Funny girls cure depression!
November 8, 2009
Have you ever heard that girls just aren’t funny? I sure have. In fact, supposedly respectable magazines devote entire articles to the subject; uh-hem, Vanity Fair. In his 2007 article, ”Why Women Aren’t Funny,” author Christopher Hitchens puts forth his thesis:
My argument doesn’t say that there are no decent women comedians. There are more terrible female comedians than there are terrible male comedians, but there are some impressive ladies out there. Most of them, though, when you come to review the situation, are hefty or dykey or Jewish, or some combo of the three.
When I’m really, really depressed about lame writers, or my broken plumbing, or the state of the economy, or racist judges, or the amount of money our politicians spend on funding dumb wars, I often run to the loving arms of satire. It makes me feel happy to make fun of stuff that I don’t like. Call me juvenile; I don’t care. Here’s a few of the folks I go to when I need some quick, surefire laughter.
If you like to giggle, you will be very pleased to meet the comic duo Garfunkel & Oates. Singing, songwriting, stand-up, acting-these gals do it all! (Thanks to Courtney for introducing me to these ladies.)
And here’s another one of Garfunkel & Oates’ great videos called Pregnant Women Are Smug 
Then, there’s good ole Sarah Haskins, who our beloved Beamish pines over every now and again.
And if you haven’t met Nellie McKay, now’s your chance:
Who are some of your favorite funny girls?
Spring
November 8, 2009 at 11:11 pm
You know I love this post!! I lived 11 years in the comedy world where I saw many talented, amazing women. There were many discussions about the state of female comedians. I have seen many women come into the comedy world and “play their character” as dumb, whorish, and weak. I don’t know why this happens. I don’t know why playing a sexy ditz seems like a good comedic character, but some women play it. This is where a lot of bad press towards women begins.
I was always taught play to the height of your intelligence. Numerous times i had to be reminded to play “High Status”, because it was very easy to fall into the “Low Status” character. I heard many women told this exact thing. To play high status in a scene sometimes means putting the man in the low status role, therefore making yourself more powerful, intelligent, wealthier, etc. This is not comfortable for many women in life, or comedy.
I love all of the women you have posted above. It is so great to see this topic!! Here are some other amazing and funny women:
Jenny Hagel – Writer, actor, director. She can be found on the LOGO network, and writing for 365Gay.
Frangela – Love these girls, Frances and Angela. They were most recently seen on “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!”, and “He’s Just Not That Into You”. You can also find them on their weekly radio show.
Dana Quercioli – up and coming comedian from Cleveland and Second City. Great comedic timing and stage presence.
Stephnie Weir – One of the most amazing female performers I have ever seen. She is never afraid to play awkward, ugly or old. She was on MADtv for awhile and is currently performing with her husband Bob Dassie in WeirDass.
Maribeth Monroe – Love, love, love her. She is one of my favorite female comedians. She has a stage presence that is so incredibly powerful. She was on “Thank God You’re Here”, an improv show that was unfortunately short-lived.
I could type forever. There are so many talented women out there. Others you should check out: Susan Messing, Molly Erdman, Amber Ruffin, Claudia Michelle Wallace, and me. I laugh at myself constantly.
Mel
November 9, 2009 at 10:38 am
Thanks so much for you reply, Mel! So, so, so much! I’m sure this is just the beginning of the conversation on this topic…
November 9, 2009 at 10:43 am
Oh my god, Oates is adorable!!! Thanks for introducing them, I’ve been wasting lots of unprecious time watching their videos.
I love me some Sam Bee. http://www.thedailyshow.com/news-team/samantha-bee
November 9, 2009 at 3:12 pm
D- I KNOW, ISN’T SHE?!?!?!?!?
November 10, 2009 at 9:56 am
My favorite funny girl? Kristen Wiig!
November 15, 2009 at 9:03 am
Wanda Sykes, Sarah Silverman, and Kristen Schaal.
December 19, 2009 at 9:36 am
I run to the fabulous gals in my family, and to my very best pal, Kim. We can turn any and every situation into laughter, no exaggeration!! And the fact that the goober stated that the funny women are usually ‘hefty, dykey, and Jewish’ … Puhleeze!!!