Be Somebody... or Be Somebody's Fool!

Be Somebody... or Be Somebody's Fool! is a 1984 motivational video hosted by American actor Mr. T and distributed by MCA Home Video. ^[1]

Synopsis

The video proceeds strongly from new wave and R&B culture of the mid-1980s to appeal to children to respect adults, avoid peer pressure, and build self-confidence. It features a showcase of emerging talent, including Ice-T, New Edition, Fergie (credited as "Stacy Ferguson"), Kelly Jo Minter, Martika, Janice Kawaye, Tammy Townsend, Bumper Robinson, Shanice and Valerie Landsburg. Several years later, the video has led to a proliferation of video clips that are posted on the Internet. ^[2]

Production

The project was produced by screenwriter Topper Carew, who had previously wrote and produced the film D.C. Cab , in which Mr. T also appeared.

The video was accompanied by a soundtrack album released by MCA Records and a companion book published by St. Martin's Press.

Mr. T returned to motivational roles for the 2006 reality television series I Pity the Fool .

Segments

Be Somebody consists of many segments, with each delineated by a title caption at the bottom of the screen. These include:

• Shyness – A young girl (Janice Kawaye) asserts herself by using her temper.
• Roots – Mr. T says, "Ya can't know where you're going if ya don't know where you're from" and explains the symbolism of his gold chains.
• Anger – Mr. T tells children to use their anger, not to lose it, but fails to fully employ this when a fly continues to bother him.
• Frustration – Throughout the video, Mr. T tries to play the cello and finally succeeding.
• Styling – Mr. T encourages children to dress up and express themselves.
• Peer Pressure – A group of children on a dock take beer and cigarettes from the garbage, while nearby, Mr. T shakes his head and boy band New Edition sing a song disdaining peer pressure.
• Recouping – When a child trips on the sidewalk, "Dr. T" shows how one can preserve their dignity after an "absoludicrous" mistake by playing it off as a breakdancing move.
• Creating – A group of children breakdancing and encourage Mr. T to try some moves.
• Treat Your Mother Right – Mr. T raps "Treat Your Mother Right", a segment that was widely posted on the Internet between 2005 and 2006.
• Workout – Mr. T encourages lazy children at a bus stop to use a boombox as a free weight and balance a bag of popcorn on their heads.
• I Am Somebody – Mr. T raps "I Am Somebody", as well as offering a few guidelines of rap.
• Friendship – Mr. T gives his definition of "friendship", while a girl sings a song about it.
• Mr. T's Tale – Mr. T tells his version of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and gives a pro-reading message.
• Daydreaming – Mr. T explains how having dreams and goals contributes to success.

References

1. "Buy Somebody". Billboard. December 22, 1984. p. 34.
2. Susan Stewart (October 27, 1984). "Mr T.'s not just foolin'". Wisconsin State Journal.

External links

• Be Somebody... or Be Somebody's Fool! at IMDb
• Be Somebody... or Be Somebody's Fool! at Rotten Tomatoes
• Be Somebody... or Be Somebody's Fool! detailed recap at Agony Booth
• DVD-R Hell: Be Somebody or Be Somebody's Fool episode at thecinemasnob.com