'Crazy Rich Asians' star Awkwafina addresses criticisms over 'blaccent'
MANILA, Philippines — After years of pushback about her using a “blaccent" or Black accent, "Crazy Rich Asians" star Nora Lum, popularly known as Awkwafina, finally addressed the criticisms in a Twitter statement last Saturday.
The comedian and actress issued a lengthy Twitter statement addressing criticisms in the press and on social media of her appropriation of African American Vernacular English (AAVE), as well as using elements of African American language and mannerisms to get ahead in her career.
“[A]s 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," she said.
She added, “There is a sociopolitical context to everything, especially the historical context of the African American community in this country. 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
Awkwafina later said she was quitting Twitter.
The Queens-born Asian American star further explained her point of view on the racial dynamics at play.
"My immigrant background allowed me to carve an American identity off the movies and tv shows I watched, the children I went to public school with, and my undying love and respect for hip hop," she wrote. "I think as a group, Asian Americans are still trying to figure out what that journey means for them -- what is correct and where they don't belong."
"And though I'm still learning and doing that personal work, I know for sure that I want to spend the rest of my career doing nothing but uplifting our communities. We do this first by failing, learning, acknowledging, hearing and empathizing... And I will continue, tirelessly, to do just that."
This recent statement on Twitter is Awkwafina's most significant response to criticisms she has had so far, ever since she's been criticized for using a "blaccent" in her career -- from her early hit NSFW parody rap song "My Vag," to her more recent acting roles in big-budget films "Crazy Rich Asians" and "Ocean's Eight."
Awkwafina’s statement came two weeks after a public outcry over her nomination for an NAACP Image Award, which historically has honored Black achievement and talent in Hollywood. She was recognized for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance, which upset many over her reluctance to apologize or address criticism about her past appropriation of AAVE.
The issue is also broadly part of the ever-evolving debate around cultural appropriation, or the act of adopting customs from another culture without the proper level of respect or acknowledgment.
The actress has been applauded for representing Asian Americans in the mainstream pop culture, as well as her career in the entertainment business. She won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture for the 2019 film "The Farewell," and last year joined the Marvel Universe with her role in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."
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