Awkwafina Addresses Controversy Surrounding Her 'Blaccent,' Announces She's Taking a Break from Twitter

justjared.com:

Awkwafina is reflecting on the backlash surrounding her “blaccent.” On Saturday morning (February 5), the Crazy Rich Asians actress took to social media to address some of the criticism she’s received for her use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE). Click inside to find out what she posted… In her statement, Awkwafina began by acknowledging the “historical context of the African American community in this country,” writing that a “a group that is disproportionately affected by institutionalized policies and law enforcement policies” has had their “culture stolen, exploited and appropriated by the *dominant* culture for monetary gain without acknowledgment nor respect for where those roots come from.” She continued, “But as a non-Black POC, I stand by the fact that I will always listen and work tirelessly to understand the history and context of AAVE [African American Vernacular English], what is deemed appropriate or backwards toward the progress of ANY and EVERY marginalized group,” she wrote. “But I must emphasize: To mock, belittle, or to be unkind in any way possible at the expense of others is: Simply.

Not. My. Nature. It never has, and it never was.” “My immigrant background allowed me to carve an American identity off the movies and TV shows I watched, the children I went to public school with, and my undying love and respect for hip hop,” the comedian explained. “I think as a group, Asian Americans are still trying to figure out what that journey means for them – what is correct and where they don’t belong.

And though I’m still learning and doing that personal work, I know for sure that I want to spend the rest of my career doing nothing but uplifting our communities.