I know it might seem like a various facts because a lot has been said about Will Smith's reaction to Chris Rock's joke at the Oscars, but even falling into that commonplace mousetrap, I decided to write these lines.
You don't have to agree with my opinion. Just read it.
I write, as a woman, that I observed in Will Smith's extemporaneous reaction an act of machismo, a lack of emotional intelligence, a lack of control over a primary impulse. Why didn't Jada Pinkett Smith herself, the offended one, stand up instead of him?
And instead of a slap, why didn't you use the word to express indignation, for seeing your health condition being a laughing stock? Did the lady need to be rescued by her knight in black suit? Will Smith mixed (bad) fiction with reality.
Aggression should never be the way. Point. Where there is aggression, there is no more communication, whether in the face of a bad joke, or in a family or business environment. Will Smith's reaction set a precedent: violence in response to outrage. But we know better: this is not the way.
I won't talk about the limits of humor or freedom of expression. It will make more sense nowadays to have a humor where you laugh with someone, instead of laughing at them. But the stand up comedy with these contours exists. And only assist whoever wants to. As a curiosity, Chris Rock's schedule was full in the next few days, sessions have sold out and ticket prices have increased. An advantage on the part of the comedian? No doubt. An unhealthy desire of people, equal to the morbid desire to stop and see an accident? Possibly. Will he mention what happened at the Oscars ceremony? We don't know, but there are those who want to find out.
Much has been said about Will Smith, about his reaction, the tears when he took the stage to receive the coveted Oscar. But what about Chris Rock? What did he feel? What did you do? The comedian was the victim, who after a physical assault continued his work. He remained alone on the stage in front of the world (which still grinned, judging it to be a staged act, such was the improbability), in front of a Will Smith who returned to his place after perpetrating the act and still continued in the verbal aggression (without no one to stop it).
Chris Rock could have responded with swearing, opting to walk offstage, offended. And he would be in his right. But he didn't. He showed seriousness, control and above all, a professional demeanor. His joke could even be interpreted in another way. Why not? GI Jane is a strong, independent woman who seeks a place in the world of men, shaves her hair - a symbol of femininity - strives and earns the respect of her mates. Why not look at the joke in that light, empowering Jada Pinkett Smith as a brave woman? The path of negativity wants to triumph.
Aggression should never be the way. Full stop.
I end with the ironic advice of comedian Stephen Colbert, of «The Late Show», on how to react to jokes: «If you really want to hurt a comedian, don't laugh. That hurts a lot more than a punch. I assure you”.
Author: Analita Alves dos Santos is a Mother concerned with environmental issues... and not only
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