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: 34. December 22, 1984.
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