Then what do you think the joke was?
Literally “You look like GI Jane!”
The joke was a cultural reference, connecting an unusual look to a similar look in a very different situation. The humor (it wasn’t a strong joke) was in the unexpected connection.
A few days ago, a poster commented that Rock could have said, “And Jada? Wakanda Forever!” That would have been a more timely joke, but again, the humor would be based on the unexpected connection.
(Edit: But in fairness to Rock, the Demi Moore hairstyle was closer than the Wakanda shaved head.)
Yeah, i don’t think “you look like this random other thing” is funny, or even intended to be funny. I think there has to be something about “random other thing” being implied.
I’m not familiar with Rock’s work. Maybe he’s just profoundly unfunny. But I read that as intended to be a put-down. Which at least is a style of humor.
Anyway, i like both of them less for the exchange.
Your look is so extreme that it must be for a movie role, since nobody would otherwise choose that appearance. It’s akin to looking at somebody’s dress and saying “I see the auditions for the supporting cast of Annie have begun.” (Too dated??). How about “Are those your clothes or did you lose a bet?”
Admittedly, it’s biting, in that it is teasing Jada for choosing to have a shaved head, instead of opting for a wig or extensions to present a more traditional look.
And, I guess that does mean that it is directed at her because she’s a woman, but it doesn’t mean that she looks like a man. Rather, she’s opted for a non traditional look for a female - it’s still feminine, it’s just different.
Maybe that’s a distinction without a difference, but I can equally imagine Rock pointing out a guy with long hair and saying something like “Another Tarzan remake. Can’t wait.”
So, yes, it is insulting, to an extent. But, Jesus, being mocked at the Oscar’s isn’t beyond the pale. If it bothers her, it’s only because she’s already sensitive to the fact that people might be making fun of her.
But I’d emphasize what I said above in this thread - her look is her choice, even if alopecia isn’t. She could have easily opted for a wig. She chose to instead go with a shaved head.’ And If she did so confidently, and is rocking that look, then isn’t really so offensive if somebody teases you for your choice?
Moreover, the Oscars are a business function for these people - you’re there to promote your personal brand. Other industries have similar types of functions: you don’t get drunk and make an ass of yourself, and you don’t get into fights. You glad hand the bigwigs you’re rubbing shoulders with and then go home. And if the emcee makes a crack in your direction, you let it go. The fact that in this context everybody is also famously wealthy and successful should make a that easy to do.
There’s another element here: Rock has previously made fun of Jada at the Oscars (paraphrasing “She’s
Boycotting? That’s like me saying I’m boycotting Rihanna’s panties. I wasn’t invited.”).
I’m not sure if he’s made other jokes, but the awkwardness of Jada’s open fling with another man has certainly provided fodder for jokes.
When Will screamed “take my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth” it might have been a reference to a series of jokes, not just this one recent jab.
Why was Smith so triggered at a live televised event on the most important night of his career? it doesn’t make sense at all. He sabotaged his reputation over practically nothing.
I thought shit I need to look up GI Jane in the UD for it might be slang for a nasty slur.
I think the notion of pressing charges for assault is ridiculous.
Seriously, I don’t understand how so many people are okay with Smiths actions. Do parents no longer teach their children that ‘sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me’?
If that was the reaction to a comparison to a kick ass movie character, what would have been the reaction to a real insult?
Smith did some sort of calculation in his head and decided that after laughing, a smack was in order - I just don’t get it.
It was a weak ad libbed joke with no put down attached at all other than calling attention to someone’s wanting to have attention called to them. The “insult” such as it was was to mock the attention seeking. By giving attention.
And that’s the case whether Mr Rock knew of Ms Smith having chosen to buzz her hair because she has some extremely mild degree of alopecia (and find me a single picture of any angle that shows even a single bald spot on her head - they have to be there but they are so small I can’t find them) or exclusively as a fashion statement. The buzzed look was still her making a fashion statement and intending to draw attention to herself.
It could just as easily been teasing Timothee Chalamet’s shirtless look, or Kirsten Stewart’s short shorts. (Making comments about the women whose fashion bid for attention was how much breast they showed was clearly off limits.)
Attention seeking fashion choices are fair game to mock. Making a joke that fails is not a reason to be hit.
Not sure if you mean to include me, but I’m not okay with it. I think both men were asses.
“You look like Demi Moore in GI Jane.”
Does she resemble GI Jane in any way other than the hair?
If not, we are back to “you have no hair, hardeharhar.”
I think Jada should have leaned into the joke by standing up and flexing her muscles. She would have gotten a standing ovation.
Flexed and gave a middle finger salute but that might’ve gone over poorly as well. So many comebacks were available. If only. Yep, it’s a shame they take themselves too seriously.
Yes, that was the extent of the joke. If the joke doesn’t connect, the appropriate audience response is to boo, or worse, silence. In no non-barbaric society is laying hands on the jokester the appropriate response.
She’s an actor. GI Jane is a role. The Oscars are about actors and roles.
I really think the people who think this was a harsh joke have never watched the Oscars.
I admit to never having watched the Oscars. If this kind of joke is typical, i will resume not watching the Oscars in the future.
Yes, it is typical, as has been stated dozens of times in these threads. If you have never watched the Oscars, you have zero context for what occurred.
Quite frankly if people think its fair to strike comedians who joke about the celebs, there shouldn’t be any comedians presenting at all. Enflamed emotions or not.
People shouldn’t be hit, it shouldn’t happen. Its the Oscars job to reasonably assure that. No, “well we didn’t act afterwards because its a big night” or “well, the struck person declined to press charges”
Can’t wait to see next year mocking Bruce Willis. Since mocking medical issues is apparently kosher.