 seasons. And. Someone claiming Sha-Na-Na wasn't ghetto is out of their rabbit axz mind. We won't speak on the colorism on Martin regarding how the character of Pam was talked about. Karen stopped 2 adults didn't like Jaleel. The kids were all friends. JJ was being played by 20 year old man compared to a 12 year old. He never even mentioned the other shows.
I recently watched Martin reruns. The way he did Pam 🤦🏾♀️. Yeah…I can’t mess with those jokes today. I used to LOVE that show to death. But when that show aired, I was like 14….so there you go.
The colorism point is so accurate. They did Pam and Tommy similarly. Not cool. Man I used to love that show too. But looking at it now it was just full of anti-blackness and it left a bad mark on how I viewed black people for so long.
Hello Professor Hunter and commenters
Yes, also the Cosby show had Nancy Wilson, Joe Henderson and so a lot of well known jazz singers and actors to educate their children and the audience so I don't understand where Jaleel White was looking or thinking. And people in different world sitcoms also talked about slavery and found chains in a basement so there were a lot of important issues that came out of those sitcoms that were talked about. Don't forget the rape issue when Dwayne and the others came to sista rescue.
Shanaynay and Jerome weren't buffoonery, but Urkel was? What are we talking about?
Good question
Agreed, but I’ll also add that those characters (Shanaynay and Jerome) were also stereotypes….the minstrel!
The broadcasting companies will put big money behind black shows that live up to stereotypes and buffoonery. Positive black shows usually never last long. I’d say The Cosby Show (and its spin off shows) really carried the ball for repeat “touchdowns” of positivity without any buffoonery. High class! 👍🏾
Shanaynay and Jerome didn't dominate the show like Urkel. Family Matters wouldn't exist without Urkel doing clown shit every episode
@@SlugSage that has nothing to do with whether or not it could be considered
buffoonery
Martin was comensy and satire. Family matters was like full house. Two different types of shows.
Love this video. I'm pretty young but I've been watching Living Single, Different World, Cosby Show, Martin, and My Wife and Kids because my GF is older.
Re Martin, it's definitely not hood culture. However, the common thread is that a Black man being silly is always more acceptable and palatable. That includes, JJ, Urkel, Martin, Fresh Prince, and on and on and on. It is a known fact and one of the reasons established intelligent Black actors had so many issues on those shows.
We already know Different World and Cosby Show didn’t fall into that category, but it wouldn't have been.
Karen Hunter, I was looking at the entertainment newsmagazine "Dish Nation" last night. This particular topic came up and the focus was more on Jamiee Foxworth character "Judy Winslow" going upstairs and didn't return on the show. Jaleel White's character Steve Urkel was scheduled for one episode and stayed throughout the remaining seasons of "Family Matters" on the ABC network. I remember something similar happened on the sitcom "Happy Days" on the ABC network. Perhaps I'm missing something regarding sitcoms on the ABC network. 🤔
It's interesting to see those people who are missing the point. It doesn't matter whether you, or these hosts here, liked Family Matters or not. They're making what should be a very clear point of the fact that he dismissed important parts of black culture as ghetto because he's envious and small minded.
Dwayne Wayne was NOT a nerd. Nerds are into 'things' and not people. Dwayne interacted well with people.
He didn't do or engage in things that totally turned people off.
Family Matters had the episode about Eddie and the police.
When I think of Urkel, I think of rude, intrusive, no social awareness etc. I stopped watching as a child and not can't watch now. His character just took over. The arrogance is much.
😂😂😂😂 not rabbit ass mind
Bruh, Drew was spittin today
Jaleel has always been known to be very arrogant. Yes, he was the star, but the family was the show. He has always tried to lift himself up by diminishing everyone else. BOO
Facts
How r u defining ghetto? I grew up n Black Brooklyn Crown Heights n 1960s-70s. Everybody worked, even the hustlers. We had doctors, lawyers, office cleaners, business owners, teachers, Postmen, nurses, janitors, bus drivers, n yes ,hustlers ( Number runners were quite the respectable hustlers) etc. I was a grown woman when I realized when folk talked about the ghetto they were talking about my neighbor"hood." Now the neighborhood is being " gentrified" -- which only means White folk r moving in because these folk r not gentry just White--n the narrative of them bringing life n saving this poor worn down "hood" / "ghetto" is prevelent, when in fact, this was always thriving neighborhood w local businesses. I always assumed Martin was n the "hood" because all I saw were Black people even n the local bar. That was not synonymous w a depressed poverty stricken area.
It sounds like to me that erkyle wanted to hang with the kool kids but was only accepted by his white nerdy friends. Those shows were not hood or ghetto, they were down to earth and taught life lessons
Jaleel probably got grief playing a nerd growing up on television. This is probably why he was hating on his show not because he was not as "hood",
yeah...this feels personal. Leave the rest of us out of it and go get counseling.
