I debated whether to write about the altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock given all the attention that is already in the public domain. Quite frankly when the incident first occurred, I told someone that I understood to a certain extent the reaction from Will Smith. Initially, Will Smith smiled at the joke but after seeing the sadness on his wife Jada’s face, he decided to defend his wife by slapping Chris Rock.
I believe that everyone has a right to defend their position, but you do not have to defend your position using violence. Violence is not the solution to your issues. As Will Smith has said in his apology statement “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive.”
Defend your position in a tactful way
Everybody has an opinion on something and sometimes the opinions vary and there is nothing wrong with that. However, due to the difference in opinions, it can lead to a lot of arguments back and forth. Some arguments have no grounds and base on a lot of hearsay. However, if your position is based on facts and solid information, you can easily win your case. You don’t need to use violence or anything derogatory to defend your position. State your position, use facts and then walk away.
Of course, when it comes to your family and because of the love for your family, you will defend your family at all means. You can defend your family in a tactful way. If someone talks badly about your family, you really don’t have to make a public scene about it nor do you have to fight someone. I find the best approach is to contact the individual privately and iron out the issues. If you are unable to resolve your issues, find a mediator who can assist in resolving the issues. Alternatively, use your platform to talk highly about your family and friends without attacking the other person.
Violence is not the answer
One of the greatest issues we have in the Turks and Caicos Islands and perhaps many other countries is that there is too much violence going on. If we do not watch out, sooner or later, violence will become part of our culture.
There is so much violence in the home. Partners are abusing their partners and unfortunately some of these partners remain in these toxic relationships saying they love their partners. I don’t understand how you can love someone who abuse you. I believe being abused by someone will affect you mentally and no one deserves to be treated like that.
There is violence in the community. People are taking matters into their own hands and are doing so through violence. As a result, this creates a lot of fear among the community especially when there seems no be resolution to the violence.
When we defend any position using violence, we are basically setting a trend for others to follow. Does anything good come from violence?
Conclusion
I know there are many women who are proud of what Will Smith did but what if a woman had made the same statements about Jada Smith and Will went on the stage to slap that woman, would your opinions differ. Perhaps, your opinion may change because we do not believe a man should slap a woman, but it shouldn’t matter whether you are a man or woman, violence is not the answer.
Will Smith realized he made a mistake for his assault and apologized for his actions yet many of us have endorsed his actions.
Are we saying that it is ok then for the violence that is taking place in our homes and community? Let us be careful what we endorse and promote and it should not matter whether you are a celebrity or an ordinary person.