Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars could have serious implications for young fans of the superstar actor. Youngsters are highly impressionable so when they see their idol engage in such behavior, they begin thinking that it’s an acceptable way to resolve problems.
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The glamour of this year’s Oscars ceremony was eclipsed by a dramatic and violent act witnessed by people around the globe. Offended by an insensitive joke about his wife’s ongoing problem with alopecia (genetic hairless), actor Will Smith rushed the stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock who made the remark and followed that up by issuing an expletive laden threat to refrain from making further comments on his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
According to Dr. Deena Manion, chief clinical officer of Westwind Recovery in West Hollywood, this disturbing incident and the ensuing controversy that followed could have serious implications for young fans of the superstar actor.
“Will Smith is not only an accomplished and highly popular performer, but he’s considered a hero to many of his fans who idolize him and want to emulate him,” says Manion. “Young people, in particular, are highly impressionable and their brains are still developing so when they see someone they admire engage in this kind of behavior, it gives them the ‘green light’ that this is an appropriate way to resolve problems.
“Violence is never OK…full stop. Someone in Mr. Smith’s position has the responsibility of setting a positive example especially when in public,” she explains, though she says that defending oneself and/or loved ones can sometimes involve using physical force. “Now that the damage has been done, parents should use this as a teachable moment.
She suggests raising the questions: “Is it ever ok to lose your temper and act on your base impulses?” “Is slapping someone who makes a joke about your loved one the right way to handle an insult?” “Is shouting angry threats at another even when you feel it’s justified the right thing to do?”
The answers to these questions, Manion says, are a definite “no.” She also says parents should point out that there could have been serious repercussions for Smith had Rock filed charges against him, which could have led to his arrest, and/or sued him, potentially costing Smith millions of dollars in damages.
Westwind Recovery operates an outpatient treatment center and seven supportive living homes in LA. To learn more about Westwind Recovery, visit www.westwindrecovery.com.
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Organization: Westwind Recovery
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