Do you feel this is also why they allow Rupaul’s success? 3:38
Excellent observation.
🤔This guy still had a career outside of Family Matters- He was a host on Total Blackout (I believe) and he was in several episodes of Psych and the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog- non of this is within proxy to his Urkel character Why does he not talk about these accomplishments? I'm on the verge of apathy towards the whole woah is me dialogue myself. - It's becoming stale and redundant. 🤷🏾♀️
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾Drew
People like Martin so much they just ignore that much of it was an extreme minstrel show. It had levels of buffoonery unlike anything else which is why I can’t disagree when anyone criticizes it.
90s Amos and Andy.
@ That’s what I thought as well. Martin on a regular basis could be as bad as Amos and Andy.
not.
@@KarenHunterShow The show could be very funny and the relationship between Martin and Gina was classic but Shayneyah and even Mama Payne were beyond anything even the Wayans brothers had on their sitcom. Martin Lawrence even did white face a few times! But I know people like the show so much and have a lot of nostalgia for it so they just ignore all that and act like it’s no big deal.
I loved Martin to this day. I still watch it and identify with All the characters. I actually knew people that were almost identical to every character in that show, even Sheneneh Jenkins. However,I did think that the comedy was very broad, I even thought it was too over the top at times. I even called it stupid but was laughing out loud ever week. In retrospect I don't think it was any more stupid than the comedy that shows like" I love Lucy"displayed. Talk about broad comedy.
Funny how Tommy no job Cole stayed with his mother Sha naney was what? Then Martin boss with chains and schemes hustle man selling chicken n pork beans then Ole boi from what floor walking into homes.
I am not getting why Jaleel White is fussing over what is considered a "Black Show". Hell his character which originally was on the sidelines and supporting became JJ'd and the "star" putting the family in the background. The family characters had to be surrounding Urkel to be of any relevancy. When I hear of him beyotch & complain I think of well gee I am quite sure Gary Coleman at peace wherever he may be would gladly trade places with Jaleel White. As he came from an acting career of a larger than life tv character with a popular catchphrase like Jaleel. Yet was never able to overcome his challenges of that character, was financially used up and broke, very bad health issues he had since childhood and rightfully bitter and wounded emotionally. Someone should tell Jaleel go hit up that Peacock documentary on Gary Coleman & consider himself very blessed & grateful. #RealTalk💯
I get what Mr. White was trying to say. Family Matters is often characterized as a family comedy, not a Black one. It was part of the TGIF 2 hour family comedy segment that aired Fridays on ABC. Their other shows with major Black cast were Sister Sister, Hangin' With Mr. Cooper, and The Hughleys. Generally, only one aired in this time slot along with three white comedies. The genre was geared to an audience that stayed home Friday nights - pre-teens, parents with young children and older folks. Both The Cosby Show and A Different World aired Thursday nights. Both shows received high ratings but from different demographics. Guess what, you had Black folks watching one, two, all three, or none at all. We are not monolithic. Was there buffoonery in Family Matters, yes. It was also quite apparent in Martin. Same can be said of Seinfeld. This from a person who lived in the hoods of both Chicago and Detroit. There is a family value theme that is part of Family Matters that people tend to overlook, the togetherness of the extended family. Carl and Harriet had their children, grandmother Winslow, Rachel (Harriet's sister), and Rachael's son Richie all living under the same roof. Plus, they helped Rachael start her own business. I know a lot of everyday Black folks who have done those types of things. The Black experience is more than where you work, your degree, and/or where you live. It's an experience and there is more than one.
What was the Cosby Show?
@@KarenHunterShowNot understanding your question, but this what I think you're asking. Both were comedies with predominately Black cast. Both had Black and white viewers, but appealed to slightly different demographics. The main difference: one had more Black art on the walls and talked about HBCUs. Fact: NBC was number one at the time of The Cosby show. It was part of making it so. When it first aired, it was part of the Thursday night Cheers lineup. You had Cosby, Family Ties, Cheers and Night Court. Realize, NBC also had 227 which was part of their Saturday "V" lineup. This 2 hour comedy slot also included; Give me a Break!, The Golden Girls, and Facts of Life. Again, we are not all monolithic. Because a set has more Black art and books displayed doesn't necessarily make it more Black. None of this matters to me. It's sheer entertainment. I will never see a dime of any of their residuals. BTW: Jaleel White has made over 10 million.
Family Matters had some outlandish, cartoonish plots like going to space, mad scientists, etc and a twin plot like Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie. Jaleel White unfortunately was typecast. Yet what has he done in indie films, starting his own production company, etc.? He is erasing any goodwill left.
