Terry McMillan Calls Willow Smith Arrogant
I have a lot of respect for Terry McMillan. She is a great author and her book How Stella Got Her Groove Back was great. As much as I find Willow Smith's song annoying though, I am not big fan of calling 4th grade kids arrogant. That is what Terry did though. In a bunch of Tweets she basically went after all the Smith kids and said, "The Smith children already act like child stars. There's an arrogance in their demeanor and behavior. I find it incredibly sad. It feels like the Smith children are being pimped and exploited. Or, they’re already hungry for fame. What about 4th grade?"
I think the Smith kids like all the kids of actors and actresses see their parents doing something they love and because of the nature of the industry there are work opportunities available for children. They don't have to wait 20 years to follow their parents footsteps and become a doctor or lawyer or teacher. Would Willow or Jaden be where they are without Will & Jada? Probably not, but I also don't think they are being exploited. I think kids who are exploited are done so by parents who have never achieved success. Look at the parents in Toddlers & Tiaras. Look at Lindsay's parents. Dina was a failed showgirl and wanted to live her life through Lindsay and that is exploitation.
Okay, Terry, you don't want any retaliation with the sequel to the movie, Waiting to Exhale. So, go to your corner. Your arms can't reach Will Smith.
ReplyDeleteI honestly believe that the children of the Smiths, Hanks, etc. have almost limitless opportunities that any parent would happily provide for their kids.
I don`t understand why the Smith family is so hated. Some people online have actually wished for their death, kids included. Am I missing something? She`s been bitter since marrying a gay man.
ReplyDelete100% agree with Enty. The Will & Jada seem to be very involved in the projects the kids do. And Will's oldest Trey didn't want to go into acting he is a star high school football athlete.
ReplyDeleteThey are very privledged but I don't think they are arrogant. I have heard Willow being interviewed. She was incredibly composed and spoke better then the interviewers could at twice her age.
As long as the kids keep it clean and don't sex it up at 10 years old I don't have a problem with her. It all seems pretty innocent.
I'm the mother of a 4th grader and believe me, parents talk about other kids, especially if they're arrogant and act like they're "all that". I don't see anything wrong with what she said. Her opinion, and the opinion of many people.
ReplyDeleteWhy does Willow need to be a singer *now*? She can't wait? If this was Noa Cyrus, we'd be making all kinds of comments on the Cyrus's parenting skills. Just because Will has a more respectable career doesn't mean it's all ok.
The thing is, if you ever read some of the urban blogs and/or follow the Smith kids in general, Jaden DOES come off very arrogant in interviews and Willow has inadvertently let it slip that she is not getting the kind of education a 4th grader should be getting. Terry was spot on (maybe her wording wasn't the best) and she has nothing to worry about, since Waiting to Exhale fans have been waiting since 1995 for a proper follow-up. Let's not forget that WTE had black audiences going to the theater in droves before Tyler Perry, etc., came along.
ReplyDeleteWill and Jada have little connection to any of Terry's franchises and I doubt she'll be affected. Supposedly only Whitney Houston is the only holdout on the actual film going into production, but I read it's because she's looking into recording and touring again which could cause a schedule conflict.
I'm with shakey. She didn't say they were arrogant, she said there was "an arrogance in their demanor and behaviour", and I kind of agree after seeing Willow in a couple of interviews. She talked about what she "wanted", and not much of it included an education.
ReplyDelete@shakey: Focus on your own fucking kids. Thanks.
ReplyDelete@shakey: Focus on your own fucking kids. Thanks.
ReplyDelete@shakey: Focus on your own fucking kids. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI've always said to myself that The Smith kids are arrogant. Used to like Will but lately his movies have not been that great so getting tired of him. Now Jada I really can't stand her, she has a big head on her shoulder. Regarding her music career, who told her she is a singer LOL.
ReplyDeleteI gotta go with Terry on this one. I'm sorry, but those two Smith kids get on my nerves and arrogant pretty much sums up Jaden every time I've seen him interviewed. Being a smartass might work for his Dad, but on a little kid it's annoying.
