Premium Essay

Bill Cosby Analysis

Submitted By
Words 990
Pages 4
After the discovery of his surprising public scandal, it has become incongruous to have any kind of discussion about Bill Cosby in a politically neutral manner; even though only one year prior, hating Cosby would have been synonymous to hating the Beatles. However, what if it were disclosed that Paul McCartney had been torturing puppies for the past fifty years, would Abbey Road instantly be viewed negatively in the public eye? Bill Cosby’s, Himself, has been regarded as one of the most influential stand up specials in history, so is it conceivable to dismiss his work from the upper echelons of comedic greatness? While Himself’s grandeur shouldn’t pardon any of Cosby’s maliciousness, shouldn’t it still be appreciated as a work of timeless …show more content…
The special is basically Cosby sitting in a chair, complaining, and giving his observations about his family life and the degenerate youth of generation X. Cosby's range of idiosyncrasies and relatable storylines are often regarded as revolutionary by a generation of young comedians. Go into any comedy club and ask around what people think of Himself, and you're pretty much guaranteed to hear responses such as, “It's the reason I decided to get into comedy.” It has inspired multitudes of aspiring comedians, and legends, such as Jerry Seinfield, Sarah Silverman, and even Hannibal Buress; it's influenced the way comedians perform comedy, as well as how the audience absorbs it. All the praise that exists for Himself is what makes it incredibly difficult to, now, invalidate it completely; however, comedy aficionados from all over the globe would easily dispute that Himself should be disregarded from any public discourse, and its influence forgotten. But is this all necessary? Just because public opinion of Cosby should rightly change, doesn't necessarily mean that public opinion of what constitutes a good joke should change. Does Michael Jackson’s shortcomings suddenly make any of his music less infectious? It shouldn't; however, only minutes into watching Himself for the first time since Cosby's downfall, you quickly begin to realize how ostensibly difficult it is to

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Music Review

...Example of Concert Review Essay [This was a paper written by an actual student in the Popular Music in America class. It is not offered as an award-winning review nor is it compositionally error-free. It did, however, receive an A for this assignment and is an example of the level of writing and analysis that is required to receive an A. Please do not, however, begin your paper in exactly the same way or attempt to copy “buzz words” or phrases. Write your own paper!] On February 17, 2005, the Jazz Ensemble at Tarleton State University had their first concert of the spring semester with special guest trumpeter, Daryl White. The jazz ensembles collectively performed thirteen pieces during the concert. “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Waltz for Debby” and “Ancient Memories” were three stylistically different pieces that allowed the audience to experience the various sounds of jazz music. Jazz music, like all music, tells a story and here are the stories of “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Waltz for Debby” and “Ancient Memories”. “Fly Me to the Moon”, written by Bart Howard and arranged by Sammy Nestico, is an upbeat standard sung most famously by Frank Sinatra. In the instrumental version of this song, a Latin-inspired sounding consonance set the romantic mood at the beginning of this song. A piano and saxophone then alternated the melody of the song as though they were dancing like two lovers flying to the moon. As the passion of the song heated up, the texture changed within...

Words: 942 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

123 Abc

...Example of Concert Review Essay [This was a paper written by an actual student in the Popular Music in America class. It is not offered as an award-winning review nor is it compositionally error-free. It did, however, receive an A for this assignment and is an example of the level of writing and analysis that is required to receive an A. Please do not, however, begin your paper in exactly the same way or attempt to copy “buzz words” or phrases. Write your own paper!] On February 17, 2005, the Jazz Ensemble at Tarleton State University had their first concert of the spring semester with special guest trumpeter, Daryl White. The jazz ensembles collectively performed thirteen pieces during the concert. “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Waltz for Debby” and “Ancient Memories” were three stylistically different pieces that allowed the audience to experience the various sounds of jazz music. Jazz music, like all music, tells a story and here are the stories of “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Waltz for Debby” and “Ancient Memories”. “Fly Me to the Moon”, written by Bart Howard and arranged by Sammy Nestico, is an upbeat standard sung most famously by Frank Sinatra. In the instrumental version of this song, a Latin-inspired sounding consonance set the romantic mood at the beginning of this song. A piano and saxophone then alternated the melody of the song as though they were dancing like two lovers flying to the moon. As the passion of the song heated up, the texture changed within...

