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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsKareem Abdul-Jabbar: Will Smith Did a Bad, Bad Thing
https://kareem.substack.com/p/will-smith-did-a-bad-bad-thing?s=r&fbclid=IwAR3agXcngT9VPSmzdO-wGQCcje67ZjGfpdWa_tKM9-sdUtRh-OGMEgqDploAn interesting take from Kareem
Thats a lot to unpack. Lets start with the facts: Rock made a reference to Smiths wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, as looking like Demi Moore in GI Jane, in which Moore had shaved her head. Jada Pinkett Smith suffers from alopecia, which causes hair loss. Ok, I can see where the Smiths might not have found that joke funny. But Hollywood awards shows are traditionally a venue where much worse things have been said about celebrities as a means of downplaying the fact that its basically a gathering of multimillionaires giving each other awards to boost business so they can make even more money.
The Smiths could have reacted by politely laughing along with the joke or by glowering angrily at Rock. Instead, Smith felt the need to get up in front of his industry peers and millions of people around the world, hit another man, then return to his seat to bellow: Keep my wife's name out of your fucking mouth. Twice.
Some have romanticized Smiths actions as that of a loving husband defending his wife. Comedian Tiffany Haddish, who starred in the movie Girls Trip with Pinkett Smith, praised Smiths actions: [F]or me, it was the most beautiful thing Ive ever seen because it made me believe that there are still men out there that love and care about their women, their wives.
I will add, I think Chris Rock crossed the line, as well.
Much more at link
demmiblue
(36,841 posts)Actually, it was the opposite. Smiths slap was also a slap to women. If Rock had physically attacked Pinkett Smith, Smiths intervention would have been welcome. Or if hed remained in his seat and yelled his post-slap threat, that would have been unnecessary, but understandable. But by hitting Rock, he announced that his wife was incapable of defending herselfagainst words. From everything Id seen of Pinkett Smith over the years, shes a very capable, tough, smart woman who can single-handedly take on a lame joke at the Academy Awards show.
This patronizing, paternal attitude infantilizes women and reduces them to helpless damsels needing a Big Strong Man to defend their honor least they swoon from the vapors. If he was really doing it for his wife, and not his own need to prove himself, he might have thought about the negative attention this brought on them, much harsher than the benign joke. That would have been truly defending and respecting her. This women need men to defend them is the same justification currently being proclaimed by conservatives passing laws to restrict abortion and the LGBTQ+ community.
Worse than the slap was Smiths tearful, self-serving acceptance speech in which he rambled on about all the women in the movie King Richard that hes protected. Those who protect dont brag about it in front of 15 million people. They just do it and shut up. You dont do it as a movie promotion claiming how youre like the character you just won an award portraying. But, of course, the speech was about justifying his violence. Apparently, so many people need Smiths protection that occasionally it gets too much and someone needs to be smacked.
Well stated!
geardaddy
(24,926 posts)As a man, I can understand Smith's anger at Rock making fun of Jada's condition, and I can even imagine feeling angry enough to slap him, but that would make it about me.
Treefrog
(4,170 posts)Jada Pinkett can protect herself.
I agree his sniveling speech made it even worse.
eissa
(4,238 posts)I tried articulating the same thing when debating those who defended Smith's violence, but Kareem said it far better than I could.
yardwork
(61,595 posts)Cracklin Charlie
(12,904 posts)But, Kareem is right. I wont weigh in on the whole issue about stereotyping the black community, because I think race, in this instance, is unimportant. My feeling would have been the same had both men been white, or Asian, or if they were of different races.
While Mr. Rock shouldnt have said what he did, Mr. Smith should have discussed this with Mr. Rock at an appropriate time and place. Mr. Rock could have apologized to Ms. Pickett-Smith properly, and those involved could achieve some sort of closure. The whole incident should leave both men embarrassed by their actions.
robbob
(3,527 posts)is used by racist right wingers to reinforce negative stereotypes. I think he mentions Foxs Pirro (sp?) saying this is the Oscars, not the hood in her commentary.
You and I dont see it as a racial thing, because were not racists. But, to Kareems point, a lot of middle America might see it that way.
