The Oscars which weren’t funny

The Oscars which weren’t funny

4 things to learn from Will Smith and Chris Rock’s altercation

Two comedians on a stage for once did not send everyone into splits of laughter. As the legendary Will Smith walked up to Chris Rock and slapped him across the face the crowd watched in stunned silence. While Chris Rock made a quick come back, in true professional fashion, the viewers knew that this was a moment in time which will forever be etched in the memories of entertainment enthusiasts the world over.

For those who missed the Oscars

Chris Rock’s comedy is an acquired taste. And Will Smith, The Fresh Prince of Bel-air is a true actor and comedian in every sense of the word. Chris who was host and presenter at the 2022 Oscars made what seemed to be a comedic statement aimed at Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith. He cracked a joke about her saying “Jada, we are waiting for G.I. Jane 2.” Movie buffs will remember Demi Moore in the G.I. Jane movie where she shaves off her head and so in essence Chris Rock was cracking a joke at Jada’s baldness. Jada has been very vocal about her struggle with hair loss which is caused due to alopecia. As Jada rolled her eyes, something seemed to roll Will Smith into action. The Men in Black star got off his chair, marched up on the platform and categorically gave the comedian a ‘thappad’ across the face. He walked back to his chair, and in foul language called out the comedian for being disrespectful towards his wife. You could almost say that karma had come to get Will Smith for all the times he had cracked jokes at other people’s expense.

As you read this. Perhaps you are on Will Smith’s side applauding him for defending his lady’s honor or perhaps you are supporting Chris Rock saying “Arrae! C’mon, no need to be so sensitive, yaar!” Whichever side you are on, there are definitely lessons we can learn from this year’s Oscars.

1.Sensitivity and Kindness is of exceptional value

It is being widely speculated that Chris Rock did not know about the conditions surrounding Jada’s baldness. Although she has been very vocal about her struggles on Twitter and on her show Red Table Talk perhaps it would be better to be sensitive despite knowledge or the lack of it. Recently a friend shared with me about how the insensitive comments of another friend regarding his wife’s illness had caused him great grief. We never know what people are going through. One kind word can brighten up a person’s entire day, whereas a foolish, ill aimed joke can cause pain and unnecessary heartache.

2.Humility is not easy

In a bold move since the Oscars fiasco, Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Pictures. He has also issued a public apology to Chris Rock for the way he assaulted him at the Oscars. He called his own actions “shocking, painful and inexcusable” and he has agreed to comply with any extra actions as maybe deemed by the committee of motion pictures. In a nutshell he has stooped lower than anyone expected and in humility he has owned his own mistakes. The Bible says “God opposes everyone who is proud, but he blesses all who are humble with undeserved grace.” So as we consider Will Smith’s actions let us also consider his humility, as well for have we not often needed undeserved grace much like Will?

3.Forgiveness is a process

Ever since the fiasco at the Oscars, Chris Rock has been silent except for the fact that he refused to press charges against Will Smith. The name of his current comedy tour is Ego Death which just about sums up the way he reacted to humiliation. Chris did not seek out revenge but instead chose to address this at his comedy show when he honestly said “I am still trying to process this…” Forgiveness is in fact a process. When our egos are hurt it is very difficult to forgive, instead we resort to even the score. We need to look no further than social media these days, where tit-for tat is the norm, one nasty comment and a hundred others descend. We never take into consideration the feelings of the people who are reading the comments.  Instead of feeding our egos perhaps we might do well to forgive, restore relationships and move on.

4.Violence and anger is never the answer

Will Smith is one of the most celebrated coloured actors of all time. However, his night of honour for receiving the award for ‘Best Actor’ was clouded by his thoughtless violent action. Violence is never the answer to resolve conflict, and violence is often the by product of anger. The Bible says this about anger “when we cultivate the ability to control our anger, we demonstrate true strength and discernment.” To become the best versions of ourselves the best way forward is to control our anger.

So, whenever we remember this year’s Oscar’s and when we read the names of Will Smith or Chris Rock in our tabloids let us make very effort to learn from their mistakes and become better versions of ourselves. For no man is without fault, but we can make every effort to be proactive about making right choices in life.