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of annoying, is there anything more annoying than hearing "I whip my hair" 500 times?
Agree with shakey. There is a sense of entitlement that comes off as arrogance.
ReplyDeleteThe issue I have with the Smith children, is that they are not acting like children their age. They never have. They act like adults, dress like adults and move like they are in an adult world.
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't know any better, I'd think they were raised by Scientologists.
I've read that Jaden was very irrogant on the set of The Karate Kid, as well as all the PR interviews to promote the movie. The Smiths need to be teaching their kids that you get further in life being respectful than arrogant!
ReplyDeleteIn the interviews I have seen of both children, they do come across as slightly arrogant but it's really not surprising when success comes that easily.
ReplyDeleteWill Smith has always seemed to be a super nice dude & fairly down to earth so hopefully he will teach them a little humility.
If Willow didn't have famous parents people wouldn't be AS quick to judge. But that has a lot to do with the perception of her attitude.
how many black child role models are there? I say they are actually good for urban kids who have no one too look up to. Yes, education is far more important than a movie or singing career. But if they inspire a black child to stay in school then who cares who their parents are. Willow & Jade were born rich and will die rich.
ReplyDeleteIf Will and Jada were monsters or negligent to their kids, wouldn't this blogger know. It's distasteful for an adult to comment on a social network about someone else's kids.
ReplyDelete@timebob Glad you mentioned that. Keke Palmer and China McClain (soon to have her own Disney show) are some examples. The kids on Everybody Hates Chris are pretty good too, even though they're aging now and the show was recently canceled. Raven Symone is too old to be a kid role model now, but for years she was looked up to.
ReplyDeleteTo me, Willow is a horrible example of staying in school. The Smiths own a school she admittedly barely attends, and she has stated on the record that doing so has caused her to not keep up with the other kids academically. Hard to tell a kid to stay in school when you're barely there yourself.
I think I'm with Terry. They seem very pushy and act as if they deserve all this.
ReplyDeletegreat more disney creations
ReplyDeleteWow you guys are pathetic picking on a ten and twelve year old. Get a life!
ReplyDeleteI'm with her...They have that "It's all about me " smirk on their faces...sorry I know they're kids....but wait they're just getting started...
ReplyDeleteI agree with Terry. I think the Smith kids are smug as hell. Get an education dammit.
ReplyDeleteMissy, it has nothing to do with needing "a life". It is just wanting less obnoxious people out in the world. No one is ragging on their looks. They are obnoxious, arrogant and smug. I can't stand either of those kids, and because of that, I can't stand Will or Jada.
I agree with Terry also. As someone posted, if this was Noa Cyrus we'd be all over this plus more.
ReplyDeletePerhaps fame whore or entitled would have been better adjectives.
I'm with shakey !
ReplyDeleteI'm with Terry. These are the smuggest, most arrogant and entitled H-wood brats I've seen to date.
ReplyDeletesince i saw terry's comment i whole heartedly agreed with her, I just dont see the need for will and jada to be pushing those kids into this business usually celebs try to keep there kids AWAY from the business till they are old enough to decide that they want to do it...they do seem arrogrant and entitled but they are hollywood kids...
ReplyDeleteThose kids creep me out. They do not seem human.
ReplyDeleteI don't think they're being exploited, but if I had a son and he acted like that boy does in interviews, I'd take his computer away or something.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, whenever I see an interview with Terry McMillan, I am amazed at how insecure she seems.
ReplyDeleteI used to like Will but as with a lot of celebs, he grew tiresome(I mean from overexposure). As far as his kids, don't pay much attention to them but they seem a bit annoying.
ReplyDeleteThese kids have chosen to be have a very public life. With that comes criticism. I don't see anything wrong with what McMillan said.
ReplyDeleteI also don't see the need to push their careers so hard now. The Smiths are creating these projects for their kids. It's not like they're getting cast in movies that were already in development. Very different than normal child actors who go through the audition process.
I've got a weird feeling about Will Smith. He behaves just like Tom Cruise with his 'always nice and always happy' attitude and always playing the clown at red carpets for the fans and giving autographs for hours.