Words: 942 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

13322

...2014 Bill Cosby Bill Cosby, one of television’s funniest and most iconic comedic actors, has spent his long career making people laugh. Not only did he bring joy and laughter to people’s lives he also became a pioneer for many black actors by starring many TV shows like “I Spy”, ” Fat Albert”, and “The Cosby Show” .Whether it be through concert appearances or recordings, television or films, commercials or education, Bill Cosby has the ability to touch people’s lives. William Henry Cosby Jr was born on July 12, 1937 in Philadephia, Pennsylvania, to Anna and William Cosby. Cosby's father joined the navy and was away from home for months at a time. Cosby, as the oldest son, helped his mother pay the bills by having various jobs such as delivering groceries and shining shoes. At school, he was known for being a class clown by his teachers and for being a great story teller and also being a star athlete in various sports such as track and field, football, and basketball. Growing up in a poor family Cosby learned very early in life that his humor will get him through tough times. During his off time Cosby would listen to one of his favorite comedians Jerry Lewis on the radio, and started to imitate him. While his mother always pushed for him and his brothers to get an education Bill was never interested in school because he always failed his classes, so during his tenth grade year Cosby decided to drop out of high school and enlist in the US Navy in 1956. In the Navy Bill was...

Words: 1586 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Bill Cosby

...Between the years (1984-1992) there was an American sitcom on television called the Cobsy Show. The star of the show was an actor by the name of Bill Cobsy. The show was based on a couple who were a doctor and a lawyer and their five children, their name on the show were the Huxtable. Being rated the best and most popular family comedy of the 80’s and the early 90’s. The Cobsy Show filmed in front of a live studio audience; the Huxtable family lived in Brooklyn and was a part of the middle- upper -class. The family was very well family oriented and the show focused on things that were happening daily. Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner were the NBC producers who created this comedy series. The wife and mother whose name was Clair on the show had a successful legal crew. Clift, who was the father and husband on the show played an obstetrician and paterfamilias was very successful also. Together the two kept their five children in line and made sure they were well taken care of and educated. Sondra, Denise, Theo, Vanessa and Rudy all made their parents proud, it was never a dull moment in the Huxtable household. After some years of being aired on the show, along came a step grand child named Olivia who ended up kind of being the star of the show with her humor and cuteness. Bill Cobsy was one of the first comedians to become a television sitcom star. For five seasons The Cobsby show was at the top of the Nielson ratings...

Words: 538 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Bill Cosby Case Summary

...In regards, to the investigation of Bill Cosby, there is a lot of layers of accusations that have been pile against the accused. The allegations come from over fifty different women, but one case is most likely to appear in trial because it is within the statute of limitations. This case involves the allege victim named Andrea Constand who was employed with the University of Temple at the time the sexual assault took place. Which was 2005 In light of new information presented in the case the Montgomery County Prosecution office in Pennsylvania has decided to move forward. Although, the case is still developing because a lot of women have decided to come forward or resume their position. This case two perspective and when it is all said and...

Words: 780 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

The Safety Issues Behind Media

...average person watch television per week, or per day? There are hundreds of shows that capture the attention of children today such as, comedy, love, and reality TV to name a few; but violence in today’s society is a very real and common issue struggled with still to this day. Instead of becoming active in communities or just even deciding to go out with friends on a whim, the invention of the television has provided the answer to violence and destruction in communities, and in the people who you care about. Excessive television watching for children over the years has become an epidemic in regards to safety. Figure1 Television in this day and age has definitely changed for children since the 90’s in those years’ shows such as The Bill Cosby Show, Family Matters, 7th Heaven, Saved by the bell and many more shows. Now, the media has quietly added violence to what once where wholesome shows and also have geared most of their shows to violence. Figure1 is a prime example of how children today conceive what they see is right, they might not think anything of it, but in all reality what they see on television is what they will try to do in real life and that is not at all ok. The “Monkey-see Monkey do” term is widely used over the internet, it basically means what someone see’s and experiences they in turn will do that as well whether it is right or wrong. “Television programming as of 2010 is all about showing reality without censorship, meaning that child watchers are inundated...

Words: 877 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

The Eighties

...The Eighties, part I Roderick Tabigne From the following list, choose five and identify their significance during the 1980s. The Sunbelt, Suburban Conservatism, The Tax Revolt, Corporate Elites, Neoconservatives, Populist Conservatives, Deregulation, The Federal Reserve Board, The Energy Glut, The 1981 Tax Cuts, Spending Cuts, Military Spending, Technology Event | Significance | Military spending | Military spending was very high. However, Reagan was able to accomplish it without breaking out into an economic sweat. Reagan's administration managed it while enjoying noticeably positive growth. Reagan gave money to defense contractors for weapons while funds for troops, maintenance and training. | The 1981 Tax Cuts | Also known as the ERTA. It was an act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to encourage economic growth through reductions in individual income tax rates, expensing of depreciable property, incentives for small businesses, and incentives for savings, and for other purposes. | Corporate Elites | Corporate elite are the owners, directors and senior executives of the largest and most important of a nation's business corporations. Corporate elite can be variously defined according to criteria of corporate size and type of enterprise. | The Federal Reserve Board | It is charged with overseeing the 12 District Reserve Banks and with helping implement national monetary policy. Governors are appointed by the President of the United States...

