| Feminism, Humanism and Social Justice |
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Popular Culture: Humor In my opinion, the best example of humor today is Boondocks (see below). Mcgruder has a way of boiling complex issues down into humorous one-liners that get us to think. Boondocks by Aaron Mcgruder
Dykes to Watch Out For by Allison Bechtel
Life in Hell by Matt Groening
top Margaret Cho is honest, direct and FUNNY! She has a complex understanding of oppression, but never fails to convey it in a humorous way. While she does mainly stand-up comedy, she published a book in 2002 titled I'm the one that I want. Leah Delaria top David Sedaris is an avowed eccentric whose compulsive behavior entertains! Each Christmas, NPR (National Public Radio) plays the audio story of his time as an elf. Further, he has some incredibly funny experiences as a houseclearner in New York. Sedaris has a way of discussing alienation, emotional labor and exploitation that puts a smile on your face. He has written several books. But in my humble opinion, they are not nearly as funny to read as they are to hear. If you can, check them out on tape. Annie Lammot There is something about neurotic people that speaks to my funny bone. Perhaps it's their uncanny ability to finger reality in a succinct, yet assertive voice. I love that Lammot can admit some of her most hideous impulses (that many of us share), but be funny about it! While Lammot write fiction, I am extremely fond of her reflections about new motherhood (Operating Instructions), writing (Bird by Bird) and religion (Traveling Mercies). Gore isn't afraid to call herself a breeder. She's a single, white mom who had a teenage pregnancy. It is fascinating to read her account (and other teenage mothers' accounts) of what life is like for them. Gore started out writing a zine called Hip Mama. Hip Mama is now an on-line zine with lots of resources. Gore is also an author of several books, one of which is the Hip Mama's Guide to Pregnancy and Parenting. Many of you may know Michael Moore from the movie Roger and Me. In a million years, I'll never know why people agree to talk to Michael Moore. Regardless to who he is talking, be it Terry Nichols' brother or Roger Smith (ex-CEO of GM), Moore makes those in power seem vulnerable to their own ignorance. Moore has written some extremely funny books, such as Downsize This and Stupid, White Men. However, I have a penchant for his video work. He did a hilarious show called, TV Nation that glued me to the television each week. Further, I think that Roger and Me and Bowling for Columbine are some of the best commentary on issues of class in the United States. While Moore does a pretty good job dealing with issues of class and race in his work, he's still got some work to do integrating issues of gender and sexuality. "Kate Clinton is one of America's brightest political comedians. This humorist/monologists agenda includes political material as fresh as the daily news, savvy send-ups of modern family relationships and illuminating perspectives on life as a gay American Marion Winick Like Sedaris, Winick often appears on NPR to give witty commentaries. Winick uses her introspection to make all of us think about our values, beliefs and behaviors. She does so reflectively, yet humorously. Winick has written a couple of books that surprise me and make me smile. These are The Lunch Box Chronicles
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