Lupo Fiasco The Sexism of Laughter

Author: Kate Lupo

Aren't women funny? Aren't we just hilarious? Do you know the names of any female comedians besides Ellen DeGeneres? No? Me neither. On the flip side, I'm sure if I asked my readers to name male stand-up comedians, they would probably be able to provide a solid list. I will argue that, at least in our current society, it is hard for a woman to be funny without seriously compromising her beauty, talent and intellect. Everyday, both Hollywood actresses and regular plain Janes have to deal with the sexism of laughter.

Let's look at some pop culture examples of recently successful female comedic moments and analyze why they made both sexes laugh out loud. Reese Witherspoon's role as Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde" was hilarious because, at least in the beginning of the movie, she played the role of one of the most endearingly dumb and helplessly silly women that has ever graced the silver screen. How comical! Similarly, "Saturday Night Live" darling Tina Fey's career has recently sky-rocketed due to the popularity of her most amazing impression of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin who, though an admirable woman, is not the sharpest crayon in the box. Also, a lot of people think "Knocked Up" is a hilarious movie, especially when those shrill, bitchy women scream at the top of their lungs in every scene - now that's funny.

When we are laughing at Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods or Tina Fey as Sarah Palin, we are laughing at the stereotype of the "dumb, ignorant woman" which should not be funny at all. Furthermore, most of us are probably guilty of laughing at portrayals of fat women, ugly women and women with disabilities. What female historical figure is the easiest to laugh at? That's easy: poor, blind Helen Keller!

Why, then, is Ellen DeGeneres the only female comedian who has scraped the glass ceiling of the male-dominated world of comedy? What does she bring to the table that other women don't? She succeeds because she follows no stereotypes. In fact, because she is gay, Ellen has created her own brand of humor which allows her to both make fun of and embrace the "feminine" and "masculine" aspects of her personality.

Ellen's television show is incredibly popular and on the air, she has interviewed some of America's most important and prominent faces. Both Barack Obama and John McCain made appearances on "Ellen" during their campaign for the presidency. Before interviewing Barack Obama, Ellen had the audience in hysterics as she and Barack grooved to "Crazy Right Now" by Beyonce. In her interview with John McCain, however, Ellen had the choice of keeping things lighthearted, but instead decided to tackle the elephant in the room. Ellen nailed McCain on the issue of gay rights and viewers watched as he writhed in his seat, saying that he and Ellen would only be able to "respectfully disagree" on the topic. In that moment, Ellen showed that she is passionate, intelligent and informed. These aspects of Ellen's personality, and particularly her intelligence, make her a successful comedienne.

Our own Middlebury College is blessed to have a few truly hilarious women on campus. When I say a "truly hilarious" woman, I mean someone who can make both sexes laugh using her intelligence, wit and knowledge of current events. She does not have to act dumb or fall on her face to get a laugh. Although I won't mention names, I look up to the women of the Otter Nonsense Players who are among some of the funniest women I have ever had the pleasure of laughing at. They are every bit as funny as their male co-conspirators and equally contribute to the hilarity of their improv scenes. On that note, if you have never seen an Otter Nonsense show, then you are truly missing out on one of the best aspects of Middlebury College.

So ladies: the next time you find yourself acting dumb to get a laugh out of your guy friend, stop yourself and instead, try a little irony, sarcasm or wit. If you need inspiration, try studying famous comedians of the past, plus you will truly impress your guy friends if you can quote a whole tract from Dave Chapelle's "Killing Them Softly." Instead of glazing over when your guy friends discuss Dane Cook, actively try to be a part of the conversation. Be informed and be confident in your ability to make a joke, and with time and practice, you will have us all rolling in the aisles.