Opinions on the Slap

Smith's reaction to a joke about his wife, which she found offensive, became a hotbed of diverse opinions. Here are just a few perspectives that emerged:

• Smith should face consequences and lose his award.
• Violence is never justified.
• Rock had it coming; Smith was right to act.
• Some felt Rock deserved a harsher response.
• Others suggested that any real man would have defended his spouse.
• There are claims that this was merely a publicity stunt.
• Some even speculated that Jada encouraged Smith to intervene.

This range of opinions highlights a crucial point: regardless of whether Smith acted or remained passive, public perception would have varied widely. Had he chosen to stay seated while his wife displayed visible discomfort, the narrative might have shifted to:

• Smith is weak for not defending his wife.
• He values his award more than his relationship.
• Kudos to Will for maintaining his composure; I’m sure they resolved it afterward.

No matter his choice, he would have faced scrutiny. This leads to the core lesson: prioritize your desires. Even if Smith later expressed regret or apologized, the principle remains: people will judge you no matter what. Accountability for our actions lies with us, not the audience.

The Donkey Parable

This situation reminds me of an age-old fable about a man, his wife, and a donkey. Each day, they would pass by villagers who consistently criticized their choices:

• On one occasion, the wife rode the donkey while the man walked, leading villagers to mock him.
• The following day, he rode the donkey alone, prompting comments about his selfishness.
• The next day, both rode the donkey, and the villagers condemned them for overburdening the animal.
• Finally, they all walked beside the donkey, at which point the villagers ridiculed them for not utilizing the animal they owned.

This story illustrates a vital truth: whether you act in accordance with your desires or attempt to please others, criticism is inevitable. Thus, pursuing your own happiness becomes paramount. Critics will always have their opinions, as was evident after Rock's joke at the Oscars.

"People are often angry when others do not conform to their expectations," said Paulo Coelho in The Alchemist. This sentiment resonates deeply.

A Personal Anecdote

During my travels in a tropical country, I forgot my hat and faced the scorching sun. I had a small towel meant for wiping sweat, but with thinning hair, I risked sunburn. My options were limited: carry the towel and risk burning, or wear it on my head and appear foolish. The critics in my mind would have commented:

• "Look at him, carrying a towel but refusing to protect his head!"
• "What a sight, wearing a towel like that!"

Ultimately, no matter what I chose, there would be critics. Thus, the best approach is to act according to our values and beliefs. Ideally, these choices should align with what we desire. But one thing remains clear: as long as there are observers, there will be those who judge.

Do What You Want

The only opinions that should genuinely matter are those of the people we love, and perhaps the law, if we wish to avoid trouble. Will Smith technically broke the law that night, but it’s unlikely that this will significantly affect him. He may face repercussions from the Academy, but the multitude of online opinions is something he can largely ignore. Had he remained silent, he would have faced similar criticism.

So, ride your donkey. Share the burden with your partner. Allow it to walk freely. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter who perceives you as foolish because there will always be someone ready to pass judgment.

To Not Care About What Other People Think, Compare Yourself to This Blob of Ink

If you can view yourself as just an ink blot on the page of life, things can become much simpler.

This documentary titled "A Deep Dive Into The Will Smith Slap" explores the intricacies surrounding the infamous Oscars incident and delves into the lessons we can extract from it.

In this reaction video, we gain insight into various perspectives regarding Will Smith's slap of Chris Rock during the Oscars, sparking discussions that continue to resonate.