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Is Will Smith Exploiting His Kids?

Some think so—but Willow, Jaden seem to be having fun

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 20, 2010 10:51 AM CDT

(Newser) – At just nine years old, Willow Smith released her debut single—“an insistent, earwormy ode to the whipping of one's hair”—and will likely continue to act, too. Her 12-year-old brother, Jaden, also raps and acts. And, oh, they’ve both served as goodwill ambassadors to Zambia. It’s easy to be jealous of the progeny of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith—but, writes Mary Elizabeth Williams on Salon, “I, for one, welcome our new Smith family overlords.”

“There's an uneasy assumption that famous children must be mini-divas with pushy parents,” and “maybe the entire Smith clan are truly awful human beings, attention-seeking arrogant narcissists. Or maybe they're nice people who are encouraging their kids to do what makes them happy,” she writes. “More than just being little progenies, the Smith children combine their beyond-their-years giftedness with a truly kid-like apparent pleasure in what they do.” For more—or to see Willow’s “Whip My Hair” video—click here.

Will Smith, wife Jada, and children Willow and Jaden pose prior to the Germany premiere of the Film Karate Kid  in Berlin Monday, July 19, 2010.
Will Smith, wife Jada, and children Willow and Jaden pose prior to the Germany premiere of the Film "Karate Kid" in Berlin Monday, July 19, 2010.   (AP Photo/Berthold Stadler)
Willow, left and Jaden, right, children of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith perform at the Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo, Friday, Dec. 11, 2009.
Willow, left and Jaden, right, children of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith perform at the Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo, Friday, Dec. 11, 2009.   (AP Photo/Odd Andersen)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 12 comments
sailor86
Oct 21, 2010 3:48 PM CDT
Much ado about nothing. The kids look happy. So what, the naysayers are jealous or something?
Ma'at
Oct 21, 2010 12:22 PM CDT
I marvel at morons who worry about sh** like this Who ARE these people? Why would they think they know ANYTHING about the Smiths? These are their kids and only they are in a position to know what is best for them. Take care of your own kids and stop worrying about others. Jesus.
MDD
Oct 21, 2010 9:23 AM CDT
Who is Will Smith?
 

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