Deb Lemire

By now we have all read something about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscar’s.  Supposedly it was in defense of “his woman’s honor.”  And I am sure many of us have formed opinions on the event, the aftermath and its impact. 

Whatever your opinion, understand we witnessed:

• Toxic masculinity – “violence is how men solve disputes”
• Patriarchy- “my woman needs protected because she can’t take care of herself” (I’m sorry have you met Jada Pinkett Smith?)
• Male Privilege – If a woman had done this, the old “women are too hysterical, too sensitive” trope would no doubt rear its ugly head.  If she had slapped another woman well, folks would have pulled up a chair for the cat fight.
• Gender/Hetero Privilege – if any non-binary, transgender, gay or lesbian person had run up on stage to slap the words out of someone’s mouth it would have served to reinforce the ongoing “don’t say gay or trans” sentiment bombarding our state houses.
• Economic Privilege- folks with money are not hauled out by security for assaulting someone
• Status Privilege-same as above, in fact they get to make an acceptance speech for their prize

Yes I said privilege.  That word is not only attached to “white.”  And while we didn’t witness white privilege, had the man Will Smith slapped been a white man, the immediate aftermath would likely have been very different. No going back to your seat.  No acceptance speech.

The price for this outrageous performance was paid by many, not just Chris Rock.  There have been several thoughtful responses and examinations of this slap that was heard around the world.  But for me the response by Kareem Abdul-Jabar encapsulated the price of that one action. I invite you to read his response here  Will Smith Did a Bad, Bad Thing – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (substack.com)