I recognised Jada Pinkett Smith’s expression at the Oscars, Black women’s hair is too often the butt of jokes
msn.comthe now well-analysed confrontation between Will Smith and Oscars host Chris Rock – few seem to be focusing on Jada Pinkett Smith, whose alopecia was the subject of Rock’s jibe that led to the fallout.
So instead of talking anymore about these two men, I am choosing to centre Jada, but also any Black women and girls whose hair has been subject to comments their entire lives.
We know what it is like to have our hair policed, to have our head pet as if we were dogs. Whilst others discussed “The Slap”, Black women and girls across the diaspora discussed our identity once again being used as a punchline at one of the most watched and talked about award shows in the world.
This isn’t even the first time. Who can forget Giuliana Rancic stating that Zendaya looked like she smelt of patchouli oil and weed when she made her Oscar’s debut in 2015?Rock’s tawdry words on Sunday may have been a tactless joke, but I instantly recognised the look on Jada’s face when those words were uttered.
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