I’m sure you have all seen at least a photo of the incident from the Oscars. In case you missed it, Chris Rock attempted to make a joke directed at Will Smith’s wife, Jade Pinkett Smith, referencing her shaved head. Mrs Smith has been very open about her struggles with a form of alopecia, which causes hair loss. When Will Smith got up on the stage, he slapped Chris Rock across the face, accompanied by some colourful language. Why am I writing a post on this? I think there are some valuable lessons we can learn from what has become an infamous and distasteful incident.
Jokes That Make Fun of Others are Not Elegant
I was always taught not to make a joke at someone else’s expense. Sadly, this once common kindness seems to have been largely lost. Chris Rock could have chosen to give a compliment or a simple greeting instead of trying to be funny. The Oscars are meant to be a grand event, known for the glamourous outfits and sophisticated occasion. Yes, Chris Rock is a comedian but a crude joke made at the expense of someone’s misfortune is inelegant in any setting and especially shocking at such an occasion.
Insults Do Not Justify Violence
To make fun of someone’s illness certainly falls under bad manners but to respond with violence shows an equal lack of class. Will Smith could have expressed his feelings about the comment in private, instead of the very inelegant manner he chose to deal with it. I’m sure as a parent, you constantly tell your children to use their words instead of lashing out, yet we sadly see the deterioration of societal manners displayed by a grown man hitting another in a highly televised incident at what is supposed to be a grand affair attended by the elite in society. I like Will Smith as an actor – he is very talented and I have enjoyed the many movies he has starred in. However, such an incident certainly mars someone’s otherwise good reputation.
Clothes Do Not Make You Automatically Elegant
I really like the quote pictured above. When we think of elegance, we often think of well dressed people at fancy high teas or luxurious restaurants. While dressing well is part of elegance, it is so much more than that. Some of the best dressed people in the world are not what you consider elegant – constantly gossiping, bickering and creating drama. The Oscars is filled with people dressed in expensive suits and bespoke dresses. Our two subjects were both dressed immaculately for the occasion. Yet their behaviour was more akin to children on a playground than a grand event. Their clothes certainly did not make them classy. When we want to elevate ourselves, we must make sure we are not just improving our appearance. Otherwise we will garner an unwanted reputation, regardless of how beautifully dressed we are. I will leave you with one last quote:
For more on this topic, please read some of my other posts, such as this one.
