Just a century ago, The Cosby Show’s “Elvin” (Sondra Huxtable’s) husband, was being chin-checked by Claire (“Mrs. Huxtable”) about his use of the word “serving” her man (“Dr. Huxtable”).
Well fast-forward. The digital times have run come and run full-speed ahead of those analog, primitive times-conducive to the mindset and ideas Elvin was berated for having: (having) his wires crossed when it comes to the roles of man and wife/men and women.
In case you don’t know, Elvin (played by actor “Geoffrey Owens”) was spotted at a Clifton, New Jersey Trader Joes doing what any person with a life, bills and who loves freedom over jail has to do: Work.
Obviously, such a sighting took the online world by surprise and of course: went viral.
But should he be outted and shamed for (reportedly) making $11 and some change?
Answer: No.
Instead, he should be applauded.
I don’t know you college experience or if you’ve experienced people who’ve been like the chorous of a Stevie Wonder sang: Took riding on a rocket and been giving a ‘star’ but at a half-mile from heaven dropped right back down this cold, cold world.” They either either gone pro, or become famous and fell from fame and grace either, after an injury, inability to get work in the industry or perhaps, appreciating their famous stint for what it was and decided not to be famous (anymore).
By contrast, there are people who’ve experienced a little bit, or a lot of ‘fame’ online or in Tinseltown and either wouldn’t be caught dead working a “regular” job or are out here (and online) fronting or faking obvious falls from grace-looking like total caricatures-fighting that fall. Every single day online is a new, eye-roll to the head-worthy shenanigan and trick.
That being the case of the many, I’d say Geoffrey Owens is obviously a man of character over caricature who, unlike many of us, isn’t too prideful or beyond an honest job-despite having been a key character on a wildly popular television show.
His working in a public place rather than fighting the fight and sinking to a sunken place says more about him-well above the fame-shaming.
Did you know? The same thing happened with “Arnold” Gary Coleman of the wildly popular 80s sitcom “Different Strokes?”
Life comes at us fast. And no one is above life.
On another note and speaking of persons with character and other purposes in life.
How do you think people look when they see “Denise Huxtable” (Lisa Bonet) when they walk into a homeless shelter and are being helped by her?
It’s a well-known (obvious fact) that despite her beauty and talent, Lisa Bonet could her written her own ticket through Hollywood. But obviously, after “Cosby Show” and “A Different World,” Bonet decided that was it for her.
Although she has had some Hollywood roles (High Fidelity, Enemy of the State-just to name a few); she chooses not to be on the scene-and for whatever her own reasons are.
But just because one doesn’t want what you want, and especially if they’ve already had it, the fact (still) is: They’ve had that-you’ve got yours to (still try) and get.
They just choose to get theirs, their own way. And there’s nothing shameful about that to be ashamed of, or shamed about.