I like Family Matters and still watch it
if i remember they created another character for jaleen white called myrtle who was suppose to be steve urkels cousin,they had him a black teenage boy at the time in a dress playing a female for laughs .and he fine with that
Family matters did have serious episodes about race and black issues. Laura had the N word sprayed on her locker room, Eddie got profiled racist police and Carl Winslow CONFRONTING THE RACIST COPS!!! Harriet stand up to a Misogynist boss risking her job. They also pulled together to help build and OWN racheal’s place BLACK OWNED!!! And the list goes on this is off the top that I can remember Family matters was a serious show Jaleel is just talking about issue he dealt with from the Black community unfortunately
That was early in before Urkel became the main focus
Plus, it was about extended family. Rachel, Richie, and grandmother Winslow lived with Carl and Harriett. You mean to tell me this doesn't happen in Black families or are we just concerned with what kind of jobs we have or where we went to college?
I think a Black family show that I believe made a positive streaming impact was Tia Mowery show Family Reunion
Glad they brought the Stefan character on the scene. Stefan was positive black male energy
But the way he got there wasn't realistic. So I couldn't see the positivity in it.
@japhya0378 i didn't follow the series closely so I don't know the evolution of Urkel to Stefan
@@roidmachine In the Family Matters episode "Dr. Urkel and Mr. Cool," Steve Urkel transforms into Stefan Urquelle by using a serum called "Cool Juice" to suppress his nerd genes and bring out his cool genes. Sheer buffoonery....
@japhya0378 I'm focused on positive imagery of black people in media not silly plot lines. Regardless of how Stefan emerged, his image was positive
@@roidmachine NP sir. It takes integrity to care about how Stefan emerged.....
Doesn't everyone remember when Will and Carlton had to grab the choppers and slide on the opps in Malibu? Jaleel is trying to clean up what was an exaggerated, goofy character.
What scene can you pull from family matters???? Thats the question right there! Because i remember the episode where Eddie was hassled by the cops and Carl immediately made it seem like Eddie did something wrong, and the cops wouldn't just hassle him. Family matter was not a deep show like that. If they touched on anything serious that was the exception not the rule...
This clip has missed showing something about what Jaleel White said, obviously taken out of context.
This was click bait. Karen misrepresented Jaleel.😊
I will thinking the same thing.
This episode is done. The hosts are trippin....This dude is wrong as h& ll
you don't think we know this?
you should have a sit down with ol' boy on your show
Urkel’s character was based on “Jerry Lewis”, to pull the YT ratings up, full stop! I always felt that there was a Jerry Lewis fan on the Family Matters production crew due to the way Urkel’s character mimicked Jerry Lewis’s behavior. Clownish behavior was what he gave and there is nothing wrong with that because Urkel became an icon even outside of black community. If after all these years, Jaleel is still having lingering negative feelings about the Urkel character not being fully embraced by black community, he needs some mental health assistance.
But to my man's point Tommy didn't have no job man!😆
"They" liked him because he was never going to go full Mandingo on Becky.
He was the girlfriend and not the boyfriend.
He's so out of touch
Did he actually say ghetto?
4:37 - This is not accurate. Martin was the 90s version of Amos and Andy. Basically
🎤 drop
Jaleel was lucky enough to get solid acting work in his teens, making more than the average adult was making at the time. Jaleel needs to count his blessings. Usually if a show is very successful and an actor plays a very outlandish character for a long period of time without playing other characters, they will inevitably get typecasted. Max Baer, Jr. played Jethro on “The Beverly Hillbillies” for so long that when that show was cancelled, he became the character he played and people came to only see him as “Jethro the Hillbilly”. Perhaps Jaleel’s agent should have helped find him work that would show that he can play other characters besides a nerd or “Stefan”.
I HATED Family Matters-- with a big H. Also Jaleel is a divestor so I am suspect about anything he has to say.
although i understand, he’s speaking to of his specific line of business/work. it’s the entertainment “industry.” an industry meaning… it was meant to entertain millions of americans and that’s it. it wasn’t real life!
So wasn't the goal fir some actors to transcend race. So had FM been a well written show, it would be in the canon. Urkel crying hungry with a loaf of bread under his arm.
Show was wack after a certain point. He need to get over that
He’s frustrated because he IS Erkel.
This is the reason why people think blacks are slow . Things that don’t matter is what we discuss smh
that's not the reason...and either you're too lazy to do your homework or you're obtuse...but we clearly talk about way more than this...and even THIS convo is a entry into a larger issue. But...sure. SMH!
Jaleel White is salty that black people are praising him. Get outcha feelings!
How could white writers create a show concerning black people and lifestyle? Most importantly the majority of shows on TV are written by and for Europeans.
Family Matters the is Deep because Family Does Matter And his character saved the show So what is he talking about Plus he went on to do other shows and Steve urkel his character became an icon so let's get all about that 🤔 and those Phat Check's plus he's still getting paid from that show for the reruns