Cracklin Charlie
(12,904 posts)But then, Kareem is always right.
I really hope those involved are able to work their way through this. They seem to have handled it pretty well, so far.
Hugh_Lebowski
(33,643 posts)And I'm not sure I believe it wasn't all staged quite frankly.
BlackSkimmer
(51,308 posts)He truly looked stunned, even hurt.
I admire him for how he continued on.
Hes got material for years now at any rate.
Johnny2X2X
(19,043 posts)As soon as this happened, I thought of Kareem because I know he'd have a thoughtful take on it that considered every aspect.
Kareem is a must read, he hits the mark nearly every time.
(and Wil Wheaton's about Clarence Thomas) was the only one I responded to.
Jm7603
(165 posts)A significant portion of this country, including some people I have agreed with on other issues in the past, are apparently good with violence in response to a joke. Possibly a bad and insensitive joke, but a joke. I've seen several posts giving the impression or directly stating "I would have done the same thing"! If feeling disrespected or getting a "sad" from a joke is thought to be sufficient to provoke a violent attack how can we ever condemn Nazis in Charlottesville or J6 insurrectionists for violence when they (wrongly) thought their country was being stolen from them? If a feeling of disrespect or a sad are the criteria to approve of violence we are in real trouble. I understand the levels of violence are different, but the violence was just as wrong here. Will Smith was wrong. We can't split hairs and say it was just a slap or just a punch. There was no excuse for this reaction to a joke.
pamela
(3,469 posts)Thats what right-wingers do all the time, try to excuse abhorrent behavior by claiming the moral high ground.
Will didnt defend Jada. He didnt prevent Chris from telling the joke. The slap didnt reverse time so that no one heard the joke. In fact, his actions assured that the joke would we be heard by millions of people who would otherwise not have heard it. He also didnt prevent others from making jokes about Jada and, instead, pretty much assured that she will be the butt of more jokes.
The slap was revenge, not defense. I would respect him more if he just admitted that he was pissed and wanted vengeance rather than trying to turn it into some almighty protector of women bullshit.
geardaddy
(24,926 posts)And it was revenge for more than just the Rock joke, it was also revenge for the earlier joke by the female comedian that made light of the Smith's open marriage. Will has been the butt of stupid jokes since it became known his wife had a boyfriend. Their unconventional marriage is none of our business, but it's made Will a target which I am sure gave him a complex about this all. If he had just slapped Rock and then didn't win an Oscar it wouldn't be as clear, but his speech there was of a man who'd been beaten down by extended ridicule. I thought his acceptance speech was self serving and pathetic, but it also showed how hurt he's been by the constant jokes about his manhood. He wasn't protecting anyone but himself and his ego.
BlackSkimmer
(51,308 posts)Theyve put it all out there for everyone to see.
Just bizarre.
uponit7771
(90,335 posts)... enabling him with bullshit excuses
fightforfreedom
(4,913 posts)kimbutgar
(21,130 posts)As a teacher I always advocate for kids to talk it out instead of physically hurting someone.
I lost any respect I had for Will Smith.
MenloParque
(512 posts)I dont need any man defending me over stupid words. The moment Will Smith lost control and engaged in toxic masculine bullshit, I lost all respect for Will Smith.
BlackSkimmer
(51,308 posts)jcgoldie
(11,631 posts)This reminds me of an incident a month or so ago that received quite a bit less attention when Jawon Howard, Michigan basketball head coach, similarly lost his temper and slapped a Wisconsin coach in the postgame handshake line. The debate about who was right or wrong or whether the actions of either party were appropriate is over as soon as you decide to take a swing and escalate a verbal argument into a physical confrontation. If Will Smith felt so emotionally overwhelmed that he had to leave his seat and respond immediately to Rock's joke and say his piece that would be one thing and still debatable. But the reaction with violence was just completely uncalled for and there is no place for it at the Oscars or anywhere else.
eissa
(4,238 posts)Last edited Wed Mar 30, 2022, 11:32 AM - Edit history (1)
His insights and analysis of this mess are so spot-on. He's such a national treasure.
roamer65
(36,745 posts)I respect Kareem a LOT. Hes a legend.
