Presentation of Black People

Clip from Fresh Prince of Bel-air

In this clip from the Fresh Prince of Bel-air, Will and Carlton (two black men) are presented in a very negative, stereotypical way. They are shown as criminals but from what we know Will and Carlton are respectable people in society who come from a wealthy family and are misrepresented.
This very unfair representation reflects our society. In our society, many institutions such as the police (as shown in the clip) are institutionally racist. This means a well known group in society who all form a load of prejudices against an ethnic group. Just before this clip it shows how the police prejudge them because they are black and the way they are treated because of this.
Will comes across as a more streetwise person who’s calm and optimistic while Carlton is shown as naive but very clever, innocent in this situation and scared. From being labelled by the police, Will and Carlton start to believe that they criminals (self-fulfilling prophecy).
Towards the end of the clip we meet Carlton’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Banks (Will’s aunty and uncle) who are represented as independent strong black people and the police who are presented as racist and rude. Because they are black, they are not treated like normal citizens and are shouted at and told to wait whereas the white man who enters (Mr. Forts, Mr. Banks business partner) is treated politely and seen to immediately.