The world of stand-up comedy is historically vicious for women. I have heard countless of the girls say it, and was even a victim of it myself for a year or so. Last Comic Standing hasn’t really helped the struggle of these talented women, in my opinion. As a matter of fact, in the last six seasons of the show, there’s been only one woman who has taken the title: Iliza Schlesinger. And she was, and is, damn funny. But other than her, women typically never finish better than fourth. Why? Well, we all know it’s because it’s a man’s world! (Thanks for that, James Brown.)
Last night’s LCS only solidified that for me, as I watched the semi-finals being weeded down to the first five of the top five. (I hope I haven’t lost you with all that math!) Again I watched as only one of my chica’s advanced with four men. Humph! Not a good ratio. But expected.
In my brief experience with amateur stand-up coffee house stuff in L.A., the male comics wouldn’t even talk with you. And they would rather have had their hair set on fire than laugh at any of your jokes. Supportive they weren’t, let’s just say. I am absolutely sure it just gets more difficult the farther a gal tries to climb up the ladder in that genre. I’m guessing here, as I fully admit that I just had to stop doing it. Between the outward nastiness of the male comics, and the potential aspect of always “bombing,” I thought I’d just write instead.
I’ve been excited by the female talent I’ve seen on this year’s show. I was certain several of them would go farther than the semi-finals this time. Nope. We’ve got the lone Rachel Feinstein to root for as of now, ladies! She’s good, and she’ll need our votes when the time comes.
Here’s a couple more women I believe got the shaft from the judges. First, Jamie Lee. Jamie left her job to try out for this show. She wanted it badly, as evidenced by the backstage footage, when she cried waiting for the judges decision. Hey! I would’ve cried too! I was a major crier during my stand-up days. It’s a lot harder than it looks, and I love this fellow broadie.
I also liked Paula Bel. She’s out too. Check out this video….
So I believe I’ve made my point. And judge Natsasha Leggero, a.k.a., “The Cackler,” is not helping the women’s cause. Jealous? Maybe. Obnoxious? Definitely. We’ll see if more of our gals can make the final final five next week!
Clacked by Tara Shrodes
on Jun 29, 2010 @ 15:00 EST5EDT
. . . . .
I’m of the belief the producers are closet comics themselves. And, as well, women comic haters.
They’re greasy hands are in the pot, making monkey business for those that could be rather high up the ladder in the end.
But, Bad Boys, whatcha gonna do … ???
*POST AUTHOR*
Michael, did you just agree with me? Did you??
I haven’t watched all season, but I really liked Rachel when I tuned in last night. And the guy who looks like Jake from Medium. And it appears he didn’t even make it. Well boo. Looks like they were more interested in diversity than bringing the funny. That in itself is just not funny.
*POST AUTHOR*
Modwild, lots of good comics didn’t make the cut. I realize there are only so many spots, but some of these guys the judges are so high on, I don’t understand. Like Mike DeStafano…
I don’t think they should weigh a comic’s performance any differently based on their gender. That naturally makes it tougher for women as a group, because there are fewer female comics out there (and consequently fewer talented ones). I used to believe that, with exception, women simply weren’t funny, but I know now that that’s just wrong thinking… it’s just that we get to see fewer funny women because it’s traditionally a man’s profession.
That said, I thought Shane was the funniest comic in Rachel’s group, and he got screwed in not advancing because he was funnier than Rachel. I mostly agree with the other choices, although I think I would have advanced Paula Bel because she was quite funny. Jamie Lee bombed, I thought, and I didn’t think Rachel was anything special (OH WOW SHE CAN DO AN OLD JEWISH LADY VOICE) compared to many others from her group – but the other girl in her group (the nanny) was funnier and I wouldn’t have thought it as much of a joke if she’d advanced. I can see with that selection that they *are* playing to the minority group (same with Myq and his religion-bashing humor) instead of judging everybody strictly by their material.
As for the show in general, I thought Jonathan Thymius was the funniest by far on this particular show and I’m quite glad he advanced. While comedy is subjective and I’m never going to agree with all the selections they make, I’ve agreed with most of them – and enjoyed watching it – and that’s more than I can say for past seasons. Almost all of the semi-finalists so far (with the exception of 2-3 that come to mind) were very funny. But Natasha does seem pretty useless at the judge’s table. Greg and especially Andy consistently say things that are funny in addition to giving good notes. Natasha does neither.
/lady-bashing
*POST AUTHOR*
Adam, I’m so glad you changed your mind about women “simply not being funny.” Whew! And you’re right about Jonathan Thymius.
I would LOVE to try stand-up but I’m the biggest chicken s ever, and I have severe performance anxiety…not a good combo when trying to be a comic. That’s awesome that you did it for a while! I did, however, get asked by the host of one of the shows I was working on for a while to send him some jokes, but when he used some on the air, I get yelled at by the all-guy writing team for not running it by them first…typical! I’ll have to check these gals out. For now, I’m off to bed. This girl gets TIRED easily lately!
BTW, do you ever watch “Tosh.O”? Doesn’t help us in the girl department but I love that guy’s warped personality!
*POST AUTHOR*
Marnie! Inquiring minds are dying to know the name of the show of which you speak…and yes, typical! Good to see you and hope you’re well.
I really wanted to see Paula Bel and Adrienne Iapalucci make it before rachel feinstein. I really hope you don’t vote for feinstein because she’s the only woman. I’d like to see someone funny win.