Jessica Williams and Salma Hayek had a tense conversation about race at Sundance
A conversation at the Sundance Film Festival meant to bring together women in film got a little heated last week, when Jessica Williams and Salma Hayek got into a debate regarding race and intersectional feminism.
The LA Times reported on the on-the-record luncheon co-sponsored by Glamour magazine and Girlgaze and people are unhappy with Hayek's and other actresses' remarks.
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The luncheon was meant as a forum for women in film to discuss, network and celebrate accomplishments — however, according to the Times, things took a turn for the uncomfortable as the topic shifted to the political climate.
Hayek warned those gathered to not "fall into victimization" because of their gender.
"I don’t want to be hired because I’m a girl. I want them to see I’m fabulous. Don’t give me a job because I’m a girl. It’s condescending," Hayek reportedly said, before Shirley MacLaine chimed in and challenged others to uncover their "core identity."
Williams challenged these with her own perspective. “My question is: What if you are a person of color, or a transgendered [sic] person who — just from how you look — you already are in a conflict?," she asked. MacLaine then reportedly told her to "change her point of view of being victimized."
The tense exchange went on, with Hayek encouraging Williams to try to identify as someone other than a black woman.
“Who are you when you’re not black and you’re not a woman?" Hayek said. "Who are you and what have you got to give?”
"A lot. But some days, I’m just black, and I’m just a woman,” Williams responded. “Like, it’s not my choice. I know who I am. I know I’m Jessica, and I’m the hottest bitch on the planet I know."
In response, Hayek (who was born in Mexico) asked Williams to accept identity as a choice.
As Times reporter Amy Kaufman wrote:
The conversation continued with others chiming in to support Williams' point that different women deal with the weight of a wide range of experiences — and the importance of acknowledging the burdens and experiences of black women through an intersectional framework, not victimization.
The full text, which you can read here, sparked a dialogue on Twitter, particularly from black women who tweeted in support of Williams.
@msjwilly bless you.
— Issa Rae (@IssaRae) January 29, 2017
JFC. Come on, people. Listen to black women. https://t.co/S7wnZtvcoN
— roxane gay (@rgay) January 28, 2017
NBPOC really don't get it . That Salma & Jessica thing has me very upset. Everyone thinks they can lecture Black women on their liberation
— Sister Outsider (@FeministGriote) January 29, 2017
Salma listened to Jessica Williams say
"I KNOW who I am" & replied
"No No No, take the time to investigate"#IStandWithJessicaWilliams pic.twitter.com/C94F0kUF8O— Tora Shae (@BlackMajiik) January 29, 2017
Salma Hayak's terrible response to Jessica Williams very real and valid feelings is exactly what we mean when we say WOC ≠ Black Women
— Jasmyn Lawson (@JasmynBeKnowing) January 29, 2017
"Who are u when u're not black & not a woman?" Umm girl what??? This whole article irked my nerves! 😒 #ShutUpSalma #iStandWithJessica https://t.co/r2pcg9k7t7
— Tiffany (@xoTiffyD) January 29, 2017
The way Salma addressed Jessica is so ugh. She sounded so condescending and like she knew everything about racism like she had it worse
— Fany (@Goldnmint) January 30, 2017
I really want a continuation of this discussion esp from Jessica and Salma. They all have valid points that needs further scrutiny. https://t.co/MKARsgmc8f
— Toyiah Murry (@toyiahm) January 30, 2017
Until people recognise that all struggles aren't the same and oppression is felt at different levels of intensity, we'll get nowhere.
— Christiana A Mbakwe (@Christiana1987) January 29, 2017
@FeministGriote The thing that really irks was Salma trying to pin victimhood on Jessica bc that's how SHE read her experience not Jessica
— Neveruary 32nd (@MomDeanie) January 29, 2017
While neither Hayek or Williams have since made statements regarding the conversation, Williams' pinned tweet from 2015 sums everything up: "I am a black woman and I am a feminist and I am so many things. I am truly honored that people love my work. But I am not yours."
I am a black woman and I am a feminist and I am so many things. I am truly honored that people love my work. But I am not yours.
— Jessica R. Williams (@msjwilly) February 17, 2015
