OP-ED No sexism in laughter

Author: Robert LaMoy

In response to Kate Lupo's '10 article "The Sexism of Laughter" (Jan. 15), I must respectfully disagree with the assertion that women cannot be funny without compromising their intellect. Let's address the examples provided in the article.

America laughed at Tina Fey's impersonation of Sarah Palin because it was accurate, not because it was sexist. After Saturday Night Live's ratings skyrocketed, McCain advisor Carly Fiorina accused Tina Fey of sexism, saying, "[j]ust because Sarah Palin has different views than Hillary Clinton, [she does not lack] substance." If this is the case, why was Sarah Palin reported to have laughed at her own expense upon viewing Fey's skit?

Furthermore, how can it possibly be sexist to say that one intelligent woman is more ideologically sound than another? Tina Fey is a brilliant person and accusing her of being sexist merely insults her intelligence. The fact that Republicans are now adding the words "racist" and "sexist" to their repertoire should clue us into the fact that these words have been misused so frequently in our society that nobody can remember the appropriate time to use them.

Now to Reese Witherspoon. "Legally Blonde" at least had a redemptive flavor to it, suggesting that women who might appear shallow on the surface are really quite clever, able and determined.

"Legally Blonde 2," on the other hand, was a terrible movie, mainly because it presented Elle Woods as nothing more than a dumb blonde. Nobody finds shallow female characters funny anymore.

Actually, I can name several comediennes other than Ellen DeGeneres. My brother's favorite comedienne is Lisa Lampanelli, for example. No, I might not be able to name ten female comediennes off the top of my head, but I can't name ten male comedians, either.

Thus, I must conclude that this article relies upon the tired line of argumentation that tries to paint the United States as a place where women and men are still not equal. Worse, it perpetuates the myth that women are regarded as stupid. The only difference is that this article has shifted the focus to comedy. These sentiments may have had substance a half century ago, but today, they lack merit.