What my Philosophical Husband has to say about “The Slap.”
Viewing the Event Through a Number of Perspectives
Let’s see.
1. The Visceral Point: The only thing Will Smith did wrong was apologize. #defendurwoman; #shouldabeenafist Three cheers for the lizard brain!
2. The Philosophico-Anthropological Point: That slap was the point of intersectional conflict of the ethics of a Shame Culture and a Guilt Culture. On the one hand, Will is told to exact retribution on one dishonoring his wife, thereby regaining her honor. On the other, Will is told Naughty, Naughty, you should take the High Moral Road, whatever that may be and wherever it may lead (sorry, too much editorializing on the latter; must be dispassionate).
3. The Christian Point: Love your enemies and pray for your persecutors. Remember, St. Peter reportedly encouraged his wife to remain strong in the faith as she, too, was being crucified. AKA, “Will, you didn’t have to give in to the side eye.”
4. The Nietzschean Point: Send a box of chocolates to Chris. “In magnanimity there is the same amount of egoism as revenge, but egoism of a different quality.”
5. The Non-Patriarchal Point: Let her decide whether to slap, punch, kick, or something else, him. She doesn’t need you to defend her!
6. The Freudian point: Will was slapping his wife through transference based on her past behavior (entanglement and public emasculation) and the fact that he is uncomfortable with her baldheadedness, but doesn’t dare say so (courtesy of Bro-in-Law, Bill Cooper).
7. You do 7., 8., etc.
Yes, Steadfast Mister really talks like that.
