The Cosby Show vs. Today’s TV. What We Lost and Why It Matters

The Cosby Show

What is it that we’re really calling entertainment today?

We must ask ourselves this question honestly. What are we mirroring from what we see on screens? Mainstream media has mastered the art of taking our pain—our generational trauma, broken homes, and family dysfunction—and turning it into entertainment. But it's not just for laughs. It’s a subtle weapon. A tool used to normalize separation, destroy order, and keep us disconnected—especially under the illusion of “keeping it real.”

Let’s rewind.

There was a time when television offered a healthier image of the Black family. The Cosby Show wasn’t just entertainment—it was a model. It gave us something to aspire to. A successful doctor and a successful lawyer—working together, building a family, raising children with values and vision. Claire Huxtable was a powerful Black woman: brilliant, elegant, and firm. She had a voice in her home, and she balanced her career with grace. Her femininity was not lost in her intelligence. She didn’t have to dominate to be respected. Dr. Huxtable wasn’t threatened by her; instead, he stood beside her as the leader of his home, not ahead of her, not behind her—beside her.

The image that Bill Cosby portrayed had to be torn down because it threatened the stereotypes society had grown comfortable with. The show suggested something revolutionary: that we could be stable, educated, and united. And it had real results—many of us pursued higher education because of those examples. The show exposed us to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It showed us that social engineering, when done right, can uplift a people instead of destroying them.

This message is especially urgent now.

To Our Sisters: Strong women are not a threat—they are a blessing. A woman can be a doctor, lawyer, scientist, teacher, or entrepreneur—and still embrace her softness. Strength doesn't mean abandoning femininity. It doesn't mean shouting to be heard or being combative to be respected. A good man doesn't fear a strong woman—but he cherishes peace. A man’s peace of mind is priceless, and a woman who understands her power knows how to uplift without belittling. Submission is not slavery; to a righteous man, it’s sacred trust. And for that kind of man, earning your heart means protecting it.

To Our Brothers: We don't need to travel overseas looking for what we refuse to nurture at home. Some of us are so focused on the weeds in our own backyard that we overlook the fruit. If we’re willing to step up and be leaders, mentors, providers, and protectors abroad, why not do that for our own sisters and our own neighborhoods? Our women deserve our best too. It’s time we restore balance.

We don’t need permission to lead in our communities. We need purpose. We need patience. We need to listen more and attack less. We must become the backbone for each other again. Because if we are to align ourselves with God’s divine order, then we must return to the blueprint: God → Man → Woman → Child → Community.

May Allah (God) guide us back to each other. May He give us the strength to restore the family, protect our dignity, and walk in purpose. Our future generations are watching. Let’s give them something worth mirroring.

Together, we can be successful.