Backstory of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Trend

The MMIW movement addresses a critical crisis where more than 1.5 million American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence, with murder rates 10 times higher than the national average for other groups.

The red handprint over the mouth is a powerful symbol within the MMIW movement, representing the silencing and violence against Indigenous women. This symbol has been used in various protests and awareness campaigns to highlight the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

MMIW Protest at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau, 2019

In January 2019, during the Women's March in Juneau, a significant focus was placed on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement. More than a dozen red dresses, held up on wooden posts, were illuminated in the sunlight in front of the Alaska State Capitol. These dresses were meant to bring attention to missing and murdered Indigenous women, symbolizing their absence and the violence they endured.

The event was part of the broader Women's March, but the red dresses were a new and striking addition, highlighting the MMIW crisis. This visual protest was intended to raise awareness about the high rates of violence against Indigenous women in Alaska and to demand action from policymakers and the community.

The presence of these red dresses at the Capitol was a powerful statement, aligning with the MMIW movement's use of red as a color of remembrance and urgency. It underscored the need for systemic change to address the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the region.

MMIW Protests Across America

The MMIW movement has sparked numerous protests and awareness events across the United States, each aiming to bring attention to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Here are some notable instances:

• Washington, D.C. - 2018: In February 2018, a large gathering took place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where hundreds of people, including Indigenous leaders and activists, protested to demand action on the MMIW crisis. The event included speeches, cultural performances, and a march to the Capitol, emphasizing the need for federal legislation to address the issue.
• Phoenix, Arizona - 2019: In May 2019, a significant MMIW rally occurred in Phoenix, drawing attention to the high rates of violence against Indigenous women in Arizona. The protest featured red handprints, marches, and community gatherings, calling for increased resources and awareness.
• Minneapolis, Minnesota - 2020: During the global protests following the murder of George Floyd, the MMIW movement gained additional visibility in Minneapolis. Indigenous activists organized events that highlighted the intersection of racial justice and the MMIW crisis, with red dresses and handprints becoming prominent symbols during these demonstrations.
• Portland, Oregon - 2021: In June 2021, a large MMIW march took place in Portland, organized by the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA). The event included a walk across the St. Johns Bridge, speeches, and a community gathering, focusing on the need for systemic change and support for Indigenous communities.
• Los Angeles, California - 2022: In October 2022, a vigil and protest were held in Los Angeles to honor missing and murdered Indigenous women. The event featured red dresses, candlelight vigils, and calls for action from local and state officials to address the crisis.

These protests illustrate the widespread nature of the MMIW movement, with communities across the country coming together to demand justice and awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Jaden Smith's Appearance and Interpretation

In the video, Jaden Smith is seen outside a restaurant, walking in with a group of people. His face is painted red, and his teeth are also red, which is interpreted as a potential protest or awareness-raising gesture.

This visual could be seen as resonating with the MMIW movement's symbolism, where red paint might represent the brutality and silencing of victims. The red on his face and teeth could symbolize the viciousness of attacks and the need to speak out against such violence.

The speculation is that Jaden is protesting and representing missing and murdered individuals in the entertainment industry, who fell victim to corrupt men and women, aligning with broader concerns about exploitation and corruption within the industry.

The Entertainment Industry's Corruption and Exploitation

The entertainment industry has been criticized for its corrupt and exploitative practices, often prioritizing profit over the well-being of artists. This is evident in various scandals and the systemic issues that allow for the exploitation of young talents.

Significant scandals, such as the Burning Sun case in South Korea, involved allegations of sexual assault, prostitution, and police corruption, leading to severe repercussions for involved celebrities.

Tragic Deaths of Child Stars in Hollywood

The entertainment industry has a history of child stars facing untimely deaths, often due to the immense pressures and challenges associated with early fame. These tragedies shed light on the vulnerabilities of young performers and the systemic issues within Hollywood.