ReplyDeleteOn one hand, I would like more stars to be that appreciative and attentive towards the people who got them were they are now - even if it's an act -, but on the other hand I can't stop thinking that this is all a big promotion tactic for Scientology and that's what creeps me out about those two.
I haven't seen much about Willow, but I can say that when Jaden was here to promote Karate Kid, the German interviewers all commented on how arrogant and entitled he already acted.
They have all the time in the world to become actors and singers. Why can't they just be kids for a while?
@Missy: I don't know why you're getting your panties in a twist about this discussion? If Jada and Will wouldn't want people to comment on their kids and their behaviour or at least how they are perceived by others, they shouldn't have pushed them in the spotlight to begin with.
I have no problem with them acting. They can get opportunities for their kids that other parents only dream. The unfortunate part is that they give the appearance that their education is not important.
ReplyDeleteSo glad Terry is getting support on this one. To people who think they are great role models for black kids. Those aren't the type of role models our kids need. Role models like this are exactly the problem.
ReplyDeleteWe are impressed with them because they achieved success quickly, and by success I mean wealth. More importantly, these kids did not have to fight or even work hard to get what they want. It's been handed to them.
Jada attended the school of the performing arts growing up. She has wanted this her whole life. There is no difference between her and Dina Lohan. If it weren't for Will, she wouldn't have done much after A Different World. I think she's living vicariously through her kids.
@Missy - it's a blog. If they were sending letters to the children or taking out a full page adds on the subject, i would understand your concern. It isn't like they are wishing the kids ill, just calling them brats...basically.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Terry McMillan. I've met her and she's very nice. I don't think the Smiths are good parents--in fact, I honestly believe that good parents keep their children out of the entertainment industry. With very few exceptions, the children turn out very damaged adults.
ReplyDeleteA couple of you mentioned that they do not behave like kids, but adults - thats a big part of scientology. Kids are just grownups in little bodies, and they are to be treated as such.
ReplyDelete[There is no difference between her and Dina Lohan. If it weren't for Will, she wouldn't have done much after A Different World.]
ReplyDeleteJada P. has achieved more in life than White Oprah ever will. I don't care if being married to Will helped opened the doors for Jada. We all gotta get in some way.
Agree with the last paragraph of your response, Mina. The children are a reflection of what their parents let them get away with.
ReplyDelete@parissucksliterally: So you want to rid the world of Will Smith`s kids? What`s your "FINAL SOLUTION?" Some of you people are fucking crazy!
ReplyDeleteita, shakey! nailed it smack on the head. you make such great points, i have nothing to add. great insights from everyone else too.
ReplyDeletelol @ missy's douchebaggery towards posters. calm down. have some chamomile tea. no need to go on the attack..."fucking kids", "pathetic", "crazy", "final solution"...it doesn't bode well for your 'argument'. you sound a wee bit psycho.
^^^like you carry on about taylor smith and justin beiber?
ReplyDeletei don't carry on, stichintime, i clear up based on professional firsthand knowledge and experience. when something is said on here, that's obviously opposite of what is actually true, i comment about it. that's it.
ReplyDeletei also don't go on the attack or call people names. you can vent w/o calling people crazy, pathetic, yadda yadda...or attacking their parenting.
^^^ I think you mean Taylor Swift. And Pookie has mentioned in the past she's actually in the industry and has worked with those kids and is sharing info. meow.
ReplyDeleteyeah, yeah, yeah. based on YOUR interactions with them. can't be somewhere with a person 24/7.
ReplyDeletewhats with the cattiness? missy take it to perez
ReplyDeleteTerry's a moron. She's judging little kids based on their demeanor? Really, their demeanor? How does she know they're hungry for fame? Hungry for attention, as opposed to someone who publicly bitches about someone else's celeb kids?
ReplyDeleteWow, looks like our cycles have synced and everyone's pms-ing today. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't help but think of the interview with Willow Smith when she talked about meeting with Jay-Z. There are so many out there that would give anything for that opportunity and she gets it based on her parents. They come across very entitled. I don't think it's overly cool to post your thoughts via Twitter but whatever, she's right.