Good man with a good heart.
and he was great in the movie Airplane!
geardaddy
(24,926 posts)Thanks for pointing out the typo! Fixed!
DemocratSinceBirth
(99,710 posts)As a sports aficionado I love Cap but he hit a fellow basketball player in the jaw, broke his own hand in the process, and got a fined for what at the time was a record sum. Almost anybody will snap given the right stimuli. Doesn't make it right. I like the way he ended his essay:Smith has been punished enough and it's time to move on.
uponit7771
(90,335 posts)... and all the kids at a mostly black school are idolizing Smith while some teachers have to RETEACH that battery will get them shot in certain neighborhoods were guns are prolific
DemocratSinceBirth
(99,710 posts)I know it's a culturally sensitive issue but violence should only be used as the very, very... last resort. I said to my friend spanking a child for something he did wrong is akin to me hitting another adult for something he did wrong. Smith acted in the heat of passion, thank God it wasn't worse. He shouldn't be idolized for what he did. He regrets it. I just think we should move on.
uponit7771
(90,335 posts)Goodheart
(5,321 posts)A brilliant and talented man.
BlackSkimmer
(51,308 posts)uponit7771
(90,335 posts)PufPuf23
(8,767 posts)Snackshack
(2,541 posts)Thats a bad take on what happened. I dont know if Rock knew about Mrs. Smiths condition
hard to think he didnt know but if he did or did not that really does not matter.
The hosts of these shows routinely say very edgy sometimes hurtful things. Ricky Gervais said stuff that got him not invited back if memory serves me right.
Smith and his wife should have got up and left or as the article mentions sat there and glared at Rock disapprovingly. Smith should not have got up went on stage and slapped Rock in front of the entire world. The article spells out the numerous reasons as to why Smith was out of line and he should be held accountable.
uponit7771
(90,335 posts)... much of an insult.
I have aphasia from an accident but if someone told me after my voice change I sounded like Morgan Freeman I wouldn't slap the shit out of them.
Also there are too many people who want to gas light and ignore the fact Smith laughed at the GI Jane Joke
Dan
(3,550 posts)It is obvious that Will Smith loves his wife!
uponit7771
(90,335 posts)Evolve Dammit
(16,723 posts)Raster
(20,998 posts)During the 17 seconds it took for him to get up, walk on stage and than slap Rock*, Smith*, who is definitely a PLAYER in the Hollywood game, was appraising how much mileage he might get out of the slap and also appraising how best to deal with the blowback: just protecting my wife, blah, blah, blah.
And isn't Smith* supposedly a 10th level Jedi in Scientology? They supposedly have much better control over their emotions.
uponit7771
(90,335 posts)... in various matters.
BTW .. WS isn't a scientologist and CR didn't apologize either ... those things are going around FB
Snackshack
(2,541 posts)The article by Kareem linked in the OPs post is by far the best most thoughtful piece I have read yet on this incident. He captured the true wide ranging impact this will have.
I wonder as Kathy Griffin Tweeted how long will it be before we see another comedian assaulted in a copy cat act by some audience member at a show.
llashram
(6,265 posts)of the matter is he has presented an unacceptable stereotype of African-Americans. Especially those who hate and fear African-Americans already. As violent self-hating, American racism 1619-present did a job there, individuals. No excuse.
ChazII
(6,204 posts)As fas as I know she is the only one we have not heard from yet.
LexVegas
(6,059 posts)catsudon
(839 posts)that tupac was in on it too...... wow
progressoid
(49,983 posts)ChazII
(6,204 posts)gldstwmn
(4,575 posts)Quixote1818
(28,929 posts)BlackSkimmer
(51,308 posts)The Revolution
(766 posts)I don't really understand why people want to hold up the Oscars or any similar awards show as some really prestigious thing. But in any case, Smith's actions completely overshadowed his award win, and his own career will likely suffer as a result.
tirebiter
(2,536 posts)Thats how this is being treated. Too establishment? Its something I have worked 30 years to accomplish. Thems union rules.
geardaddy
(24,926 posts)Thanks and solidarity!