Ten reasons Bill Cosby fans are affected by his sex abuse trial

Bill+Cosby+arrives+at+court+to+face+a+felony+charge+of+aggravated+indecent+assault++Wednesday%2C+Dec.+30%2C+2015%2C+in+Elkins+Park%2C+Pa.+Cosby+was+charged+Wednesday+with+drugging+and+sexually+assaulting+a+woman+at+his+home+12+years+ago.+%28AP+Photo%2FMatt+Rourke%29

AP

Bill Cosby arrives at court to face a felony charge of aggravated indecent assault Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015, in Elkins Park, Pa. Cosby was charged Wednesday with drugging and sexually assaulting a woman at his home 12 years ago. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Mikaela Mosley, Staff Writer

The accusations of Bill Cosby drugging and raping over 50 women and recently being arrested, charged with aggravated sexual assault, have soiled the comedians career and have sullied the hearts of his many fans. It is hard to fathom how an American icon that was so beloved and successful could actually be guilty of the things he is accused of. Here are the top ten reasons you are affected by the Bill Cosby cases and aren’t even aware that you are:

1. You grew up watching the comedian/actor on your TV screen
Let’s be real, Cosby had to be one of the most famous comedians and actors. And let’s not forget he was America’s dad on the Cosby Show!

2. He created “Little Bill” and “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids”
Though Fat Albert may have been before your time, you grew up watching the Nick Jr. show [Little Bill] and it was based in Philadelphia!

3. He’s a Philadelphian Native
He was a much-loved success that was born in and raised by the city of Philadelphia.

4. Bill Cosby Scholarship
He believed educating the youth was a major priority. The Bill Cosby scholarship was made to support people who needed financial aid to get into college.

5. He donated to many colleges and universities
Bill Cosby was an advocate for many colleges and universities, including Philadelphia’s very own Temple University, where he was a school trustee.

6. He was one among few African American comedians/actors who were on television
Cosby was an inspiration for many African Americans to follow their dreams and was one of the first African Americans to appear regularly on television.

7. He helped form a new style of entertainment
Cosby had an original way of making people laugh. His form of clean entertainment is still seen on television today in many well-known comedians like Steve Harvey.

8. His role in the Cosby Show changed the perception of African Americans
Blacks were often shown as inferior to whites on television shows as they played roles like maids, servants, and clowns. The show broke those stereotypical roles by revolving around an upper middle class African American family.

9. He is a self-made man
Cosby, who grew up in the less affluent areas of Philadelphia, suffered financial issues and dropped out of college to pursue his career.

10. Betrayal of Trust
You put faith in Bill Cosby and believed you could always count on his integrity. You were proud of the star raised by Philadelphia!