Lessons We Can Learn From A Different World

By: Sydnee Walcott

A Different World was created as a spin-off of The Cosby Show. The show is centered around Dr. Huxtable’s second oldest child, Denise Huxtable, played by biracial actress Lisa Bonet in the show.  

Bonet navigates through the complexities of college life at Hillman College, the college her parents formerly attended. 

The show aired for a consecutive six seasons on the National Broadcasting Company from 1987 to 1993.  

After season one ended, and Bonet left, the show shifted its focus on two new characters. These characters were Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison, played by Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne. 

Debbie Allen, a Golden Globe Black actress, director, and chief creative force, aimed to create episodes that would focus on realistic issues the audience could relate to. 

A Different World addressed a variety of different topics such as racism, police brutality, domestic violence, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic.  

30 years after ending, the show is still relevant, due to its impact on portraying disparities in a realistic lens that the Black community can confine in and relate to. 

Outlined are four powerful episodes that address prevalent issues:  

“Ms. Understanding” (Season 4, Episode 17) 

Shazza Zulu’s self-publishing book provokes interracial tensions with regards to the shortcomings of Black men, leaving the college divided by gender.  

When the dean arranges a summit as an opportunity for both sides to dispute their issues freely, Shazza singles out Kim and accuses her of being with a White man. She is dating Matthew, who is Freddie’s White cousin.  

Kim is distraught by these judgements and leaves the summit after confronting Shazza. Shazza was not the only Black male student who felt this way. Ron had also expressed feelings of betrayal towards Kim’s relationship. However, he took the responsibility to apologize to Kim and admitted to being jealous.  

The relationship between Kim and Matthew was controversial both on and off screen due to the couple being interracial. The jealousy surrounding their relationship has led viewers to glamourize White men as suitable partners in a romantic relationship. Debbie Allen received negative fan mail from Black men who strongly felt that Kim should be dating a “brother,” someone of similar Black race. 

This episode highlights the scrutiny Black women face when dating and marrying outside of their race. An interracial couple might be viewed as different, but the love and emotional connection they share should be a main focus.  

“If I Should Die Before I Wake” (Season 4, Episode 23) 

Whitley decides to give up her virginity to her boyfriend Dwayne. During a speech assignment, Josie, guest-star Tisha Campbell, reveals that he contracted AIDS after having unprotected sex with a boyfriend.  

Josie’s diagnosis with AIDS garners mixed reactions from her classmates. This news deters Whitley from having sex because she does not feel ready. Ron is worried that he contracted the virus due to his past sexual history and decides to get tested.  

Gina and Terrence fear interacting with Josie due to their own ignorance. They realize the root of their ignorance as Kim and Mr. Gaines educates them on how HIV/AIDS is spread.  

A Different World was one of the first shows to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the preconceived notions people had surrounding the virus during this time. 

Not only does this episode teach people a lesson about ignorance, but it also reminds people the importance of using protection when having sex.  

“Love Taps” (Season 5, Episode 22) 

Gina’s boyfriend, known as “I’m Down,” prepares to perform a rap concert for his classmates. In this episode, viewers uncover that Dion has been physically abusing Gina.  

Freddie witnessed Dion beat Gina outside, however she was unsure if it was legitimate because it was dark outside. As the episode runs, it was confirmed Dion and Gina were the couple Freddie saw. Although Dion apologizes for abusing Gina and promising he will never abuse her again, he quickly reverts back to his old habits.  

Gina’s black eye provokes Lena to investigate what has been going on in their relationship, which leads to Lena defending Gina and Dion receiving backlash. Ron, who was hired as Dion’s promoter, quits and attempts to fight Dion to stand up for Gina.  

Dwayne advises Dion to seek counselling and suggests he will provide moral support. Whitley provides emotional support to Gina and reiterates her worth by suggesting that she should break up with Dion. 

Mr. Gaines’ insight allows Gina to see the light and end her relationship with Dion, safely. Gina presses charges after Terrence called the police on Dion.  

This episode reveals the negative implications of a toxic relationship. Breaking free from an abusive relationship that causes psychological trauma is not an easy thing to do, but with the right support it should be done safely to avoid continuous pain.  

“To Whit, With Love” (Season 6, Episode 14) 

Although the main premise of the story focuses on Whitley taking on a substitute job for rebellious kids at an inner-city school, Lena’s relationship with Dorian was prominent. When Dorian builds the courage to ask Lena out on their first date she is shocked to hear that he is against premarital sex.  

This caused Lena to have second thoughts on wanting to pursue a relationship with Dorian. At the end of the episode, Lena decides to give Dorian a chance. She also expresses to him that it is nice he will respect her body and truly appreciate her.  

This episode sheds light on how real connections and conversations can set a strong foundation for meaningful relationships without the need to have sex. It also teaches viewers to respect someone’s boundaries when it comes to sex.  

As time progresses, A Different World will be a show that Black audiences can relate to. Throughout the six seasons, viewers can simultaneously enjoy comedic moments and learn about real life situations, and how to deal with them appropriately.