Monica Hesse, author and columnist for The Washington Post, characterized the act of violence as a misguided attempt at chivalry.[94] This analysis was echoed by writer Ateh Jewel, who characterized the violence as, "a chivalrous act loaded with toxic masculinity."[95] Boston University communications professor Amy Shanler observed, "While Will Smith may perceive that his wife was the victim, as the target of Chris Rock's humor, what he actually did was reframe the entire situation to make Chris Rock the victim of his assault."[96] Duke University James B. Duke Distinguished professor of African and African American Studies, Mark Anthony Neal, commented that the incident reflected upon societal values related to perceptions of race and African American masculinity in American media.[97]