Chapter 1: Understanding Reactions

Recently, I didn't catch the Oscars on television, but the following day, the buzz around it reached me. I was taken aback. I have always admired Will Smith and resonated with his philosophy of being a “vessel for love.” His words, such as, “Throughout life, people will frustrate you, disrespect you, and treat you poorly. Allow God to address their actions because harboring hate will only consume you,” have always struck a chord with me.

Yet, he then went and slapped Chris Rock over a joke. How contradictory! A “vessel for love”? It seems like a facade. Will Smith appears to be just another individual masquerading as someone he’s not, seemingly trying to market a book!

To add insult to injury, he initially laughed at the joke until he noticed his wife's reaction. This incident only reinforces the notion that Hollywood is rife with hypocrisy. I found myself drafting an article criticizing the absurdity of it all. It's frustrating how people preach one thing and then act in stark contrast!

I understand that if you’re Jada, the joke might not have been amusing. But a disapproving look seems far more fitting than resorting to violence. Responding to a comedian with a slap diminishes your credibility entirely, in my view.

My article was turning out well; I felt justified in my scathing critique of Smith. Then, I came across a story shared by Stephen Covey, titled "The Man on the Subway" from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

“I experienced a small paradigm shift one Sunday morning while riding a subway in New York. Passengers were quietly reading newspapers, lost in thought, or resting with their eyes closed, creating a serene environment. Suddenly, a man with his loud children boarded the car, instantly disrupting the calm.

The man sat beside me, seemingly unaware of the chaos his children were causing. They were yelling, tossing items, and even grabbing newspapers from fellow passengers. It was frustrating. How could he remain so indifferent while his children ran amok? Others around us shared my irritation. Finally, I mustered the patience to address him, saying, ‘Sir, your children are really bothering everyone. Could you please manage them a bit better?’

He looked at me as if he was just waking up to the situation and replied softly, ‘You’re right. I should do something. We just left the hospital after their mother passed away about an hour ago. I guess we’re all struggling to process it.’

At that moment, my perspective shifted. I saw things in a new light, which changed my thoughts, feelings, and actions. My irritation melted away, replaced by sympathy and compassion. ‘Your wife has passed? I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do to assist you?’ Everything transformed in an instant.”

Perspective is truly everything.

Does this justify Will's actions? Absolutely not. But I also don’t have the full context of what led to that moment. Similarly, in Stephen’s subway story, should the children be allowed to disrupt the peace? No, certainly not. Yet understanding the father's situation ignited my compassion instead of anger.

As for the Will Smith and Chris Rock incident? Society has grown overly sensitive and politically correct. It seems people can no longer handle a joke without taking offense. If you’re offended, that’s your prerogative; you can choose to be upset. What happened to the saying about sticks and stones? We need to develop a thicker skin—perhaps a lot thicker.

Simultaneously, we should strive to be less judgmental. Instead of jumping to conclusions fueled by self-righteousness, let's take a moment to breathe and understand the underlying motivations behind actions. Address the root causes rather than merely reacting to the symptoms.

By doing so, we can support one another and emerge stronger together. That feels far more constructive than resorting to slapping anyone who annoys us, even if that impulse sometimes crosses our minds.

Section 1.1: The Importance of Perspective

Chapter 2: Humor and Society

In this video titled "What's Funny w/ Lyrics - Bo Burnham," we explore the nuances of humor and how it impacts our perceptions. It challenges the viewer to reflect on the boundaries of comedy and the social implications of laughter.

The second video, "Sam Fender - Seventeen Going Under," delves into deeper emotional themes and the complexities of growing up, showcasing how our experiences shape our reactions to life’s challenges.