Wash Post columnist Robin Givhan, in nailing Elizabeth "hell hath no fury" Edwards' book tour spin, theorizes the obvious -- looks affect the message: "...Comedian Wanda Sykes was assailed for taking aim at Rush Limbaugh in her monologue at the WHCA dinner. Suddenly, media folks forgot the meaning of hyperbole. Then they started debating Sykes's jokes, and the president's chuckling over them. But in the midst of all the hand-wringing, one couldn't shake a certain subtext. Sykes, a petite black woman with a sassy mouth, had gotten pointed, political and a tad bit angry. It was as if everyone expected her to leave her opinions with the Secret Service and just dish out jovial, but mush-mouthed, commentary about being beleaguered and put-upon. Sykes is known for her sharp tongue. She's more Bill Maher than Bill Cosby. But there's an assumption that white male comics will speak their mind and risk being offensive to get the laugh. (When Stephen Colbert performed two years ago, the press knew he'd offend some in the audience, they just didn't realize it would be them.) If Maher had made the same comments, the audience probably would have been thankful that he didn't say anything really appalling. With Sykes, it was more like: Shame on her. Everyone knows that appearances can be deceiving, but sometimes they can leave you speechless.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Body Impolitic
Wash Post columnist Robin Givhan, in nailing Elizabeth "hell hath no fury" Edwards' book tour spin, theorizes the obvious -- looks affect the message: "...Comedian Wanda Sykes was assailed for taking aim at Rush Limbaugh in her monologue at the WHCA dinner. Suddenly, media folks forgot the meaning of hyperbole. Then they started debating Sykes's jokes, and the president's chuckling over them. But in the midst of all the hand-wringing, one couldn't shake a certain subtext. Sykes, a petite black woman with a sassy mouth, had gotten pointed, political and a tad bit angry. It was as if everyone expected her to leave her opinions with the Secret Service and just dish out jovial, but mush-mouthed, commentary about being beleaguered and put-upon. Sykes is known for her sharp tongue. She's more Bill Maher than Bill Cosby. But there's an assumption that white male comics will speak their mind and risk being offensive to get the laugh. (When Stephen Colbert performed two years ago, the press knew he'd offend some in the audience, they just didn't realize it would be them.) If Maher had made the same comments, the audience probably would have been thankful that he didn't say anything really appalling. With Sykes, it was more like: Shame on her. Everyone knows that appearances can be deceiving, but sometimes they can leave you speechless.
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So when did this event turn from good-natured humor and skits to tasteless hate? You are correct, this one crossed the line when poking fun of an adversary became filled with obvious anger.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a gradual transition. The year Al Franken was the entertainment, he made a crack about Newt Gingrich's daughter. After his remarks, I got up from my table and hadn't walked 20 feet til I came to Newt and Al, head to head and very close to blows. I actually stood by, waiting to separate them if need be. (Years later, former college wrestler Franken told me, "I'd have whipped his ass.") I dunno--Al spots Newt about 75 pounds.
ReplyDeleteJimbo you are \brilliant. Next year lets put the press vs admin geeks in a mud wrestling match. It is the next logical step. So who is your pick.... Obama's press staff or the Fox News team?
ReplyDeleteJust like Wanda, I have nothing humorous or enlightening to say at this time.......
ReplyDeleteJust like Wanda, I have nothing humorous or enlightening to say at this time.......
ReplyDelete