The ‘Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings’ fame Awkwafina has finally returned to Twitter after a two-year hiatus to address criticism of her using a fake 'blaccent' (combination of the words 'black' and 'accent') while portraying most of her characters in films and TV shows.
After issuing the statement, the actress decided to quit the platform. As per Daily Mail, Awkwafina has been accused of 'cultural appropriation' in her earlier 'online rap' stint and comedy roles in projects like Ocean's Eight and Crazy Rich Asians.
Taking to social media, Awkwafina penned a long note about her using the 'African American Vernacular English (AAVE)' or 'blaccent', and also expressed her thoughts on the African American community being "disproportionately affected by institutionalized policies and law enforcement policies."
In a lengthy message on Twitter on Saturday, Awkwafina acknowledged the "fine line between offence and pop culture" but claims her use of AAVE or African American Vernacular English, as well as her “blaccent” — a voice that stereotypically imitates forms of Black American dialect "never was" meant to "mock, belittle or to be unkind" to Black people.
Responding to the flack and criticism she has been receiving, the actor further added, “But as 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, what is deemed appropriate or backwards toward the progress of ANY and EVERY marginalized group. 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”.
Well, I’ll see you in a few years, Twitter - per my therapist. To my fans, thank you for continuing to love and support someone who wishes they could be a better person for you. I apologize if I ever fell short, in anything I did. You’re in my heart always ❤️
— nora (@awkwafina) February 5, 2022
In a series of tweets furthermore, Awkwafina detailed that she'll come back on the micro-blogging platform after a hiatus, however, will continue to remain active on other social media platforms. "Well, I’ll see you in a few years, Twitter - per my therapist. To my fans, thank you for continuing to love and support someone who wishes they could be a better person for you. I apologize if I ever fell short, in anything I did. You’re in my heart always."
Awkwafina landed in trouble once again after she was nominated for a 2022 NAACP Image Award for character voice-over performance in television or film for her work on Raya and the Last Dragon.
Image Source: Instagram/awkwafina