Awkwafina says she’s calling it quits on Twitter after addressing years-long criticism for using a blaccent during the earlier stages of her career.
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The comedienne expressed her thoughts on Twitter and posted a letter explaining that she doesn’t use a blaccent. She also stated that she’s well aware of the “historical context of the African American community in this country” and cited that “in life, linguistic acculturation, immigrant acculturation, and the inevitable passage of globalized internet slang all play a factor in the fine line between offense and pop culture.”
She continued to explain that it wasn’t her intention to mock the Black community and will work tirelessly to learn its history.
“But 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 continued. “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.”
— nora (@awkwafina) February 5, 2022
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For years, Awkwafina has faced criticism about the accent and now her Twitter account will be controlled by her team. Twitter users also responded to her letter with various responses.
But 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 continued. “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.”
Awkwafina does not deserve this much attention. She know wtf Black people talking bout please cut the shit. Your culture is good enough damn
— asn ♥️ (@dailydeaa) February 6, 2022
The fact that you’re choosing to do this weird defense now is because non-black people are calling you out, finally, because black people have been calling you out about this. Clearly you’re seeing the money and opportunities are threatened and you’re trying to save the bag.
— Nate Jacobs’ CTE 🧠⃤ (@Childspleasee) February 6, 2022
Anybody who has spent even 5 minutes in an improv class knows “Awkwafina” is your gimmick. Anybody who has ever been in/around the industry knows you’re reeling right now because admitting that means potentially losing your career to somebody who actually lives your fake life. 🙄
— Alexandria Caucasio-Cortez (@thatdivad) February 6, 2022
The Ancestors got Joe Rogan, Awkwafina, Thandie Newton, AND The Rock .. Happy #BlackHistoryMonth to all my ✨African Americans ✨ pic.twitter.com/ssaSCxbWjY
— method man’s mistress (@xoraveen) February 6, 2022
SOURCE: Page Six