| "Publicly defending Black women in America remains an extreme sport," writes columnist Karen Attiah. She's referring to what's been the hottest topic at watercoolers both literal and proverbial since Sunday night: Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars after the latter made fun of Jada Pinkett Smith's baldness. "Opinions about the slap heard 'round the world are still evolving," Attiah writes, but "what is undoubtedly true is that Hollywood loves to profit from showing the pain of Black women. ... It is simply our social reality that Black women are the butt of endless cultural jokes, that we experience high levels of online abuse and domestic violence. Plus, a Black woman who forcefully defends herself will earn the label 'aggressive' for her effort, especially in White spaces." This phenomenon goes beyond Hollywood, she argues, as demonstrated by last week's confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson. After hours of "patronizing and frankly racist treatment by GOP lawmakers," the fact that Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) stood up for Jackson was newsworthy in itself. "When it comes to figuring out how to treat Black women with respect," Attiah concludes, "America is still stuck on stupid."  (Brian Snyder/Reuters) Chris Rock's joke was stupid, and Will Smith's slap was uncalled for. But the worst part was the bind it all put Jada Pinkett Smith in. By Karen Attiah ● Read more » | | | | Cracking the case of slapping Chris Rock won't undo any of the disruption's damage. By Alyssa Rosenberg ● Read more » | | | | Attorney General Merrick Garland will have a hard time ignoring these facts. By Jennifer Rubin ● Read more » | | | | A federal court says Trump likely committed multiple crimes with regard to January 6. By Greg Sargent and Paul Waldman ● Read more » | | | Yes, he was insufficiently diplomatic, but he gave voice to the victims. By Eugene Robinson ● Read more » | | | | His misstatements are becoming a serious problem in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. By Henry Olsen ● Read more » | | | | If Justice Thomas doesn't recuse himself, the chief justice should nudge him to do so. By Ruth Marcus ● Read more » | | | | The Christianization of politics makes people in a democracy less persuadable. By Michael Gerson ● Read more » | | | | People with high intelligence often use it to convince themselves of their worldview. By Dana Milbank ● Read more » | | | In fact, it might even be worse off than it was at the beginning of the pandemic. By Megan Ranney ● Read more » | | | | American power has waxed and waned during Gen. Kenneth "Frank" McKenzie Jr.'s time as commander of U.S. forces in the region. By David Ignatius ● Read more » | | | | It was clear why Chris Wallace left Fox News late last year. Now he speaks. By Erik Wemple ● Read more » | | | | On abortion, on race, on LGBTQ rights, Republicans are bolder than they've ever been and they're turning back the clock. By Paul Waldman ● Read more » | | | | Republicans refuse to let the other side govern. By Jennifer Rubin ● Read more » | | | |
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