After Years Of Criticism, Awkwafina Finally Addressed Using A 'Blaccent'
Comedian and actress Awkwafina addressed the criticism she's received over the years for using a "blaccent" to help boost her career.
After years of being accused of cultural appropriation, The Farewell star took to Twitter to seemingly explain her earlier work, which many felt trafficked in "a series of racial stereotypes for coolness and clout." Though she has dodged questions on the topic in the past, Awkwafina, born Nora Lum, finally decided to speak up.
"There is a sociopolitical context to everything, especially the historical context of the African American community in this country," she wrote on Twitter before announcing she was also leaving the platform. "It is a group that is disproportionately affected by institutionalized policies and law enforcement policies — all while having historically and routinely seen their culture stolen, exploited, and appropriated by the *dominant* culture for monetary gain without any acknowledgement nor respect for where those roots come from, the pioneers of its beginnings, and the artists that perfected and mastered the craft."
In her statement, Awkwafina pointed to her immigrant experience and love of hip hop to explain her previous work.
"As a non-Black POC, I stand by the fact that I will always listen and work tirelessly to understand the history and context of AAVE, what is deemed appropriate or backwards toward the progress of ANY and EVERY marginalized group," she wrote before claiming she never meant to "mock, belittle, or to be unkind in any way possible at the expense of others is."
"My immigrant background allowed me to carve an American identity off the movies and tv shows I watched, the children I went to public school with, and my undying love and respect for hip hop," she continued. "I think, as a group, Asian Americans are still trying to figure out what that journey means for them — what is correct and where they don't belong."
Though she promised to "spend the rest of my career doing nothing but uplifting our communities," what was missing from Awkwafina's statement was an apology.
While it's admirable to acknowledge the problem and vow to do better, without first asking for forgiveness from those you've wronged makes the whole thing ring a bit hollow.