ReplyDeleteI know it's not nice to talk about kids but seriously, kids are being too misguided these days. I have to sit through my friend's daughter's singing and it's awful, just horrible. An assault to your senses. But her mom tells her she's perfect and beautiful and talented, etc. This little girl has completely bought into it. I'm scared for her future.
And now that you guys have given Missy her attention, she's content and will go have a smug nap now.
totally agree with Mina...some people give me chills...the whole Smith family are some of them.
ReplyDeleteI'm not the biggest Terry McMillian fan, due to how she handled her divorce so publicly, but I do agree with her assessment of the Smith kids.
ReplyDeleteJesus Christ Missy. Relax.....I can see you are not capable of a logical thought, so I will not give a rebuttal to your comment.
ReplyDelete@parissucksliterally: So it`s logical to hate kids you`ve never personally met? Go to Hell you stinky self-absorbed CUNT!!
ReplyDeleteMissy - seek help. Right after you've pulled your head out of Will Smith's ass.
ReplyDeleteSlightly off topic: Was it ever revealed who the kids were who threw coffee out of their car at a stranger on the street? They were the offspring of a celeb(s). I think too old to be the Smith brats, but it sounds like Jaden is arrogant enough to find it amusing to pull a stunt like that.
@Mango: Whatever you stupid strumpet!
ReplyDeleteI agree that those of you attacking these children are over the top. They are kids and have life lessons to learn and at their ages it can be chalked up to being a bit bratty. To say they are arrogant and give you the creeps is based on what?
ReplyDeleteMissy can say what she wants. The fact that you all come out and attack like a swarm of locusts united in your attack on children is in my opinion shameful. Missy's comments were as venomous as yours were. Very cowardly. Not a good look.
This is all my opinion but my goodness, this sucks. "Take it to Perez"? Really? Ultra-low blow there.
What 10 y.o. really wants an education? And I can't help wondering if at least some the venom stems from seeing *black* kids acting all privileged?
ReplyDeleteI don't think or care about this family in any way, shape or form, but I'd probably refrain from being too tough on the kids.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think the bitchery in here is HILARIOUS! and much needed after a terrible night at work.
Thanks!
@Tatyana: I didn`t want to bring up race but I think it`s part of the problem. Entertainment Weekly did go there in there defense of Jayden Smith. These are the same folks that called Obama "uppity". I guess Hollywood nepotism is only okay if you have pale skin.
ReplyDeleteis missy COS?
ReplyDeletei think the real point here is that people express their opinions on a variety of topics. its interesting to hear what other people think and to see disagreeing sentiments that are worded thoughtfully.
name calling doesnt really belong on this site. just express yourself intelligently and get on with it. the variety of opinions is what makes this site fun.
if that isnt what you are about go to a site that is all about name calling and extreme cattiness. like the youtube comments or perez hilton.
its not an insult of a low blow. i think missy just doesnt get what this site is about. or has forgotten.
lastly- i dont think its about race. at least i really hope its not.
i think its more about willow saying she is falling behind in school, will smith creating roles and jobs for his kids which is great but could wait until they had finished eighth grade or better yet, highschool.
i think a lot of celebrity kids come off poorly. and i think its a reflection on the parents and not on the kids. and FINALLY- i think a big part of the reaction is the scientology angle.
that shit scares the hell out of me. and as such, tom cruise and will smith repulse me.
ITA, Geebz.
ReplyDelete@moxy: Wow so anyone defending Will Smith`s kids is automatically labeled a Scientologist? That`s new to me considering I`m an atheist. That`s where you and me differ. I don`t judge people when it comes to race, religion, etc. Nice to know that you do judge. Guess it`s okay to call you a bigot.
ReplyDelete.... i was joking.... sorry if that wasnt clear
ReplyDeletefor real missy- whats going on? why are you so angry? are you ok?
ReplyDeleteI actually LOL'd at being called a strumpet by Missy. What's next? Jezebel? Harlot?
