[Current & Culture] The Academy Awards and Freedom of Expression

The recent behavior of Will Smith at the Academy Awards has become a hot topic. He slapped Chris Rock, who was presenting an award. It was not a scripted act. He stormed the stage and, upon returning to his seat, loudly cursed. There was a reason for this. Chris Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, who had shaved her head due to hair loss, saying, "She could star in the sequel to G.I. Jane," which infuriated him. Coincidentally, on the same day, Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actor and remarked, "You may encounter people who do not respect you. Still, you have to smile and pretend to be okay."

What should one do when insulted? Most people around us believe Will Smith acted rightly and that Chris Rock crossed a line. In other words, if you deserve it, you should take it. However, the sentiment in the United States seems different. According to a survey by the prominent American gossip website ‘TMZ,’ 62% felt Chris Rock’s joke was appropriate, 83% considered Will Smith’s slap an assault, 85% thought Will’s acceptance speech was a ridiculous justification, and 70% believed the incident negatively impacted the Academy Awards. Jim Carrey also stated, "Why isn’t Will Smith arrested? If it were me, I would have filed a $240 million lawsuit."

What is considered natural in our surroundings can be unacceptable on the other side of the globe. We call this a difference in culture or perception. The U.S. seems to have a deep-rooted belief that whatever an individual does is an expression of freedom. To them, an individual is an uncontrollable entity with intrinsic value. Their Constitution’s First Amendment deals with ‘freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.’ In the U.S., individual freedom of expression appears absolute. Despite being known as a litigation haven, Americans believe that respecting others’ freedoms ensures one’s own freedom is respected. Even if an expression causes discomfort to others, it should not be restricted privately or legally.

Watching the controversy at the Academy Awards, I recall Americans who refused to wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. They said, "What’s the big deal?" Most refused to wear masks despite government recommendations and even protested against vaccinations. Even during this global crisis, what they valued was the right not to wear a mask, that is, protecting their beliefs and freedom of expression. Those who wore masks seemed to respect that.

In contrast, we followed expert advice to wear masks and complied with government regulations punishing non-compliance almost universally. If someone wasn’t wearing a mask, people reported them and conflicts arose. Ultimately, this boils down to what is prioritized: the individual or the collective.

It is hard to say which culture is superior. As a Korean, I also feel uncomfortable with derogatory or hateful remarks like those made by Chris Rock in official settings. However, the value of freedom of expression that the U.S. has so diligently protected?from the Academy Awards to the pandemic?will continue to clash with our perspectives. It is necessary to understand why and how we differ at the core.

Kim Minseop, Social and Cultural Critic

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.