Will Smith, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett and mean jokes about other people's appearance

Everyone's news feed is overflowing with opinions about the "Oscar Slap Incident" between Chris Rock and Will Smith, I know!

At the risk of being another one amongst many, I found it important to address it too: Not the slapping, but the fact that some people - in the 21st century - still think they can make mean comments about other people's appearance, and this comes very close to my heart and my job as an image consultant.

First and foremost, I want to say that I am a firm believer that violence is never justified, is never good. When you resort to violence, you lose your reason. Period.

Second, we will never know what Jada went through with her illness and the complexity of their suffering as a family, seeing her struggle and most probably being powerless to help. As a partner, he also must fight for her and defend her, as she probably does for him too. He could have done it verbally, he could have spoken to his colleague afterward and even filed a suit. There are many possibilities, but he is also human and makes mistakes. We all do.

Having said that, Chris Rock's comment about her was totally inappropriate, mean, and unacceptable in today's world, especially against a woman. And a black woman, nonetheless.

🚫 It is not OK to joke about someone's appearance! 🚫

You never know what they are going through, if this is a pain point that triggers many other deeper feelings, memories, and thoughts. Bullying like this can become a trauma, lead to depression and all sorts of psychological problems and we all have enough mountains to climb as it is, right?

So, here are some good reminders for us to keep in mind:

✅ If you have to judge, keep it to yourself. It is human to do so, but as humans, we can thankfully control our tongues! 😉

✅ If you have to joke, find smart ones to say that don't offend or attack others. They are the best ones, anyway.

✅ If you have to address something like this as an image consultant, coach, etc., do so only at your client's request and with the utmost delicacy and respect.

If you read all the way here, I would love to know: What are your thoughts on this?

Tell me in the comments below 👇

Hope to see you back soon,

Roberta Carlucci

Image: People.com