“I don’t need to prove s*** to anybody”: Willow Smith Doesn’t Think the ‘nepo baby’ Label Applies to Her Because She’s “a Black woman”
The debate surrounding nepotism and the privileges that come with it has been becoming increasingly relevant. The constant tug of war between having celebrated parents and having a shred of talent to prove yourself in the industry is evident in all fields, from music to acting.
The most recent commentator on the same is Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s daughter, Willow Smith. The 23-year-old has been pursuing a career as a singer with many hits already released. At the same time, she is also trying to make her place in the world of acting with films like The Lorax.
Willow Smith Comments on Being Called Nepo Baby
In a recent interview with Allure, singer and actress Willow Smith opened up about the fears and realities of having famous parents. It does take a toll on the child as they are always under pressure to be better and do better. However, at the same time, many doors open specifically for kids of celebrities that will not even exist for people who try to make it big in the industry based on their talents.
Smith claimed that she has a strong spirit that would have been pulled towards creativity even if her parents weren’t actors. Overcoming the insecurities, she expressed how the negativity in her head forced her to work harder and realize that she does not owe any explanation to anyone. Talking about how her culture and identity work into the mix, she claimed,
“There have been some experiences where I went into a place that I have worked in the past and my picture could even be up on the wall, and they treat me like: ‘This is a little bit out of your price range’ or ‘You don’t really belong here.’ Being Black in America, even with privilege, which I’m never going to deny that I have, you’re still Black. And I love being Black.”
Despite being a brand ambassador for various beauty brands and signing ad campaigns, some places discriminate against you based on your skin color. Smith describes that her popularity sometimes fades away when people notice her skin color and the fundamental prejudices come to light. The singer further states how she has grown up with the speech that urges her to work twice as hard as others.
Willow Smith’s Struggle to Find Her Tribe
It can often be very lonesome and struggling to walk a certain path in life. You don’t often find people to connect with and be friends with. In the interview, Smith further elaborates on how she has often felt like a loner in her life. The questions of uncertainty and loneliness have troubled her frequently.
“As a kid, it worried me because I [thought], Is it going to be like this forever? Am I just going to be alone? I’ve always had a different mind. I would go to my mom and [say], ‘I’m not sure if this is going to work out. How do you think this is going to go?’ And she would always say, ‘You’ll find your tribe.’ And I feel like I found my tribe, not necessarily in specific people.”
She goes on to express how she felt connected to people through their dedication and devotion to one service and one cause. The people she met in her life to date have all found a cause to work towards, and that’s the common thread binding everyone together. Smith feels the issues with loneliness subside once a person is attracted to energies.
