By Vesna Clark – Country to Canberra Teen Blogger
In recent years, there has been a considerable rise in female driven comedy with women such as Amy Schumer, Mindy Kaling, Melissa McCarthy and Chelsea Peretti starring in various films, television series and stand up comedy acts. Of course, there are the familiar faces of Tina Fey and Amy Phoeler who continue to produce hilarious content. This representation of women in comedy is an achievement in itself, however the topics that are covered in female led comedy often have a feminist undertone, such as Comedy Central’s Broad City and its uncensored but casual discussion regarding female masturbation, sex, drug use and menstruation, described as “sneak-attack feminism” by Wall Street Journal.
These women are all, in one way or another, challenging sexism and breaking down barriers that keep women silent, where they fear they may be crucified or shunned for discussing such topics. These female comedians vary in age, weight, race and religion, thus the degrading “too fat” and “too old” are gradually becoming phrases of the past with a variety of women dominating comedy.
Many female comedy acts and television series such as Broad City, provide a unique but effortless feminist lens that is comfortable and of course, entertaining. This type of feminism is relatable, reflecting how normal people behave and how feminism is incorporated into their everyday lives. Women speaking and joking about sex, menstruation and masturbation is comforting and very funny. This type of comedy challenges the notion that areas of discussion directly concerned with womanhood are taboo.
If you’re not familiar with Broad City’s main characters, Abbi and Ilana, they are the very best of friends, living in Brooklyn. This hilarious pair is always hanging out and if not in person, via Facetime. The show tracks their everyday shenanigans including Ilana’s three hour lunch breaks, rollerblading in Central Park to attend a dog wedding and a number of bizarre sexual adventures. Broad City can be seen as the female equivalent to another of Comedy Central’s popular television series, Workaholics, which currently is up to its sixth season. However, both cater to all sexes.
Amy Schumer’s Trainwreck and Poehler and Fey’s Sisters has gained immense amounts of popularity and rightfully so, women are shinning in comedy and are utilising it as a platform to not only share personal stories but sending the message that females should be able to comfortably talk about topics central to their being and not be criticised or shamed because of it.
Broad City airs on ABC2 every Thursday at 10pm.