When we read about the early public readers, I asked what made “reader” an acceptable profession for a “lady.” After reading the Gilbert article I ask, what makes “comedian” an acceptable role for a “feminist?” What does this say about the state of gender-based prejudice in the United States today?
Comedy and feminism have not always been hand-in-hand, as Gilbert noted the early female comics regularly recited ‘I’m so ugly…’ jokes. However, in modern times, women are more able to express their inner thoughts through the medium of comedy than ever before. Comedic expression allows the female comedian to break the social boundaries that are erected and sustained outside of the performance space without the repercussions that would normally be instituted, because the humor attached to the feminist rhetoric deems the message funny and, therefore, acceptable.
Here is a video of Wanda Sykes' stand-up comedy that follows this perspective:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8FfFwtL91Q&feature=PlayList&p=53EB3611F8F3BD32&playnext_from=PL&index=0&playnext=1
A detachable vagina? Really? This humor would seem to be ridiculous anywhere else than on the stage performing in front of people who are expecting to laugh. This clip is an example as to why comedy is a great outlet for feminists, because of the surrealist thoughts, but also because a detachable vagina would be rejuvenating and enlivening in the woman by not having to worry about a male's dominance.
The way that stand-up comedy has been moving is liberating towards women and has a positive effect on how women are viewed in society today. The expression of feminist thoughts brings up new perspectives that were not present in previous time periods, because of the predominantly patriarchal societies of times past. I think that this comedy, not only makes the performer feel a 'truer' sense of self, but also emotes that sense into the audience. Through this humorous, feminist rhetoric, the audience is introduced into a new perspective that might not have been known before such performance. I believe that the more information a person has, the better of a decision they can make; and this is still applicable to comedy, because between all of the jokes about pussies and dicks, there is a belief, a thought, a vision of the future where feminist ideals won't be social taboo, but accepted as common place.
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Excellent essay. I totally agree by rhetorically constructing and performing their marginality on-stage, women inevitably exemplify the independence between social and personal identities. By doing so, the embody the power of the powerlessness. This social critique, articulated through comedy, becomes safe from any type of retribution. Therefore, women subvert the gender prejudice and a create a position within time and space for women to speak effectively.
ReplyDeleteLane, I truly enjoyed reading this essay. I can tell that you put a lot of thought into what you are saying. While all the jokes about "dicks and viganas" seem vulgar and out of place for women to state, they are effective because the society doesnt expect to hear such words from sweet and innocent women. I also like the example you gave. The idea of a detachable vaginas sounds weird but it makes a great point! Do you believe that every blunt comment made by a woman comedian indicate that the comedian is a feminist? Could she not use such language to prove a point- not because she is feminist but just to point out an issue to her audience?
ReplyDeleteA well spoken essay. In reading it, I thought about the ways in which women need to frame their comedic performance in order to be acceptable. I listened to Lisa Lampanelli and was left searching for the "comedy" in her stand-up routine. Is it funny because it is vulgar? Is that enough? Clearly, Ms. Lampanelli has subverted the patriarchal frames that had dominated comedy, yet I am left searching for anything humorous outside of the rhetorical subversion. Also, I'm not sure if this helps or hurts the current state of gender-based prejudice today. I think Ms. Lampanelli is funny because she talks like a truck driver. That in and of itself is humorous, but I can only laugh for so long at someone who appears to be doing an impersonation of a stereotypical calloused male. When will comedy reach a point where the "pussy and dick jokes" are no longer center stage, but find their place in the background of a truly humorous individual who can produce comedy out of the mundane and the seemingly ordinary - be they male or female? By witnessing the transformation of comedy through the feminist rhetorical practices, are we looking at the first stages of transformation of this previously dominated field?
ReplyDeleteGreat example! Certainly miles away from the "I'm so ugly" school. To strengthen the essay I'd like to see you address some of the points made in comments made above. What makes Sykes' comedy feminist in your opinion? Is humor that plays on sexual taboos actually liberating in any practical way or just funny because it defies our still strongly-held convictions and preconceptions about appropriate behavior for women?
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