ReplyDeleteAnd I can't help wondering if at least some the venom stems from seeing *black* kids acting all privileged?
@ Tatyana - I don't think the Smith kids act privileged, I think they act bratty. It's not about race. I dislike ALL snotty kids. Including those I'm related to.
@moxy: I`m not angry just annoyed. I don`t like adults picking on children. It`s tasteless and crass.
ReplyDeleteYour attacks towards other people who are merely stating their opinion is also tasteless and crass, Missy.
ReplyDeleteI, for one, am annoyed by people who always want to give children and their bad behavior a free pass just for the sake of them being children.
I think that this is wrong. Sometimes, children can be little assholes and if it's too much, people should be allowed to call them out on it. Their parents most likely won't do that because they think they're doing the best for their kids which they don't, because otherwise those kids wouldn't behave so anti-social.
That's why little assholes become big assholes. Just look at Paris Hilton. If someone would have told her or her parents what a brat she is, she might have turned out differently.
When do you begin to tell a kid that they can't do what they want and that they have to respect other people and be responsible for their actions? At the age of 18, when they are leaving the house? Good luck with that.
/steps off soap box
PS: My little rant wasn't addressed to the Smith kids, but children in general.
@Mina: Are you barren? That`s the vibe I`m getting from your anti-child rant. You hate kids because you aren`t able to conceive. It`s made you very bitter inside. Seek counseling.
ReplyDeleteMissy, what is your problem?
ReplyDelete@janet: Please just mind your own business. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Mina! (also, not a barren.)
ReplyDelete@linnea:FUCK OFF YOU NOSY CUNT!!
ReplyDeleteMina, I'm so glad you and others get what I meant.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone else gotten a nasty comment on their blog from Missy? Courageous Missy with the closed profile?
Troll. Enjoy the attention from this thread. It won't happen again.
Wow, I get it in captial letters? I feel honored!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, why are you so angry? This is not the place for it.
This thread needs more cowbell!
ReplyDeleteLOL, Mango!
ReplyDelete@linnea & shakey: Ahh you guys thought you could trash innocent kids without consequences. Poor babies:)
ReplyDeleteHahaha @Mango, perhaps you are right... Go for it!
ReplyDelete@Missy - you do realize that we at no point were "trashing babies"? Mina spelled it out that her comments were not directed at the Smith children, she merely said that it is accetable to say that some kids are spoiled.
ReplyDeleteI meant "trashing innocent kids"
ReplyDeleteApparently Missy doesn't understand that when kids act spoiled and entitled, everyone notices. Much like adults with bad attitudes.
ReplyDeleteFuck cowbells, I want to know more about the "consequences" Missy is threatening us all with.
ReplyDelete*GULPS*
I don't know about the rest of you, but MY feelings are easily hurt by strangers who post under an anonymous name on an internet message board. *sniffs*
Fuck you and good night, Missy.
mango, shakey and linnea- :) hope yall are having a good weekend, full of cowbell. or a detailed dossier on the "consequences" if thats more your speed ;)
ReplyDeletelove ya!- moxy
ps- sorry for feeding the troll. i thought it might be a cry for help with the level of nastiness present. so much anger. but after the barren comment, i dont even care.
good night, good luck and good gossip!
pps- above comment directed at mina too- that barren comment was waaaay off sides. much love!
ReplyDeletelmao, I`m a troll for defending children? Whatever.
ReplyDeleteMissy, you're a troll because you don't have a single clue about how to join a discussion in a decent manner.
ReplyDeleteAnd no, I'm not barren. I'm as fertile as can be. Thanks for asking, though!
I think now I'm allowed to make a few assumptions about you then, huh?
a) You're barren yourself and thus want a child so bad that you're not able to take a realistic look on life and the raising of children. Your glorification of children is so absurd that it reaches the point of complete insanity.
b) You're on of those incompetent and delusional parents who don't know how to raise their kids so that they will become a useful and valuable part of society and thus get shit from other people all the time about your bad parenting skills and how you raised anti-social brats, who will have a hard time for the rest of their lives learning the crucial things they should have learned from their parents in the first place.
