The show features an educational lesson in each episode, emphasized by Cosby's live-action segments. In addition, at the end of the early episodes, the gang typically gathers in their North Philadelphia junkyard to play a song on their cobbled-together instruments, summarizing the show's lesson.

He didn't need to be taught about it.
The cartoon puts some of the blame on the "Gang". It denigrates the people who just happen to be with him.

That was my problem with it.

It is highly doubtful that Cosby did what he did without anyone in his sphere of influence unaware. They may or may not have materially aided him in his actions, but they most certainly were aware that he was doing it and just the act of remaining silent aided and supported those actions. In that respect there is more blame to attribute than to just Cosby himself.

I liked those cartoons. Tragic to think there was a rapist behind it all.

I used to love The Fat Albert Show.

real life

because plenty of them are out there - and they dont live in a world with the temptations of a private xanadu, just as those needing the role model; likely wont either

and, if one of these more 'ordinary' models should stumble, there are plenty of others to take the place

the problem is the culture of celebrity - not the failing of so called 'role models' like cosby