I would heavily encourage any non-black people reading this to seek out and silently read conversations that black people are having, specifically black women and even more specifically disabled black women.
Yes, there are things we can reflect on, and things that Chris Rock's insulting and violent 'joke' and Will Smith's violent physical and verbal reaction to it can teach us about masculinity. But intersectionality is important- what are black men discussing about their masculinity? What are black women discussing about how they are affected by the two types of violence displayed last night?
This has nothing to do with a joke about Jada's hair. This has everything to do with toxic masculinity and the very real and public cheating and humiliation that Jada put Will through. Jada cheated with their son's friend and what that has very publicly done to the psyche of Will Smith specifically has not been fun to watch. This is basically just a dude in a toxic relationship who decided to act out violently towards others instead of taking things in stride and ending his relationship. This bluster comes from him overreacting and being triggered already. LET ME REPEAT THIS IN THE BACK FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THIS THREAD: VIOLENCE IS NEVER THE ANSWER IF IT CAN BE AVOIDED. Certainly not on national television during the freaking Oscars. And am I supposed to pretend that Smith would have hit anyone that was his size or bigger? You think he would have struck Terri Cruz had he made an offhand joke? The hair comment was literally the LEAST he could have joked about when it came to this famous couple.
Jump in the discussion.
No email address required.
Ummmm sweetie you should really ask permission before invading sacred BLACK spaces and audio-appropriating BLACK voices and bodies
Jump in the discussion.
No email address required.
More options
Context