Women and Comedic Representation

By Mara Leroux

For many years, the comedy genre has been run by men and misogynist jokes. There were few examples of women portraying funny characters, but these have been few and far between opposed to their male counterparts. Traditionally, the objectification of women has been normalized in the genre, and women are treated as a prize to be won by the male protagonist. It is usually seen as a mediocre middle-aged man married to the most beautiful young woman, and most of the time this male character is not grateful for her.

Shot from Grown Ups 2. Source from Milwaukee Journal.

Female-driven ensemble cast films that have come out in more recent years such as Hidden Figures, Orange is the New Black, Good Girls, and Pitch Perfect allow women to act out in ways that the comedy genre previously reserved for men. For many women in their acting experience, if they are plus size, they will be reduced in comedic potential to a series of fat jokes. These include jokes about weight, uncontrollable eating, and engaging in stereotypically unattractive behavior-- and a man is rewarded for falling for her despite these flaws.

Shot from Pitch Perfect. Source from Digital Spy.

A well-written, diverse show with a female cast includes comedy in a crude fashion and intelligent sarcasm. Many characters have different ways of expressing humor, and this can be seen through many examples with men, but now women are showcasing their very authentic humorous side.

Shot from Orange is the New Black Cast Shoot. Source from The Guardian.

Intersectional representations of women of all ages in races, figures, and sexualities have been scarce in comedy, but film and television have been slowly seeking to break this tradition. In 2014, females 40 and over comprised only 30% of female characters. Grace and Frankie broke this mold by casting older women as protagonists, leading complex lives, far from the stereotypical ‘grandmother’ roles.

Shot from Grace and Frankie. Source from Glamour.

Diverse actors have shaped what we've known as television and only recently Quinta Brunson accepted her first Emmy for Abbott Elementary. She is the first Black woman to earn three nominations in the comedy categories in the same year. At 32, Brunson is also the youngest Black woman ever nominated in the comedy acting category.

Shot from Emmys. Sourced from Emily Cottontop.

There have been beautiful and large steps taken for women in comedic roles, but it surely needs to continue as the world needs to hear just how comical women can be in all of their own unique ways.

Shot from Good Girls. Source from TV Insider.

Shot from Glee. Source The Mercury News.

Shot from Bridesmaids. Source from "Why are there still so few r-rated female-led comedies".