We’re living in an era of heightened emotions. Arguably, we’re also presently stuck in an age of feigned ones.
During Friday’s installment of HBO program Bill Maher in Real TimeThis was touched upon by the host with a sharp observation.
American culture has become an arena for performative outrage. We once thrived on freedom of speech, at a time when words couldn’t hurt us. These days, syllables are violence and death may come via “microaggressions.” But how does a society go from unnerved by the incidental to irate at the relatively insignificant? Could some of this be down to social pressure? Bill suggested that yes.
As you’re no doubt aware, amid March 27th’s broadcast of the Academy Awards, host Chris Rock joked about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hairstyle: “Jada, I love ya. G.I. Jane 2? Can’t wait to see it.”
Will Smith was initially amused.
As it appeared, he took note of Jada’s dissatisfaction. The actor’s reaction raced from evident enjoyment to intolerant rage. It was followed by violence.
Bill discussed the matter with Laura Coates, a legal analyst. He cited it as an excellent parallel to This Present Wokeness. It’s cancel culture, crystallized:
“That really encapsulates cancel culture, because that’s what happens. People laugh, and then they go, ‘Oh, wait — I’m supposed to be offended.’ And then they overreact.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk0T5S1_sNw
William J. Bennett, an author who died in the 1990s, lamented. The death of outrage. America’s pendulum has now fully found its opposite place.
Outrage is not only ubiquitous, it’s been monetized: It carries a considerable amount of cultural cache.
The average person has a good level of emotional regulation. However, the national nerve has become a tumultuous mess. We’re crescendoing like an orchestra to the tune of more meaningless mishaps.
Public apologies should adjust to reflect the changing scale of outrage.
Today, mea culpas issued are quite monstrous.
You’ve got to compete, and you’ve got to impress; your contrition had better be a KO.
For an alternative standard of expressed regret, see former The BachelorChris Harrison is the host.
In 2018, nefarious news surfaced online —BachelorRachael McConnell was once a contestant at a college formal featuring an antebellum theme.
Rachael McConnell was photographed at an 2018 formal at an Antebellum Plantation-themed fraternity. #TheBachelor #BachelorNation pic.twitter.com/TEqmofRPKN
— Rosé (@TeaAndRoses21) February 4, 2021
The cancellation began.
Chris said:
“We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion. Because I have seen some stuff online — this judge, jury, executioner thing where people are just tearing this girl’s life apart and diving into, like, her parents, her parents’ voting record. It’s unbelievably alarming to watch this. … I haven’t heard Rachael speak on this yet. To be honest, I don’t know how I can say anything about this woman until she has a chance. I saw a picture of her at a sorority party five years ago, and that’s it.”
Chris was then cancelled by the cancellers.
His amazing feat is now mine, the Greatest Apology in The World.
“I have spent the last few days listening to the pain my words have caused, and I am deeply remorseful. I did not know how to help my colleagues, friends and even strangers. No one can blame me for the words and manner I spoke. I have never met the standards that I established for myself. It is something that I strongly believe in. Just as my children taught me to be strong and take responsibility for their actions, so I will also do it. …
“By excusing historical racism, I defended it. I invoked the term ‘woke police,’ which is unacceptable. My ignorance is shameful. It was an error. …
“To the Black community, to the BIPOC community: I am so sorry. I was hurtful with my words. You are listening. I am sorry for your ignorance. I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the people from these communities who I’ve had enlightening conversations with over the past few days, and I am so grateful to those who have reached out to help me on my path to anti-racism.”
Was atonement allowed? I didn’t seem so; he never returned to The Bachelor.
It’s a treacherous age. You should be careful what you speak. Your audience might at first be amused. In many instances, however, the backhand acts as buffering.
-ALEX
You can find more of my content here:
Hollywood Town Shells out Universal Basic Income — but You Have to Say You’re LGBTQIA
Will Smith Resigns From the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences
University’s ‘Latinx’ Coalition Demands a Race-Based Revolution so Members Can ‘Thrive’
All my RedState works Here.
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