Rickey Smiley is Over Men in Dresses Too

On Febuary 17, comedian and radio show host Rickey Smiley evoked the wrath of the internet after posting the following on both his Facebook and Instagram accounts:

   

At this time it's unclear what prompted the post. Perhaps it was a message of solidarity for former radio host, Wendy Williams, who received backlash for insensitive comments about gay men and if it was done in response to the outpouring of support for Zaya Wade confirming her gender identity. Whatever the reason, Smiley's post garnered both negative and positive reactions from his fans, with the majority calling Smiley out for divisiveness and devaluing the seriousness of one issues to promote another.

The main issue with Smiley's post is that there is no shortage of African American men and women being discriminated against for their choice of hair, and numerous examples can be found all across the country. Likely Smiley's post is in reference to DeAndre Arnold,, the Texas teen who's been banned from graduation due to his hair. When the story broke millions showed Arnold support and encouragement and the teen and family were even invited to attend this year's Academy Awards, walking the same red carpet as Billy Porter, a man who attended in a dress. The fact that hair, like clothing, is used as a way of expression for many is missed on Smiley as he this opportunity for laughs instead of enlightenment. However society has to ask how can we refuse the rejection of one's identity but support the suppression of another's?

Wendy Williams: Tolerance Not Acceptance

Wendy Williams just can't seem to catch a break these days. The controversial talk show host enraged social media, again, when she took it upon herself to police the fashion of others. Prior to Valentine's day, the host references Galentine, a term referencing women without a partner celebrating the day with their best gal pals. No one seemed to take issue with this, but apparently Williams took issue with the male members of her audience who applauded while she introduced the segment prompting this response: “Well, first of all, if you’re a man and you’re clapping, you’re not even a part of this. You don’t even understand the rules of the day... It’s women going out and getting saucy and then going back home... I don’t care if you’re gay. You don’t get a mense every 28 days, all right? You can do a lot that we do, but I get offended by the idea that we go through something you will never go through. And stop wearing our skirts and our heels. Just saying, girls, what do we have for ourselves?"

Naturally the backlash was quick and another social media wildfire was started. Aside from the comments bordering on homophobic, many took issue with the statement coming from Williams primarily because she has considered herself a LGBTQ ally in the past. Even attending pride events. Not one to apologize often, unless pressured by White studio executives, Williams has since offered an apology to the community but according to many her apology lacks sincerity.

"I apologize, I did not mean to offend my LGBTQ+ community. I never do this show in a place of malice... I understand my platform with the community... I didn’t mean to hurt anybody’s feelings. I’m just having a conversation. I’m 55 years old and maybe I sounded like your auntie, your mother, your big sister, or somebody out of touch. I’m not out of touch, except for perhaps yesterday, by saying what I said. So I deeply apologize and I deeply appreciate the support that I get from the community. I will do better. I appreciate you supporting me. Thank you."

Now, while it's no secret that William's style of journalism follows the pattern of Howard Stern, being as crass and disrespectful as possible knowing that a certain shock factor is a way of keeping an audience growing, these particular comments are more than William's being tongue and check. Williams displays perfectly tolerance, not acceptance. Wendy Williams doesn't need to apologize for saying how she felt. It's how she truly feels despite just two days prior praising Zara Wade for her confidence. While offering an apology for offending the LGBT community what Williams neglects to state is that clothes have no gender and that everyone should be able to what makes them comfortable. Despite public backlash it doesn't look like the tv host is going anywhere anytime soon.