Actor Will Smith certainly gave the Oscars a ratings boost with his reaction to Chris Rock's monologue last week. I don't really care about watching Hollywood prima donnas giving themselves awards, but just about everyone has heard about the recent Oscar kerfuffle.
In the old days, the Oscars garnered 50 million viewers. But for many reasons, over the years, viewership has dropped 80 percent to around 10 million. Last week's ceremony was also poorly watched, that is until emcee, Chris Rock made a joke. He joked that Jada Pinkett Smith could make another "G.I. Jane" movie—a movie in which Demi Moore sported a shaved head. Pinkett Smith, Will Smith's wife, happens to be stunning with no hair. However her decision to shave her head stems from the fact she has alopecia, a scalp condition. But who knew? There are many photos of her with long beautiful locks.
Anyway, next thing you know the "Independence Day" actor was up on the stage slapping Rock across the face and yelling obscenities at him (after first laughing at the joke). Ask any 100 people what they think and you'll get 100 different takes. Was Smith in the right? Or, should he have been arrested?
Once social media got a hold of the action, viewership jumped by 3.7 million. Apparently, this is what we want to see! The constant coverage of a war in Ukraine isn't enough degradation for the American public. This episode of the Oscars was Christmas in March for those who adore conflict. Your faithful blog writer does know One Thing For Sure: This whole deal is not about conflict, it is about OFFENSE. We are a country of offended people. One beloved comedian commented, "We have to de-fund the humor police." Even easy-going Jerry Seinfeld won't do stand-up comedy in some venues because "You can't make a joke where someone isn't offended."
Meanwhile, in a new survey of 1,000 Americans, 63 percent said they expect to watch next year's Oscars because of the Will Smith and Chris Rock feud.
OK. Here's my idea of an award show: I'd like to give a trophy to the guy who gives his heart and soul to helping someone get his life back after 20 years in prison. I'd like to see a trophy go to the tired pastor who holds hands at midnight with the sobbing mother of a child killed in the street. I'd like a trophy to go to "Best Dad In The Neighborhood," and "Best Mom Who Never Has To Use Words Written By Someone Else To Comfort Her Child."
Forgive me. No doubt I am guilty too. I admit I am offended by the lack of grace exhibited by someone who makes upwards of $30 million per year and then literally cries tears about the "difficulty" of his life in defense of his violent actions. I am also very sad that a portion of the American public loves to watch their idols make fools of themselves so they can share it with others over four media platforms. Yes, I may be offended, but I won't be slapping anybody.
Nancy
