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    #279 — The Rules of the Stage

    enApril 18, 2022

    Podcast Summary

    • A candid conversation about the Oscar slap incident and Ricky Gervais' newfound dislike for red wineRicky Gervais discusses the Oscar slap incident and shares his recent discovery that red wine gives him a headache on the latest episode of the Making Sense podcast, now available to subscribers.

      The Making Sense podcast, hosted by Sam Harris, had a conversation with Ricky Gervais. This conversation, which was about the infamous Oscar slap incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock, was delayed due to Apple's suspicion that they were impersonating the two celebrities. The conversation, which is now available to subscribers, provides Ricky's unique perspective on the event, as he was trending on Twitter immediately after it happened. During the conversation, Ricky shared that he had discovered that red wine gives him a headache, despite his past attempts to limit his consumption. The podcast also discussed the ethical and psychological aspects of the Oscar slap incident. The podcast is ad-free and relies on subscriber support. If you're interested in more conversations between Sam Harris and Ricky Gervais, you can check out their Absolutely Mental podcast, which has three seasons available on their website and a free app for iOS users.

    • The Challenges of Aging: Physical Declines and Pushing LimitsAging brings physical declines and the temptation to push beyond healthy limits, leading to worsening conditions, weight gain, and loss of strength. It's essential to acknowledge these changes and adapt accordingly.

      Aging and its accompanying physical declines can lead individuals to push their bodies beyond healthy limits, despite the negative consequences. This was evident in the conversation where one person shared their experiences of continuing to engage in physically demanding activities despite injuries and the resulting worsening condition. Additionally, they mentioned the creeping weight gain and loss of strength that comes with aging. Another interesting point raised was the idea that muscle weighs more than fat but burns more calories at rest, leading some to intentionally gain muscle as they age. However, this can also lead to feeling weaker and less agile. It's important to note that these physical changes can be disheartening, but it's crucial to address them rather than ignoring them. The conversation also touched upon the infamous Oscar slap incident and how it served as a reminder of the aging process and the inevitability of change.

    • Ricky Gervais drawn into Oscars controversy despite no involvementExternal factors can force us into the public eye, even when we want to avoid involvement.

      The Chris Rock and Will Smith Oscars incident brought unexpected attention to Ricky Gervais, despite him not being involved. Ricky Gervais initially had no intention of commenting on the situation but was drawn in when people started comparing his past actions to the incident. He used humor to address the situation during a comedy show, which led to him trending on social media again. Despite trying to keep out of the controversy, Gervais found himself at the center of attention. The incident serves as a reminder that sometimes, even when we want to avoid involvement in a situation, external factors can force us into the spotlight.

    • The Chris Rock and Will Smith Oscars incident was more complex than it appearedDespite initial appearances, the Chris Rock and Will Smith Oscars incident may not have been about a joke or insult, but rather unexpected tension and behavior from those present.

      The Chris Rock and Will Smith incident at the Oscars was not as straightforward as it seemed. The nature of the joke, which was about Jada Pinkett Smith's appearance and her baldness, was not an insult or an attempt to embarrass her. Chris Rock likely did not know about Jada's alopecia, and the comparison to Demi Moore and GI Jane was not denigrating. The reaction from the audience, including Will Smith's actions, was confusing and seemed disproportionate to the joke. In the end, the incident may have been more about the unexpected tension in the room and the behavior of those present than about the joke itself.

    • Will Smith's shocking Oscars slap: Was it staged or serious?Will Smith's unexpected slap of Chris Rock during the Oscars was a result of his frustration over a joke made at his wife's expense, highlighting the potential consequences of physical violence and the power of words in entertainment.

      The slap delivered by Will Smith to Chris Rock during the Oscars was a shocking and unprecedented violation of norms in the entertainment industry. The size difference between the two men and the seemingly light-hearted nature of the incident initially left some in the audience questioning if it was a staged bit. However, Smith's angry response and repeated use of profanity towards Rock made it clear that it was not. Smith's actions were a result of his frustration over a joke made at his wife's expense, and he seemed to enjoy the violence and the attention he received. Despite the negative consequences, Smith may have initially felt a sense of affirmation and reward for his actions, as evidenced by his continued behavior throughout the night and his recent Oscar win. Overall, the incident was a reminder of the power of words and the potential consequences of physical violence, even in the context of entertainment.

