However, while there might be feminist undertones to the comedy that Phyllis Diller, Roseanne Barr, and other female comics perform this does not necessarily mean that these women are feminists nor does it mean that all their comedy is directed at feminism. For example, the show Roseanne can be viewed from both ends of the spectrum. A person might argue that since Roseanne does not play into the traditional stereotypical role of what a mother, wife, sister, daughter should be then she takes a feminist stance. Likewise, the show can also be seen one that does not take a feminist perspective due to the fact that Roseanne answers to men in her jobs or at home and that while the role of mother and wife is skewed from what we might consider the traditional role to be she is performing essentially a similar role. Not to mention the show was produced and directed by her husband. While the show can be seen from either viewpoint over all it appears to touch on aspects of feminism rather than define itself as one or the other.
Female comedians such as Phyllis Diller, Joan Rivers, and Roseanne Barr aided in paving the way for future female comedians to address ideas of feminism and other social concerns. I often wonder if these female comedians realize or believe they are making connections to feminism or is they feel as though they are simply performing observational comedy. Ellen DeGeneres is an example of a female comedian who employs observational comedy. She has several bits in which she pokes fun at women and how women interact with one another and I wonder does she view this as comedy with feminist undertones or simply as observational comedy?
Great points, B. I'd like to comment on the feminist element within the Roseanne show. If I were to attempt to understand what Ms. Barr's goals were for the show, I would assume she was attempting to address, less the issue of oppression and feminism, rather create an accurate representation of middle-class America and obesity. Before this, there was no television show which portrayed lower to middle class, White Americans as happy, loving, functioning families. I believe the show served to spread awareness and depict the truth in how the majority of Americans live, much the same as The Cosby show was the first of it's time to represent educated, upper-class African Americans. Now, with this portrayal, certain feminist ideals were performed, such as the wife "wearing the pants" in the family. The most obvious example demonstrated within the show would be an infamous scene at the end of one particular episode (I tried, but couldn't find the clip.) Roseanne walk into her kitchen and finds 5 former, famous, tv mothers cleaning dishes and discussing the day. They engage in a conversation and each former tv mother is appalled, in disbelief as Roseanne explains how the role of mother, wife, and woman, is performed on her show. The former tv mothers (some from as far back as the 1950's) struggle to grasp the acceptance in the role feminism plays within the show. So, although I believe the significance of the show was geared towards representing the 'common American woman,' feminist undertones were consistently present, as it is impossible to address the former without the latter.
ReplyDeleteA nicely constructed and illustrated essay. I think you could clean it up a little by being more specific about what you mean when you say "feminist." Does simply raising awareness of gender bias constitute a true feminist perspective? Support your assertions with quotes from whatever theorist shapes your idea of feminism.
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