How Many Feminists Does It Take To Change A Light Bulb? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

How Many Feminists Does It Take To Change A Light Bulb?

Thoughts On Feminism And Comedy

8.4k
How Many Feminists Does It Take To Change A Light Bulb?
Telegraph

Found on Reddit: Q: How many feminists does it take to change a light bulb?

A: One to screw it in, one to excoriate men for creating the need for illumination, one to blame men for inventing such a faulty means of illumination, one to suggest the whole "screwing" bit to be too "rape-like," one to deconstruct the light bulb itself as being phallic, one to blame men for not changing the bulb, one to blame men for trying to change the bulb instead of letting a woman do it, one to blame men for creating a society that discourages women from changing light bulbs, one to blame men for creating a society where women change too many light bulbs, one to advocate that light bulb changers should have wage parity with electricians, one to alert the media that women are now "out-light bulbing" men, and one to just sit there taking pictures for her blog for photo-evidence that men are unnecessary.

According to this Reddit user, Feminists are not funny, but frankly neither is he.

One of the most prevalent stereotypes of Feminists is their inability to have a sense of humor. In reality, this stereotype is a notion that is probably believed and perpetuated by groups of insecure men who have their sexist (as depicted above), racist, or otherwise insulting jokes poorly received. As both a strong Feminist and someone who loves to laugh (as most people do, I assume), I strongly disagree and reject this completely false stereotype. Feminists have a long history of employing several different types of art forms in order to empower and perpetuate ideals that question and defy normative societal ideas, one of which is comedy.

Laughter is a tool that can be universally used to combat and understand various forms of oppression including misogyny. Thankfully, there are many high-profile female, Feminist comedians who are doing just that. Women such as the multi-talented Tina Fey, stand-up star Cameron Espito, and Daily Show correspondent Jessica Williams have paved the way for social change in a male-dominated space. However, this is not to say that male comedians cannot or are not progressive in what they have to offer to the feminist community. Speaking from my own perspective, I believe that Feminism as a social movement needs more men willing to step up and identify themselves as allies, while stepping back to let women’s voices be heard.

One of my favorite comedians is Louie CK whose stand-up acts include a variety of jokes about male-female relationships, sexual perversions, and even rape. Undeniably, there have been controversy around his humor, but I see Louie as a man who is able to acknowledge his privilege in a way that evokes humor and a connection between himself in the audience. Through his progressive comedy, Louie CK takes on controversial topics in a nuanced, self-aware manner. Laughter engenders social connection, which sets the stage for powerful cultural change that Feminists continually fight for.

Feminist Reddit User:

Q: How many feminists does it take to change a light bulb?

A: None. You don’t need a light bulb when you have a Glass Ceiling.

My Answer: None. Feminists are too busy changing the world to change light bulbs.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

80802
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

8792
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments