On Sunday night most of America watched on as the 85th Academy Awards took place in Los Angeles. Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy, hosted and dished out inappropriate and semi-offensive jokes that were expected of the typically crude comedian. This included a musical number called “We Saw Your Boobs,” where MacFarlane sang about half the actresses in the room and which movies they bared their bodies in. He has received mixed reviews, some accusing him of being sexist and others applauding his humor. One joke that is being widely criticized, however, is one that was aimed at 9-year-old “Best Actress” nominee Quevenzhané Wallis and 51-year-old George Clooney. While commenting on the young girl’s age, MacFarlane said, “She’s about 16 years away from being too old for Clooney.”
That is not where the jokes ended for young Wallis. The Onion, a popular faux-news website tweeted, “Everyone else seems afraid to say it, but that Quvenzhané Wallis is kind of a c___, right?” About an hour later the tweet was taken down and an official apology was posted, but it was far too late for that.
Wallis seemed to be receiving the most criticism for her confidence; she pumped her arms in the air when the camera panned to her and she appeared very calm and collected during her pre-show interviews. Was it that people were uncomfortable with her confidence? Did they anticipate a shy and nervous little girl? And does this warrant this kind of harsh reaction?
One thing is for sure; she should not have been called the “c-word.” A nine-year-old girl should never be the subject of such a malicious attack. But what about the other critics, the people who expressed general annoyance on social media with the girl, is that okay?
Wallis and her parents have effectively put her out for public consumption. She starred in a movie at the ripe old age of six. She’s an Oscar nominee. So yes, she is not untouchable and she will be criticized, but it should be appropriately. It should be about her acting ability and her skills and not what a few comedians think of her personality.