The Oscars is a highly anticipated event in Hollywood. It is a celebration of the great performances of individuals. However, the 94th Oscars held on March 22nd will be remembered more for the “Slap heard around the world”. Here are some lessons to learn from the 2022 ‘Will slap’ Oscars.
The Incidence of the Slap
Comedian Chris Rock made a G.I. Jane joke about Jada Pinkett Smith – Will Smith’s wife. The joke was a reference to her shaved head. Now, Jada has a medical condition called alopecia areata, which causes hair loss.
Reacting in anger, Will Smith walked up to the stage and slapped Chris Rock over the face.
Interestingly, Will Smith went back to that same stage some moments later to accept the Best Actor Award. After the event, he later apologized to Chris Rock. In addition, Smith resigned his membership from the Academy.
Consequences of the slap – Will Smith’s Oscar ban
On Friday, 8th April 2022, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released a statement. Essentially, it announced Will Smith’s ban from the Oscars for a period of 10 years. His slap of Chris Rock at the award show was described as “unprecedented”. Furthermore, Will Smith will not be allowed to attend the ceremony for a decade.
Lessons to learn from the 2022 “Will slap” Oscars
The purpose of this write up is not to justify Rock or Smith’s actions. Rather, it takes a look at the various lessons to learn from the incident.
Actions have consequences
The reactions to Chris Rock’s comments vary. Actions – including speeches – may have consequences. Although, the consequence here may have been over the line, the lesson of careful speech may still apply.
Will Smith may have resigned his membership from the Academy. However, the Academy added a 10-year ban of the high-profile celebrity. Now that is a strong message and a heavy consequence for Smith. Smith may have confessed his wrong actions but he still has to face the results of his behavior.
Being slow to anger is still a virtue
Being able to maintain your composure under extraordinary circumstances can be its own reward. Chris Rock was able to garner so much social goodwill for being able to maintain his poise during the telecast. Moreover, not only did he retain his composure, he placated Smith right after the slap.
Acknowledge people for their actions and thank them
The Academy thanked Chris Rock in their statement. Surely, things could not have gone so smoothly if Chris had not continued giving out the awards after the incident.
Stop the birds from nesting
Billy graham once said that while one cannot stop the birds from flying over one’s head, they can stop them from nesting in their hair. In other words, while we cannot always prevent angry feelings, we can try to control how we act upon that feeling.
Simply put, Will Smith overreacted and allowed Rock’s speech to determine his behavior. When we let anger overwhelm us and control our actions or behavior, a lot of things may happen. It can fracture relationships and create workplace tension.
Go back and apologize
Will Smith gave out apologies. The Academy gave out apologies. It can be a smart move to go back and apologize about previous decisions and actions. Usually, an apology is the first step in the right direction.
Increasing societal violence
This incident may not reflect just the violence as seen in Hollywood movies. It is also a reflection of the violence in society. For instance, the many incidences of cyber bullying and hate speech on social media show the feelings of anger and reactions of violence in society.
A major positive
Interestingly, a lot of people with alopecia feel empowered by Pinkett Smith being able to attend a high-profiled event like the Oscars. Furthermore, she is able to set a precedent that discourages the harassment of other people for their looks. However, this is not saying that Chris Rock intentionally set out to harass Pinkett Smith.
In other words, awareness has been raised for up to 147 million people living with alopecia. They have more support and this is a huge step in fighting the stigma against shaved hair.
Summing it up
It may not be easy to maintain composure at all times. Will Smith may have been undergoing a lot at that time. However, he may have learnt a few things from that incident. We too can pick some lessons to learn from the 2022 ‘Will Slap’ Oscars.