    • The Violation of Chris Rock's Space during the 2022 OscarsThe incident at the 2022 Oscars where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock left a lasting impact on the comedian, and the academy and audience failed to adequately address the situation, raising questions about norms and expectations.

      The role of a comedian like Chris Rock goes beyond just presenting or acting. When on stage, it's their home, and intruding on that space can be a significant violation. During the 2022 Oscars, Will Smith crossed that line, leaving Chris Rock feeling betrayed and in shock. The aftermath of the incident saw confusion and denial from the audience, with some reports suggesting Smith was asked to leave while others claimed he was asked to stay. Regardless, getting slapped in front of an audience is a form of violence, and the incident left a lasting impact on Chris Rock. Ultimately, the academy and the audience failed to adequately address the situation, leaving many questioning the norms and expectations of such events.

    • The Complexity of the Will Smith and Chris Rock IncidentThe Oscars slap incident between Will Smith and Chris Rock was more complex than it initially appeared, involving issues of free speech, accountability, and the use of violence as a form of intimidation and embarrassment.

      The slap incident between Will Smith and Chris Rock during the Oscars was more complex than it initially appeared. While the slap can be seen as an act of violence and bullying, it's also important to consider the context and motivations behind Will Smith's actions. He may have wanted to assert dominance and look like a hero, but he likely did not intend to seriously harm Chris Rock. The use of physical violence as a form of intimidation and embarrassment is a concerning trend, and it has the potential to make the job of comedians more dangerous. The incident has sparked debates about the role of free speech, accountability, and the impact of violence on public figures. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder of the importance of respect, empathy, and non-violent communication in resolving conflicts.

    • Mock assassinations: Harmless pranks or serious threats?Mock assassinations, such as throwing pies or milk at public figures, can be seen as harmless pranks but can embolden potential violent individuals and increase danger for public figures. Individuals must consider the potential consequences of their actions.

      Actions, no matter how seemingly harmless, can have serious consequences, especially towards public figures. The discussion revolves around the dangerous implications of mock assassinations, such as throwing pies or milk at famous people. While some may view it as a harmless social protest, it can be seen as a mock assassination attempt, emboldening potential violent individuals. This behavior can lead to increased danger for public figures, even with security present. The discussion also touches upon the responsibility of individuals for their actions and the potential consequences, even if they are attempting a prank. The outcome would be vastly different if the target was not a famous figure. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of our actions, especially towards public figures, and understand that seemingly harmless pranks can have serious implications.

    • The complexities of fame and public expectationsFame can skew public perception and create a disconnect between actions and expectations, potentially leading to unintended consequences.

      The incident between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars was a complex situation that was made more difficult to process due to Smith's fame and positive associations with audiences. Producers and organizers may have thought Smith's actions were just a joke due to his celebrity status. However, the tone and existential implications went off the rails when Smith won an Oscar and gave a speech that was perceived as a mental health crisis, where he made it about protecting family and being a vessel of love to his people. The incident highlights the power and influence of fame, and the potential consequences when actions do not align with public expectations.

    • Will Smith's Controversial Apology: Cultural Confusion or Personal Crisis?Will Smith's apology was criticized for being self-aggrandizing, delusional, and lacking sincere remorse. The cultural context of his actions is debated, with some seeing it as acceptable within his community.

      During a recent public appearance, Will Smith delivered an apology that was self-aggrandizing, delusional, and lacked sincere remorse for his past actions. He framed himself as a protector and a river to his people, while not apologizing for the violence he had inflicted. His behavior seemed to be influenced by a cultural confusion, as some people in his community saw his actions as acceptable. This complex situation raises the question of whether the problem lies solely in Smith's mental state or in the larger cultural context. Despite the potential exculpatory factor of a mental health crisis, the morally confusing nature of the situation leaves room for debate. To continue listening to the full conversation, subscribe to the Making Sense podcast at samharris.org. The podcast is ad-free and relies on listener support.

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