Corey Haim: Corey Haim, known for his roles in films like "The Lost Boys" and "License to Drive," became a symbol of the perils faced by child stars. Haim struggled with substance abuse throughout his life, which was exacerbated by the pressures of fame and the industry's exploitation. He died on March 10, 2010, at the age of 38, from pneumonia complicated by drug addiction. His death was a poignant reminder of the lack of support and protection for young actors in Hollywood.

River Phoenix: Another tragic case is that of River Phoenix, who died at the age of 23 on October 31, 1993, from a drug overdose outside the Viper Room in West Hollywood. Phoenix was a promising young actor, known for films like "Stand by Me" and "My Own Private Idaho." His death highlighted the dangers of substance abuse and the intense scrutiny that child stars face, often leading to destructive behaviors.

Judith Barsi: Judith Barsi, who voiced Ducky in "The Land Before Time" and appeared in "Jaws: The Revenge," was murdered at the age of 10 by her father in 1988. Her death was a stark example of the domestic violence and abuse that can occur within the families of child stars, compounded by the stress of their careers.

Gary Coleman: Gary Coleman, famous for his role as Arnold Jackson in "Diff'rent Strokes," faced numerous personal and financial struggles after his child stardom. He died at the age of 42 in 2010 from an intracranial hemorrhage following a fall. His life was marked by legal battles, health issues, and the challenges of transitioning out of child acting.

Heather O'Rourke: Heather O'Rourke, known for her role as Carol Anne Freeling in the "Poltergeist" franchise produced by Steven Spielberg, died on February 1, 1988, at the age of 12. Her death was due to complications from a congenital intestinal stenosis, leading to septic shock. Despite the medical cause, her passing has been linked to the "Poltergeist curse" rumor, which suggests supernatural causes due to various tragedies associated with the film series. However, these claims are not substantiated, and her death was a tragic medical event seemingly unrelated to Spielberg's direct actions as suspected.

These cases illustrate a pattern of exploitation, lack of proper support systems, and the psychological toll of early fame. The entertainment industry's focus on profit often overlooks the well-being of its youngest stars, leading to devastating outcomes.

Systemic Issues in Hollywood

The untimely deaths of child stars are often linked to broader systemic issues within Hollywood, including:

• Exploitation and Overwork: Child actors are frequently overworked, with long hours and intense schedules that can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. This lack of regulation and protection is a significant factor in their vulnerability.
• Substance Abuse: The pressure to perform and maintain fame can drive young stars to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. The availability of drugs and the culture of excess in Hollywood exacerbate this issue.
• Lack of Support Systems: Many child stars lack adequate support systems, including mental health resources and financial guidance, leaving them ill-equipped to handle the challenges of fame.
• Transition Challenges: The transition from child to adult acting is difficult, and many stars struggle to find roles or maintain relevance, leading to financial and emotional distress.

These systemic problems contribute to the tragic outcomes seen in the lives of child stars like Corey Haim, River Phoenix, Judith Barsi, Gary Coleman, and Heather O'Rourke.

Call for Change

The deaths of these young talents have sparked calls for reform within the entertainment industry. Advocates argue for stronger regulations to protect child actors, including limits on working hours, mandatory mental health support, and better financial management. The Coogan Law, which requires a portion of a child actor's earnings to be set aside, is one step, but more comprehensive measures are needed to address the root causes of these tragedies.

The legacy of these child stars serves as a cautionary tale, urging the industry and society to prioritize the well-being of young performers over profit and fame.

Pop Culture as Protest Symbols

Pop culture icons have increasingly been used as protest symbols, suggesting that Jaden's bold appearance might be part of a broader trend of using celebrity influence to highlight social issues.

Examples include the Guy Fawkes mask from "V for Vendetta" or the Straw Hat Pirates' flag from "One Piece," indicating that celebrities like Jaden might leverage their status to draw attention to critical social issues.

Emotional Response and Call for Awareness

The personal connection to the issue, having lost loved ones to the entertainment industry, underscores the urgency of bringing these matters to light. Jaden's appearance, as interpreted, could be a call to action, symbolizing the beatings and silencing of victims to maintain their silence.

The need to spread awareness about these issues is critical, as it aligns with the broader fight against violence and corruption in both the entertainment industry and society at large.