I see in Frasier Crane a compelling characterisation of a self-improving man born to modest circumstance who identified (consciously) personal goals and set about to achieve them. Having done so (in the main), he enjoys life and demonstrates a generous spirit, willing to help others and think the best of people.

He is a flawed character, and all the better for it. He is not portrayed as a holier-than-thou saint, but often faces real-world dilemmas and occasionally succumbs to self-interest over his ideas, but he is always conflicted afterwards.

My friends see a pompous ass whose elitism stems first and foremost from his personal preferences. Should he prefer sherry to Miller Lite, he is full of himself. Should he disprefer the aesthetics of a ratty lounge chair held together with duct tape he’s an elitist. Should he make a joke that falls flat for referencing books or plays others have not seen, he isn’t simply making a mistake but being pretentious.

This rank hostility becomes truly troubling when they turn and deify Al Bundy as a far preferable social companion. My few memories of the show “Married… with Children” are the Al Bundy is a caricature of venality, base motivations and represents a negative stereotype of the working class. In its way the characterisation of Al Bundy seems far more “classist” than the example of Frasier, who’s father was, after all, a police officer.

Any ideas?