Feminism

Feminism Taking A Stand in Comedy

There has always been a long-existing stigma surrounding funny women and women in comedy within our society. But why is it so surprising that women can be funny? 

And why are male comedians who make light of subjects like rape and sexual abuse not given a second thought? Is it because our society views degrading behavior towards women as “just joking?” It isn’t “just joking.” And thankfully, the strong presence of feminist female comedians and their even stronger comedic style addresses these feminist issues. 

Comedian Jessica Williams of "2 Dope Queens,” who also makes appearances on the Daily Show, expresses her pro-feminist comedic style; it shines light on the issues, while making the audience laugh. These are two separate entities, rather than taking these critical issues lightly through the crutch of comedy.

Jessica Williams also stated in an interview that she was a victim of sexually harassment, and by a famous actor; this shows how even a strong woman of color, not only in society but as a powerful woman in television, can be taken advantage of by a man.  But it's William’s courage to share her story, rising against those men that feel they can control and silence women. But Jessica is one heroing example of women who stand up and fight.  

Another feminist female comedian worth mentioning in this article is Emily Heller. Heller discusses feminism and feminist issues as a comedian. She talks about the cliches associated with feminists/feminism and the real issues. Heller presents these issues in a way that is funny but doesn’t take away from their value or make them less meaningful through the use of comedy. 

One of the most recognizable female comedians in the past year, Amy Schumer, has also faced issues of slut-shaming in relation to comedy. In one interview with comedian and actress Amy Schumer, the male interviewer had the nerve to call Train Wreck "autobiographical." He then proceeds to say that Schumer’s performance in said movie portrays her as a “skank” and that it is a depictions of “the character of the movie.” Amy Schumer’s comedic style is hilarious. She uses her own personal experiences to poke fun at herself and make light of her insecurities. As a result, she make others laugh. The audience does not laugh at her expense, but at the delivery of her jokes. It makes us, the audience, look at ourselves and attempt to take our own insecurities as light-heartedly as Amy Schumer.

The presence of feminists comedians is not only existent in females, but also feminist male comedians. Comedians Seth Meyers and Jay Baruchel have said some of the strongest women they know are those they’ve worked with. Even Louis C.K. has addressed feminist issues in his comedy stand-up performances. “Globally and historically, we’re (men) the number one cause of injury and mayhem to women. You know what our number one threat is? Heart disease,” Louis C.K. said. 

This joke addresses that there is a historically proven problem in which men treat women in our society; however, Louis C.K. has had seemingly mixed views on his feminist position, or at least in terms of those views he has outwardly expressed.  

But some men in the public eye that consider themselves as feminists remain firm on their position as such. “I’m constantly annoyed by how terribly written most females are in most everything - and especially in comedy. Their anatomy seems to be the only defining aspect of their character, and I just find that untruthful and it straight up offends me. A lot of the strongest people I know are chicks. As a viewer, I get a kick out of watching actual women. And I like writing strong women. Because as a straight male, there’s nothing more attractive to me than a strong girl,” says comedian and actor Jay Baruchel.  

It is men like Baruchel who not only recognize women's ability to be talented within the world of comedy; but also men who work alongside these strong females comedians, and treat them as such.

by Lauren Peterson