I’ve been studying the fallout from the Will Smith and Chris Rock incident.
It’s like a Rorschach test.
Do you know what a Rorschach test is?
It’s where psychiatrists show patients random inkblots on paper and then ask them what they see. And the responses are supposed to be very insightful into the psyche of that person.
That’s what this incident between Will and Chris Rock is.
I see a 100 different positions and points and takes. And they are all very very real.
Some people see one very particular thing and another person sees something TOTALLY different.
1. I see friends of mine calling Will Smith a coward and calling his slap against Chris Rock a cheap shot that Chris never could’ve expected.
2. I see friends of mine hailing Will Smith as courageous and celebrating him stepping up to defend his wife.
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1. I see people saying this is exactly how we should protect Black women.
2. And I see people saying this is precisely the wrong way, the worst possible way, to protect Black women.
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1. I see people saying Chris HAD to know that Jada has alopecia.
2. I see people who spoke to Chris who said he had no idea whatsoever and thought it was just a new haircut she liked.
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1. I see people saying how proud they are of Will.
2. I see people saying how deeply disappointed they are in Will.
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That’s what I mean by a Rorschach test. Good people, smart people, informed people are all seeing WILDLY different things in this situation.
And here’s what I know… you can offer a truly smart opinion, a well-meaning one, and easily leave 99 important thoughts and ideas out - and make it seem like you haven’t thought it all through.
This thing is about.
1. Power
2. Fame
3. Masculinity
4. Jokes
5. Violence
6. Marriage
7. Shame
8. Boundaries
9. Trauma
10. Health
11. Race
12. Class
13. Policing
14. Television
15. Security
16. Insults
17. Limits
18. Celebrity
And sooooooooo much more. So much.
I think we will be talking about this thing for the rest of our lives. I truly do.
It’s that big. And that complex.