Words: 675 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Cosby Show

...Chapt 1 Assignment “The Cosby Show” Growing up in the 70's and 80's were very challenging. I came from a very traditional family, meaning both parents were in the home as well as all 7 of my siblings. My father worked hard and my mother stayed at home and raised us for a portion of that time. We often watched a lot of family oriented shows, “ Eight is Enough'', which was my mother's favorite.(I wonder why) Little House On The Prairie, The Jeffersons, etc. My personal favorite was the Cosby Show, although Little House on the Prairie was definitely in the running. One of the reasons I favor The Cosby Show is because it gave me hope. Growing up in the projects was not a joyful experience, although my parents did a great job with what they had. The Cosby Show depicted family in a very positive way. It provided an alternative to the stereotypical African American family. Unlike other black sitcoms such as “Good Times”, which always left you depressed after watching the show, “ The Jeffersons'', whose nanny was very loud and opinionated. The Huxtables were upper class people. Cliff Huxtable( Bill Cosby) was a doctor and his wife Claire( Phylicia Rashad) was a successful lawyer. The family structure was that of a nuclear unit or modern family. The gender roles of the parents were that of egalitarian. They were a two parent home with 5 children. They both balanced the responsibilities of supporting their children through work and quality time. The gender of the children were...

Words: 1143 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Bill Cosby's Downfall

...Bill Cosby’s Downfall from Fame Everyone has flaws in their lives, some are tragic that lead to a downfall. These flaws usually show in celebrities more than the average human being. Tragic flaws of a celebrity stand out to the public, and they are usually not forgotten. There is always high scrutiny when you are a celebrity and in the public eye. Bill Cosby was a celebrity who lost all of his credibility when he put lust as his number one priority. By putting lust at the top of his priorities, Bill Cosby’s career and life started on a downhill slide. Bill Cosby, started his successful career as a comedian in the 1960’s ("Bill Cosby." Contemporary Black Biography. Vol. 59.). Cosby stood out from the other black comedians of that time. Cosby...

Words: 1374 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Why Is Bill Cosby Unethical

...RESEARCH PAPER Bill Cosby; the comedian, famous movie star, and beloved icon, has fallen from grace. Beside his fan base most people now considered Mr. Cosby to be a disgrace and despise him because of recent allegations brought against this famous man. Recently after ruling against Bill Cosby the California Supreme Court allowed Judy Huth’s civil suit to move forward. Resulting in the first time Mr. Cosby has testified under oath since accusations were made; Judy Huth accused him of forcing her to perform a sexual act at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles. At the time Miss Huth was only fifteen the year was 1974. Mr. Cosby testified and said Ms. Huth’s claims are “absolutely false” (“Testifies”). However according to Huth’s attorneys...

Words: 1005 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Individual Project 2

...Laquita Easter 5/8/11 The Cosby Show was a great show for African Americans in the early 80’s. I love one particular character from the show it was “Clif Huxtable” played by comedian Bill Cosby. The show most people thought it was not “real” enough. The reason most people will think this is because of “Cosby” family life on the show. Cliff and his wife Claire Huxtable were very successful, educated people. Cliff was a doctor and his wife was a successful lawyer. The two raised 5 children who needed much guidance and advice as any children would. The show was very interesting and funny but was the joke on how the whole series was played out? I don’t believe so, that made me adore and look up to Cliff Huxtable. He was fair, down to earth, and made his fatherly love & support for his children to broaden and make them choose for themselves. Bill Cosby character was the father of all fathers; he supported his wife and watch football on Sunday nights. He was still the all American dad, in one if my favorite episodes, it was when Theo wanted to stay out later. Theo: Dad, will it be too much to ask if U stay 30 minutes after curfew? Cliff: Well, Theo if I let you stay 30 minutes after your curfew, then you may ask for an increase in your allowance, and then you’ll want to borrow the car. Theo: Okay Dad, would a “no Theo” be too much to ask? I loved that episode and even use some of Cliff’s parenting when dealing with my own children situation. Bill Cosby always seen himself as the...

