The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Friday its 10-year ban on Will Smith due to slapping Chris Rock at this year’s Oscars ceremony.
Following the ban, fans were quick to point out that even Hollywood predators did not get such a harsh treatment, noting the Academy’s long history of racism. Smith, who gracefully accepted the ban, had previously announced his resignation from the Academy, but now he won’t be able to attend any of its events.
The issue has now turned racial due to Hollywood predators like Kevin Spacey, Woody Allen and James Toback not getting nearly as big a punishment from the Academy due to their wrongdoings. It’s important to note that the aforementioned actors are all caucasian.
One Twitter user summed up the ordeal perfectly, saying Smith has become the face of “they don’t love us, just what we create,” referencing Black public figures who receive praise just as quickly as they do backlash. The overarching theme of the conversation is that the Academy doesn’t ban white, male predators, but doesn’t give a second thought to prohibiting a Black man from attending its events over a slap that he already apologized for twice.
Racist Past Of The Academy
It's no secret that the Academy has a long history of racism against Black actors, with light being shed on the issue in recent years. One of the most recent movements against the Academy due to its racist nature was the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite, which led to many celebrities boycotting the event.
With the ban on Smith, the Academy is clearly trying to make an example out of him, and even though his behavior was uncalled for, there are a lot of people who did not get the same harsh treatment despite doing far worse things. It's unfortunate that the Academy is taking a step backwards in its efforts to become more inclusive by trying to bury a Black actor during one of the worst moments of his career.
