By Louis Chan, AsAmNews Staff Writer
In her most comprehensive response to the blaccent controversy to date, Awkwafina took to Twitter to issue a statement to answer her critics.
The Golden Globe winner has been frequently attacked for her use of a Black accent and AAVE, or African American Vernacular English, in her roles.
The dispute erupted again recently when the NAACP nominated her for an image award for her voice-over work in Disney’s animated film Raya and the Last Dragon.
She began by trying to put her response in perspective.
“There is a sociopolitical context to everything, especially the historical context of the African American community in this country. She says the Black community has been “affected by institutionalized policies and law enforcement policies – all the while having historically and routinely seen their culture stolen, exploited and appropriated by the dominant culture for monetary gain without acknowledgment nor respect for where those roots come from.”
The star of Nora from Queens on Comedy Central and the hit movies Crazy Rich Asians and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings pledged to do better while defending herself in the next sentence.
“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 backward towards the progress of ANY and EVERY marginalized group. But I must emphasize: To mock, belittle, or to be unkind in any way possible at the expense of others, is: Simply. Not. My. Nature. It never has, and it never was.
While Awkwafina made a name for herself for her comedy and earlier in her career, for her rap music, it was a rare dramatic role as a granddaughter of a dying grandmother that won her a Golden Globe for best actress in The Farewell.
The NAACP Image Award nomination added to her growing star power, but the continued rumblings over her blaccent continue to follow her.
The actress says she has an “undying love and respect for hip hop…I’m still learning and doing that personal work, and I know for sure that I want to spend the rest of my career doing nothing but uplifting our communities. We do this by failing, learning, acknowledging, hearing and empathizing…and I will continue, tirelessly do to just that.”
Awkwafina’s statement appeared both humble and contrite. Her fans applauded her condor with some even saying her statement was not necessary.
But for many others, her statement did nothing to pacify their anger. Many expressed disappointment and anger that she did not apologize.
Awkwafina concluded by announcing she would be leaving Twitter.
“Well, I’ll see you in a few years, Twitter – per my therapist. To my fans, thank you for continuing to love and support someone who wishes they could be a better person for you. I apologize if I ever fell short, in anything I did. You’re in my heart always.”
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More snowflake bafoons insecure of their ethnic identity. “Urban culture” has been evolving since the Fifties from musicians. Idiots complaining her vernacular and accent as Black misappropriation are clueless to her background from being raised in Brooklyn and love of hip-hop.