Edd’s MANtra: Terry Vs. The Smiths

Sheesh, and y’all call me a hater.


Last week, Terry McMillan, esteemed author of the book that encouraged jilted women to become pyromaniacs, hit Twitter to spout off about Will and Jada Smith’s children. Courtesy jezebel.com:


It feels like the Smith children are being pimped and exploited. Or, they’re already hungry for fame. What about 4th grade?


The Smith children already act like child stars. There’s an arrogance in their demeanor and behavior. I find it incredibly sad.


A lot of A-list movie stars shielded their children from the Hollywood-world until they were old enough to decide. Look at those who didn’t.


Look at Lindsay. Phoenix. To name but a few. They miss out on childhood. It’s more important than fame.


These kids don’t already know what they “love”. Total bulls***. They’re not prodigies. They think Hollywood is real.

I’ve mentioned before that there seems to be an unwritten rule somewhere that excludes the Smiths from criticism, especially from other black folks (Oprah, the Obamas and Tyler Perry also sit atop Mount Perfection). Predictably, after her comments, it didn’t take long for McMillan to become Public Internet Enemy #1.


So, of course, she backed down from her remarks. Sort of. From (ugh) perezhilton.com:


I apologize for using the word pimp and exploit in referring to the Smith children. It was insensitive of me and wrong.


But she added:


So, I’m on blast? Too bad when I talk about what’s happening in the government, the GOP, racism, love, etc., doesn’t go viral.

These are probably the same folks who live for reality TV and don’t care about an SAT score. Or college.


She’s like Gargamel’s sassy sister.


The real question here is, “Is she right?” Are the Smiths pimpin’ their kids? Well, Jaden starred in the remake of The Karate Kid – the film was produced by his parents specifically to be a launching vehicle for him. The Smiths are looking to replicate that magic with Willow in a potential remake of Annie. And of course, Willow is already aiming to be the next Rihanna. Heaven, help us.


But is this considered pimping?


*Puts on reading glasses* Ahem, Merriam-Webster defines the verb “pimp” as to make use of often dishonorably for one’s own gain or benefit.


Good parents always want their children to succeed, and even surpass them. And those parents will use any resources they have to make that happen. I don’t consider what the Smiths are doing as “pimping.” Other than pride, the Smiths themselves don’t gain anything from their children becoming superstars – they’re already filthy rich. Back in the day, when failed rapper/magazine owner Benzino tried to market his son Cool Breeze Ray into the next Bow Wow, I called that pimpin’ – Benzino was clearly trying to cash in on his kid after he burned all his bridges at The Source magazine and Eminem wrecked his career.


I wouldn’t say the Smiths are pimps but I certainly won’t defend them. I’d compare them to those psychotic stage parents who constantly shove their kids into the limelight. McMillian has a point – it would be wise for the young Smiths to focus on education and becoming grounded young men and women instead of submerging themselves in the fake world of Hollywood. We’re already seeing the effects – Jaden especially is cocky for a 12 year old with horrible hair. It’ll be hard for the Smiths to remain atop Mount Perfection if we’re reading about their exploits on TMZ every other day.