A slap that travelled around the world. The world is still abuzz over the Prince of Bel Air’s alteraction with comedian Chris Rock. But if at all, are there lessons to derive from this moment in history that will likely be reminisced forever? Consider these:
Guard Against Being Impulsive
Chris Rock, as a stand-up comedian was in his full right to throw a jibe here and there, all pun-intended. But then, Will Smith reacted in the heat of the moment. After the joke left a bitter taste in his mouth, he walked up to the stage and did an unexpected slap on Chris Rock. That scene stole the entire show and everyone has forgotten about the rest of the Academy Awards. Looks like the memory of the 1997 movie G.I Jane will replace the feted movie, Richard King. This moment could cost Will much. This was his maiden Oscar award it risks being recalled. Worse, cancel culture could reduce him to a skank of Hollywood. A lesson there, whatever the situation is, don’t give in to your whims and act, then regret later.
The Breaking Point of Humans
The marriage between Will Smith and Jada Pinkett has been riddled with rumours and controversy. From the infamous August Alsina ‘entanglement’ gate, to open marriage claims, divorce rumors, the two have made for one of the most talked-about Hollywood couples. If you let the rumor mills tell it, Will Smith has always leaned back to accommodate a cheating partner. Many ridiculed him for being a ‘weakling’ and his memes resonated with helplessness. With this, his reaction to Chris’ joke was nowhere in the cards. He snapped. When did a Will who has always sported a grin become this grumpy? Seemingly, he had had enough of being a doormat and chose to settle his scores.
Creative and Destructive Anger
Anger can be a good emotion if directed toward the constructive instead of the destructive. Some have used it as the impetus for a tipping point (when things turn for the best). With anger, you take it upon yourself to take it no more. That can spark an enough-is-enough moment and turn the tables. Will Smith is a case example of a man who failed at anger management. Anger can be an impetus to something big — some write, others take a life-changing decision, and to some, it opens their creative instincts. Don’t let that anger go away, use it to create something.
On Being Remorseful
In a teary acceptance speech, Will Smith expresses regret in his actions, or justified why he acted impetuously if you will. As he sobbed, he stiffened his lip and talked of living like Richard Williams, who portrayed in his Oscar-winning role. Just like his character in the movie, has been called to “withstand abuse or pretend it’s okay when people disrespect and abuse him.” To some, this was a gesture of soul searching and getting back to his senses.
Being Her Guard of Honor
Protecton is one of those duties bestowed to males in any romantic relationship, at least by society’s standards. Perhaps in some ways, Smith understood this but blew it out of proportion. As he sat on his chair, warning Chris Rock to ‘keep my wife’s name out you your f*cking mouth,’ blow he rained on Rock had already ruined the party. Does Jada deserve the overprotective Will especially if all skeletons in Jada’s closet are to be laid bare? There is the pertinent queston.
Chris’ joke might have left a bad taste in Will’s mouth. Will’s reaction was still far-fetched borders on snapping, apparently under the pressures of harbored anger. Although the party stands ruined, Will Smith will look back at the moment cringe, and regret it.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Sauce as an entity.
