Words by Jeffrey Arthur
When your dad is one of Hollywood’s biggest names, shaping your own image and legacy is no easy task – but with a dedicated fan base and plans to change the world, Jaden Smith is doing just that.
In 2005, Jaden Smith made his big debut on cinema screens across the world; acting alongside his father, Will Smith, his performance was a huge success. In the movie, he played a persistent and stubborn eight-year-old boy. At 22, much like his character in the movie, Jaden Smith is still persistent and stubborn; but this time, he’s not in ‘pursuit of happyness’ – he’s in pursuit of change.
For a ‘Hollywood kid’, Jaden Smith has strayed from the usual line of money, parties and negative headline news. Instead, Smith has identified a lot of things he doesn’t like – from gender standards to plastic waste – and he’s doing something about it.
Recently, following the global protests and demand for change, Smith has turned his attention to voting access, education reform, criminal justice and other important issues. Given that his mother, Jada Pinkett-Smith, hosts her own famous talk show, ‘The Red Table Talk’, you might think Jaden Smith’s proposal to start his own might have a produced a few awkward stares the dinner table, but both of his parents have reportedly been heavily involved in the making of the show – signifying the importance of the issues Smith wishes to discuss.
Pay attention, “The Solution Committee” is now in session
As the title suggests, Smith’s new show on Snapchat is all about finding solutions to social, economic and environmental issues. To do so, Smith wants some help, especially from 18-23-year-olds. And in true Hollywood fashion, he’s also enlisted the help of some famous friends: Common, Willow Smith, Hailey Bieber and Yara Shahidi are amongst the famous faces on the show.
“Historically, people between the ages of 18 to 23 have been less likely to vote,… This is because a lot of young people feel like they don’t have the information or know where to get it. This show is about educating the youth and making sure they feel empowered and ready to vote.”
Jaden Smith
JUST Water is Jaden’s solution to plastic waste
Climate change is an issue—a very big one, and our use of plastic is, according to most scientists and climate experts, one of the most damaging contributing factors. The seriousness and urgency of the situation has spurred people into action: global protests, regulations, and education are all part of proposed solutions.
We’re all figuring out how to do our bit for the planet. For some, that means re-usable coffee cups and for others, it means changing our diet to include less meat. For Jaden Smith, doing his bit means starting a company; and given his wealth and the profile of his family, he can afford to think bigger than re-usable coffee cups. His JUST water company, which focuses on sustainability, was founded in 2012. It aims to inspire “people to do good and feel good by making conscious choices that help people and the planet.” The carton is made from plant-based carbon, meaning it’s renewable and can be regrown naturally. Since its launch, it has performed well in the U.S. and to help recreate the success in the UK, Smith enlisted the help of his very famous father.
Today, not only is the company helping to reduce the use of plastic, but it’s also worth a cool $100 million – not bad, for a ‘tree hugger’.
Jaden isn’t afraid to try new things
In 2016, Smith, then aged 17, took part in a Louis Vuitton commercial—wearing a skirt. The headlines were written, ignorant questions were asked and speculations were rife, but Smith himself was relatively calm about it all. He tweeted, “If I Wanna Wear A Dress, Then I Will, And That Will Set The New Wave…#ICON.” In short, external opinions don’t really bother him. Much like his sister, he thanks his parents for their support and encouragement; In the Smith household, you can be whoever you want.
That confidence to dress and act how he feels comfortable extends to his music. His music completely reflects his personality: free, spirited and experimental.
At 22, Jaden Smith seems to have found the magic touch, and he’s using it for good. On many different issues, his contributions, impact and willingness for change prove that he’s just an icon living.
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