Again Americans are divided! Not on their politics but by their reaction to the “slap” at the Oscar Awards ceremony. It’s so odd that it has its own name now! Regardless, I’ve heard some people say it’s not important. But, if we use this episode as a tool to examine ourselves, it is a good example of how we shouldn’t behave. Doing the work to make ourselves better can use this as a good example. We have probably joked around at another’s expense and we have probably overreacted to an event. We’re only human. Awareness of how inappropriate it is can be helpful.

Remember the old adage “Sticks and stones can break my bones but names can never hurt me.” We know that’s not so true. We know that being called names is emotionally hurtful. It is bullying. One particular type is called “body shaming”. Making fun of someone over their physical defects is never ok. I think that young girls are particularly vulnerable to this type of abuse. I know I was in grade school. It’s something you never forget and are never ok with. So was Chris Rock completely innocent in the slapping episode at the Academy Awards? I think not. He was subtlety throwing words that hurt at Jada Pinkett Smith.

That being said, was Will Smith’s reaction in behalf of his wife appropriate? His inspiration was but his delivery was not. It could have been settled in so many different ways. And not in the moment. It’s always good to hold back, swallow your hurt or anger and settle it when you are calmed down. But, since it happened it public, it’s being tossed around and people are quick to pass blame or to support one side or the other. We are now looking for reactions from both players, kind of like a sports event, we’re rooting for Chris or Will. I just want to say, “Quit it”. Leave them alone to setttle their differences.

This equates to politics too. Do you remember when President Trump made fun of and ridiculed a handicapped reporter? It’s not ok and it reflected negatively on his character. It was a topic of concern for many. It’s body shaming and very hurtful. Chris Rock could have learned a lesson from it. Self deprecating humor toward yourself is ok, but humor aimed at another’s body defect is not.

In the Montana’s governor race in 2018 Governor candidate, Greg Gianforte, who later became governor, body slammed a reporter who pointedly asked a question that caused Gianforte to snap. He knocked the reporter to the floor and broke his glasses. Gianforte was charged with misdeamor assault. He had to pay a fine, do 40 hours of public service, attend an anger management class, wrote an apology letter and donated $50,000 to a Committee to Protect Journalists. I’m sure that he will think twice about physical and hurtful reactions to his frustration and anger in the future.

So, I guess, my point here in Dovetail concerning the “slap” is when analyzing the situation, try to include the inappropriateness of both parties and not to take one side or the other. Also, use this as an opportunity to be better by learning a lesson from the poor behavior many of us witnessed or watched later.