Awkwafina dislikes the Twitter community, and she announced her departure after addressing the ‘Blaccent’ theme with which she has been associated for years. After years of being accused of using African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) in her performances, the actress gave a lengthy statement on the subject.
On February 5, the rapper-turned-comedian-turned-actress tweeted:
“However, as a non-black ROC, I will always listen and work tirelessly to study the history and background of AAVE, as well as what is considered acceptable or backward for the development of ANY and ALL disadvantaged groups.”
Awkwafina further remarked:
“I must underscore that ridiculing, humiliating, or being mean to people in any way possible is: Not in my character. It never existed and never will.
Awkwafina responds to criticism after being reprimanded for employing the term “Blaccent.”
Following her big performances in 2018 films such as Ocean’s 8 and Crazy Rich Asians, the actress, whose real name is Nora Lum, was embroiled in several controversies, including “cultural appropriation” and the use of AAVE.
Even before the release of Crazy Rich Asians, Lum was acclaimed for her portrayal of Black community member Peik Lin Goh. In one of her dialogues, the character remarked: “I’ve never been happier.”
However, you are unable to swerve. Man, chickens are bi**hes! You are not an animal. You will arrive at the wedding and exclaim, “Bawk Bawk, bi**h!”
To clarify, I am leaving the infected toenail known as Twitter. I’m not retiring from anything else, even if I wanted to, and I’m not a fugitive after hitting someone with a shoehorn while intoxicated. Also available on all other social networks that don’t tell you to commit suicide!
— nora (@awkwafina) February 5, 2022
Two years later, Bettina Makalintal wrote in her Vice essay:
“The woman born Nora Lum portrayed a series of racial stereotypes for coolness and power while stealing from Black culture to develop her own reputation.”
Similar criticism has been leveled against the 33-year-old actress in the past, including accusations of appropriating African-American culture as a rapper.
Awkwafina stated that she understood the “sociopolitical framework” and “historical context” of AAVE. The actress also stated that dominant organizations have frequently appropriated African-American culture for financial gain without respect for its origins.
The Shang-Chi actor continued by stating that her “American identity” has been shaped by movies, television, and her experiences with people since she was a child. She declared:
“As a group, I feel Asian-Americans are still determining what this journey means for them, what is appropriate, and where they do not belong.”
“Following her response to these allegations, Awkwafina announced her departure from the platform in a subsequent tweet. In the tweet, she referred to Twitter as a “ingrown toenail.”
Awkwafina’s “apology” over her use of Blaccent outraged Twitter users
Several remarks claimed that the actress had refused to apologize for apparently abusing Black culture in her career. Others argued she depicted “all Asians” as a group to evade responsibility on her part.
In numerous of her endeavors, including her comedy and rap songs, Awkwafina exhibited the copying or appropriation of African-American accents and mannerisms. Her later flicks, however, such as the MCU’s Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Five Rings, did not exhibit her depiction in this form.
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