Page 48 - Will Smith: A Biography of a Rapper Turned Movie Star

Will Smith
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On the other hand, there were times when Smith became
very defensive. He told one reporter, “There is a problem in
the black community now with equating stupid with cool
and smart with corny. And for me there is a certain
aggressiveness to my intelligence that I like to keep intact.
And those big hardcore guys think you’re tough because
you’re not smart. Well, let’s fight if you’re so tough. Let’s see
who’s the toughest. Let’s see if your stupidity is tougher than
my intelligence.”11
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air had satisfactory but not
fantastic ratings throughout the 1990–1991 season. Still, it
was renewed for a second year. More episodes would be
created, and bigger things would be in store for both Smith
and the show.