Words: 345 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Bill Cosby

...Between the years (1984-1992) there was an American sitcom on television called the Cobsy Show. The star of the show was an actor by the name of Bill Cobsy. The show was based on a couple who were a doctor and a lawyer and their five children, their name on the show were the Huxtable. Being rated the best and most popular family comedy of the 80’s and the early 90’s. The Cobsy Show filmed in front of a live studio audience; the Huxtable family lived in Brooklyn and was a part of the middle- upper -class. The family was very well family oriented and the show focused on things that were happening daily. Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner were the NBC producers who created this comedy series. The wife and mother whose name was Clair on the show had a successful legal crew. Clift, who was the father and husband on the show played an obstetrician and paterfamilias was very successful also. Together the two kept their five children in line and made sure they were well taken care of and educated. Sondra, Denise, Theo, Vanessa and Rudy all made their parents proud, it was never a dull moment in the Huxtable household. After some years of being aired on the show, along came a step grand child named Olivia who ended up kind of being the star of the show with her humor and cuteness. Bill Cobsy was one of the first comedians to become a television sitcom star. For five seasons The Cobsby show was at the top of the Nielson ratings...

Words: 530 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

The Humor and Zeal of Bill Cosby and Jeff Foxworthy

...humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it” (Cosby, Brainy Quote). Not many who knew Bill Cosby and Jeff Foxworthy as children, would have guessed the serious and passionate significance beneath their witty exteriors. Life events form the patterns of one’s thought process and these enthusiastic comedians have a hands-on quest to create an unrestricted social order for all humanity. Bill Cosby was a poor African American child, shining shoes to help support his family, seemed destined to continue a struggle for survival. Equally, young Jeff Foxworthy seemed the privileged and confident Christian assured a successful career behind a computer, rather than achieve fame and notoriety in Hollywood. They each deliver their messages by means of hilarious storytelling and both developed their values and audience based in part on a father’s influence and a mothers guiding hands. There are many differences and similarities between Bill Cosby and Jeff Foxworthy, nevertheless; each man attempts to influence their audiences in a parallel direction. Although each man sought to imitate his father, both eventually found success by going their own way. Born into what appeared to be a hopeless situation, Bill Cosby realized the importance of educating children to overcome racial and economic obstacles. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1937, an era of segregation...

Words: 1350 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Summary Of The Other Huxtable Effect

...In the article ‘The Other Huxtable Effect,’ in the days and weeks after Barack Obama’s 2008 election, there was a lot of debate about what writer Alisa Valdis Rodriguez called ‘The Huxtable Effect.’ The theory held that the tremendous popularity of ‘The Cosby Show’ “normalized” the ideas of black families for white audiences. In this show debuted in 1984, it focused on upper middle-class black families, showed no interest in explicitly dealing with race problems. However, finally deciding to speak extensively about Bill Cosby’s family is not the difference of Huxtable. It emphasizes Huxtables’ similarities in black to all racial viewers because it may be an important factor of the effect. This show was the first place for five straight seasons....

Words: 268 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Bill Cosby

...Bill Cosby: Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation Celebrities are individuals who have achieved things that are renown and known by many people. One notable celebrity is William Henry “Bill” Cosby Jr. Bill Cosby is an extremely well known celebrity in the entertainment world, and in his charity work. Television in the 1960’s showed very few racial minorities. (Hillstrom, 51) But Bill Cosby still became a successful actor and comedian against all odds. Bill Cosby also has taken part in various charity work. His most well known charity work was his work done with the Hello Friend Ennis William Cosby Foundation. His charity work was to complete a 5 year plan to address needs and capabilities of all students (“Bill Cosby”). Bill Cosby was born in Philadelphia on July 12, 1937, and was the oldest of 4 boys. His mother was Anna Pearl Cosby and his father was William Henry Cosby (“Bill Cosby: Actor, Comedian, Author” 112). Cosby lived a somewhat hard childhood. His little brother James died of rheumatic fever when he was only 6 (“Bill Cosby”). Cosby loosing his brother was a tough experience for him. Cosby also had a rough time in school as well. Cosby was captain of baseball and track teams in high school, Cosby’s grades in school were slipping though from his busy schedule of sports and work “(Bill Cosby: Actor, Comedian, Author” 112). As Cosby became older he began to follow his fathers footsteps. In 1956, Cosby Joined the US Navy (“Bill Cosby”). Cosby’s roots of the desire...

Words: 873 - Pages: 4