Carl Otis Winslow of the great sitcom Family Matters defined
the working Dad, having to balance the life threatening work of being a cop
while also raising three kids in Chicago. Yes, we all know that the star of the
show became Urkel with his catch phrase of “Did I do that?” and tons
of crazy hijinx. But those would never been nearly as effective if it weren’t
for Carl Winslow’s constant berating and increasing anger against Urkel.
Mr. Winslow had to protect Laura from the craziness of
Urkel, using intimidation
tactics and often yelling as
Dads are known to do. Much like Dads as well, Mr. Winslow isn’t worried about
his figure as he gorges down donuts (I mean, he is a cop), and enjoys
Harriette’s cooking. Just don’t comment on it like Urkel does by constantly
calling him “Big Guy.” And although most of the time, Mr. Winslow is having to
repair damages Urkel has caused, in classic Dad fashion he eventually develops
a fondness for Urkel.
The ultimate compliment to Mr. Winslow is how we still
remember him today. Much like many of our other classic Dads, Mr. Winslow still
brings nostalgia when discussing TGIF or is used in pop culture references like
Kanye West declaring “you got too many Urkels on your team, that’s why your
wins low.” (Okay that was a stretch but I had to do it). We salute you Mr.
Winslow as we hope we are Dad-like as you when we are dealing with the pesky
neighbor who just won’t leave.
Your other role model when dad was at work :) loved it David.
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