So, which one is it?
PS: Thanks to Linnea, Shakey, Moxy, Mango and Janet! Have a nice Sunday!
ReplyDeleteTeam Linnea, Shakey, Moxy, Mango and Janet!
ReplyDeleteMissy, you are a very, very bitter person. Are you upset that it is almost Valentine's Day and you are dateless?
@the lutefisk: I `m not bitter or dateless. Please mind your own business. At least I`m not a coward like shakey and her gang of child-haters. Making judgements about children they`ve never met and I`m the crazy one? Getting mad at me because I call you out for attacking kids!
ReplyDeleteIt is my business when you go on a public forum and attack people I call my friends. People have opinions, and are entitled to express them without being attacked. They may be children, but they were pushed into the public's eyes by their parents. There are plenty of celebrities who have children and keep them private and let them grow up the way children should. The Smiths did not choose this route, so their kids are fair game.
ReplyDeleteI usually don't feed the trolls but there's just something about Missy... I just can't quit you! :`(
ReplyDeleteBesides, it's the weekend and I have some down time.
@Mina: I forgot to mention that your comment about Paris Hilton was right on target. Her parents traveled to Hilton hotels and let her bring her pet(s) and let them shit and pee everywhere. Paris was indulged, allowed to treat Hilton employees like servants and look how she ended up. Amazing that Nikki isn't the hot mess that her sister is, but she usually flies lower on the radar.
I have no idea why these celebrities don't encourage their children to get an education. A good example would be Rashida Jones. Her father is a music mogul who could have indulged her every whim, but her parents chose to instill the right values and she's a Harvard graduate. She's smart, funny and literate. Can you say that about most celeb kids?
i worry for our world, well america at least. education and hard work arent prized like they should be. i think it shows in celebrities, as well as in non celebrities. but so many people and kids just want to be famous. they dont want to do any work, they dont even want to work at a talent, they just want to be famous.
ReplyDeletecan you imagine having so much money and having the influence and connections to help your children obtain an amazing education and help them make their way in the industry of their choice? i dont mean buying their grades and buying their jobs. i mean sending them to rigorous schools and pushing them to learn, and to do what they enjoy and love. to try to make a difference in the world.
willow smith is falling behind in fourth grade. she has said she has a tutor but doesnt get to spend time with him because she is working. and that she cant keep up in math among other things.
how can you do that to your kid?
how can you do that to your kid and claim to want whats best for them?
@mango- yeah, i know right? dont want to feed but do want to comment :)
the personal attacks were really uncalled for. not a lot of making a point, and more just name calling, which does nothing but undermine a persons point anyways. the level of anger seemed so disproportionate and so out of place for what was actually being said.
its a weird thread. :)
The simple fact that all of you KEEP going on with this thread, is testament to not having a fulfilled life outside of this blog. This blog isn't that important and if you have not MET anyone here in person, you have no clue who sits behind the screen. GET A LIFE.
ReplyDeletekeri so very said...
ReplyDeleteThe simple fact that all of you KEEP going on with this thread, is testament to not having a fulfilled life outside of this blog....if you have not MET anyone here in person, you have no clue who sits behind the screen.
@Keri - you contradicted yourself.
If you have not met anyone here in person and you have no idea who sits behind the screen, then how can you claim that they don't have a fulfilled life outside of this blog?
On that note, I'm punching out of this thread. It's been fun and it filled a tiny corner of the huge, gaping hole in my life. Thank you one and all. *wipes tear from eye*
I think it's really tasteless and low for Terry McMillan to trash children in public, whoever they are. What self-respecting adult does that sort of thing?
ReplyDeleteAs an author, I think she's pretty mediocre. I read Waiting to Exhale just to see what the hype was about and was pretty disappointed.
Lol @ "child haters". I think the definition of a "coward" is someone who calls people names, resorts to personal attacks, goes to their BLOG to attack them, but then keeps their own profile closed. Cuckoo.
ReplyDelete