There’s some world-class nonsense writing in today’s Hollywood Reporter, where Eisa Nefertari Ulen manages to make an altercation between two black celebrities about . . . well, about every single thing that progressives make things about:
The fact that the slap took place on an international stage does not enlarge the foolishness — at least, not for me. I do not fear the white gaze as I drop, viscerally, into a well of Black pain: In Will’s initial laugh, the weight of always needing to be affable, especially in white spaces, even when the joke’s on him. In his sudden decision to rise and approach Chris, the patriarchy’s compulsory performance of strong manhood. In the slap, a hyper-masculine response consistent with America’s punitive justice system. In “take my wife’s name out your f***ing mouth,” the release of suppressed anger in the form of toxic masculinity. And, in the tears that fell during his acceptance speech, genuine hurt.
Terrific stuff.