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Will Smith, Masculinity, and Healthy Relationships
By Daiem Mohammed
(Daiem is a journalist with the Focus Media Art Centre)
4GetAboutIt TV hosts Saima Islam and Humaira Rahman discuss actor Will Smith’s controversial moment at the 2022 Oscars.
4GetAboutIt TV is a talk show that is hosted and produced by Regent Park youth involved with the Focus Media Arts Centre.
In this episode of 4GetAboutIt TV, our hosts Saima Islam and Humaira Rahman, discuss the 2022 Oscars ceremony, and more specifically, the controversy surrounding Will Smith’s slap of Chris Rock. Yes, you heard that right, Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock on live broadcast television during what is arguably the most prestigious western awards ceremony.
Obviously, this sent shockwaves throughout the internet, and so it’s no surprise that this was the topic of 4GetAboutIt TV, a show that is constantly on the pulse when it comes to entertainment and the Regent Park viewing audience.
The episode begins with a quick recap of the events from the Oscars, and we move into Humaira’s thoughts, as she and Saima both agree that Smith’s actions were unnecessary.
This extends to a greater conversation around masculinity, and what exactly the man's “place” in a relationship is. The gender identity that defines manhood has been heavily criticized in recent decades for its toxic and destructive results, which often come to fruition after years and years of aggressiveness, confrontation, and emotional unavailability.
In recent months, Will Smith has been the butt of many jokes, as he is perceived to be less dominant in his relationship with his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith. While Smith has been marred his whole career due to a lack of traditionally masculine characteristics (especially in his music), Humaira and Saima put a spin on the conversation, rather than defending Smith and claiming that his leanings towards tenderness are wrong, they discuss why we consider that a negative to begin with.
In this episode, not only will you laugh and empathize with the hosts, you will also be challenged. If traditional masculinity is so toxic, then shouldn’t we not shame men who don’t fit the mold?
For a more in depth discussion from our hosts, click the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyymupYXC84
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FOCUS Media Arts Centre (FOCUS) is a not-for-profit organization that was established in 1990 to counter negative media stereotypes of low income communities and provide relevant information to residents living in the Regent Park area and surrounding communities.
We seek to empower marginalized individuals and under represented communities to have a voice, through the use of professional training, mentorships and participatory based media practices that enable the sharing of stories, experiences and perspectives on relevant matters and issues. In brief our mandate is to empower marginalized individuals and under-serviced communities to have a voice and tell their own stories.
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