By Vincent L. Hall
Will Smith was wrong. On a Monday, a Thursday, or a star-studded Sunday night, Willard Carroll Smith II was as wrong as two left shoes on a knock-kneed mannequin.
We’re still waiting for an official opinion from David Chapelle. Dave replaced the late George Carlin for critical-thinking social commentaries. Both comedians are as thorough as they are brutal.
This week’s column was already in distress. There were two competing stories on my desk. The primary story involved Supreme Court “Injustice Clearance Thomas” and the political shenanigans of his Trump-supporting wife, Ginni. The other contending narrative involved the local buzz about a “snitch” who just returned home.
For the record and clarity, anyone can report a crime they witnessed. That’s what keeps the streets safe. However, you’re a snitch when you turn evidence on an accomplice to your crimes for a price. My daddy said that nothing is worse than a snitch!
Anyway! Chris Rock said something that got him in a sea of trouble, and the ripple just kept rolling. Being named the host of any part of the 94th Academy Awards Oscar presentations is an honor and privilege. But being slapped in real-time erases any glamour or dignity that comes with the title.
USA Today rushed to produce a summation of the one-round event.
“The shock was still wearing off for celebrities when they arrived at the Governors Ball after the Oscars.
Attendees were buzzing inside the Ray Dolby Theater at the Oscars after-party Sunday night, processing their emotions following the 94th annual Academy Awards. During a night of historic wins and emotional speeches, things took a turn when partway through the evening, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock after the co-median made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia, and her bald head.
Smith later went on to win best actor for his role as Venus and Serena Williams’ father Richard in the best picture-nominated film “King Richard.” Smith in his speech addressed being a “protector” and “defender,” and he apologized to the Academy, which released a statement denouncing “violence of any form.”
After Smith skipped the press room at the show – where winners usually swing by to discuss their awards – neither he nor Pinkett Smith attended the Governors Ball, instead opting to attend the Vanity Fair Oscar party, flanked by children the couple’s children Willow, Jaden and his son Trey.”
Comedy has traditionally been given a long leash in this country. The best comics, like Richard Pryor and George Carlin, continually pushed the envelope. Pryor pushed it on American racism. Pryor’s classic during his album “Bicentennial Nigger” and a multitude of monologues.
Conversely Carlin attacked everything from traditional wisdom to “dumb middle income Americans” who follow anything the “establishment tells them.”
“They want OBEDIENT WORKERS. OBEDIENT WORKERS. People who are just smart enough to run the machines and do the paperwork and just dumb enough to passively accept all these increasingly “shr” jobs with the lower pay, the longer hours, the reduced benefits. The end of overtime and the vanishing pension that disappears the minute you go to collect it.”
Chris Rock’s joke bordered on distasteful but did not warrant that level of response from Will. Will took advantage of Rock’s persona as the “skinny nerd” type for granted. Had that same joke been delivered by a much meatier Corey Holcomb, Smith would have remained in his seat.
Will recreated the Mandingo fight scene from “Django” before an international audience who loves to see two “bucks” in the ring. Will had several options. He could have ignored Rock. He could have heckled Rock from his seat. Hell, he could have driven up to Rock’s Ferrari while sitting in his Lamborghini and roiled him unmercifully.
Now I get the whole bit about fighting for Jada’s honor. Will was gallant.
However, this couple have been scourged in the media throughout their otherwise illustrious acting careers. And if you gonna fight somebody at the Oscars, fight about its track record of persistent racism and repression. No joke about your wife is not worthy of mortal combat!
But mama’s rule was simple. Don’t put your hands on nobody unless they put their hands on you. Period. Blank. The End. Mama says Will Smith was wrong!
The Oscar for “Best recovery after contemplating whipping someone’s ass during an award show” goes to Chris Rock!
Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and an award-winning columnist.
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