Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Will Smith’s slapping Chris Rock reinforces black stereotypes

Will Smith slaps Chris Rock at the Oscars, causing a variety of reactions. Parts of the public supported Smith in praising his wife’s defense, while others mocked the superstar’s actions.

In response to this, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wrote an opinion piece: “Will Smith Did a Bad, Bad Thing”, slamming Smith’s behavior, arguing that the way he treated Chris Rock contributed to people’s stereotypes of black people.

“He didn’t just slap Rock in the face, he had the effect of inciting violence, demeaning women, insulting the entertainment industry, and deepening stereotypes about the black community,” Jabbar said. Another chance for white supremacists to smear us.”

Related Post: Chris Rock refuses police arrest of Will Smith.

Jabbar writes that Smith has harmed the black community, “one of the main views of those who support racism is ‘black = violence,’ who describe black people as more prone to violence and less able to control their emotions. While Smith gave These people provided the ‘perfect’ picture they could have dreamed of, satisfying their viewing desires.” In this way, many will continue to marginalize African Americans and others through a campaign of voter suppression.

“It’s also damaging to show business, and Smith’s violence is a hidden threat to all comedians who now have to worry that a sharp or insulting joke could be violent.”

In addition, Jabbar argues that Smith’s protection of his wife through violence actually reinforces stereotypes of women and counteracts the suppression of such perceptions. “By slapping Rock, Smith declared that his wife was incapable of defending herself in the face of words.”

“This condescending, fatherly attitude treats women like children and turns them into helpless teenage girls who need a strong man to defend their honor. If he really does it for his wife and not for Prove himself and he might think that the negative attention this brings to them is much harsher than a well-meaning joke.”

Related Post: Oscar host Wanda Sykes: Will Smith’s beating is disgusting, I feel sorry for Chris Rock.