What I've Learned From Chelsea Handler | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

What I've Learned From Chelsea Handler

Because I love her and you should, too.

137
What I've Learned From Chelsea Handler

In a media dominated by Hillarys and Melanias, by Jennifers and Kims (cringe), finding a society-approved female role model is difficult. On one hand, our culture lauds female political and business powerhouses as what we should strive to be. On another, they are dubbed as cold, unapproachable, or masculine. Whether we choose to admit it or not, the female identity in a male-dominated world is still largely being formed, and as a result, many paths of womanhood are met with harsh criticism regardless of what they may be. One female that I particularly admire, mainly because of her effortless navigation and transgression of norms of womanness, is Chelsea Handler. Chelsea is outspoken, blunt, sometimes politically incorrect, and always hilarious. Her extreme approaches to — well — basically everything are met with plenty of head shakes and eye rolls, but every time she says something that she should not, I love her a little more. Chelsea has taught me the following.

Intention is everything.

As an student at a notoriously progressive private university, I have the privilege of learning just how to keep my phrasing politically correct. Admittedly, I sometimes find this restricting and feel slightly relieved by Chelsea’s comic relief in the face of a culture obsessed with political correctness. Do I tolerate bigotry? Absolutely not, but what I have learned from Chelsea is that a non-PC slip is not the end of the world, assuming your intention is progressive and tolerant. Chelsea does not claim to be an expert on anything and is sometimes clumsy in her verbage, but ultimately her documentaries and interviews are clever and enlightening. She is usually teaching me something new in the least acceptable of ways. Go, Chelsea.

Choose the path that you want.

Society constantly tells women to avoid spinstership; it is our holy duty to get married and have children. In an era that claims to be progressive, this is still expected after college and getting our careers on track. Chelsea is more than outspoken about her lack of desire to tie the knot and her general dislike of kids. She holds the torch as a successful, savvy female who still has a great time. Chelsea does not regret her choice to remain single and further her own career — indefinitely. And honestly, it looks great on her.

You can slut-shame all you want, but we are not listening.

Chelsea has gained a reputation of having a particularly -- ahem -- active sex life despite her relationship status. Unique to public female figures is her ability to mold her reputation as laughable yet respectable. To the Chelsea fan, promiscuity is nothing to be embarrassed about, and slut-shaming is dead. Chelsea makes no claims of celibacy — even subtitling many of her interviews with males with the statement, “Chelsea did not sleep with this person,” and does what she wants with only the occasional sarcastic apology. The comedian is also notorious for posting semi-nude photos of herself on various social media platforms with political aims. She perhaps most infamously posted a topless photo of herself riding a horse, parodying Vladimir Putin’s famous shirtless photo. The image was removed three times from Instagram, to which Chelsea commented, “Taking this down is sexist. I have every right to prove I have a better body than Putin."

A band tee with trousers and stilettos totally works.

Enough said. I have definitely never seen anybody else attempt this, never mind pull it off.

Dogs are people too (what?).

Canine-loving Chelsea has made a point to bring her beloved dog, Chunk, just as much success and fame as she has achieved herself. They are adorably inseparable, Chunk being by her side (or somewhere to be found on set) in every interview, documentary, and business affair Chelsea tends to. Most of us can attest to the unconditional love and happiness a pup can provide, and Chelsea is a proud advocate of this, even supporting various causes associated with animals.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

741
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

843
Towson University
YouTube

Freshman year can either be the greatest year, or the roughest year. It depends on your transition and how you adjust. For me, freshman year in college was one of the best years of my life. However, looking back, there are a few things that I wish I learned.

Now that I am a sophomore, I can finally do things a little differently. Here are a few things that I wish I learned my freshman year of college!

Keep Reading...Show less
Woman in field with a red heart-shaped balloon under a colorful sky.

Being single can be great and awful at the same time. Yeah, it's awesome to have time to yourself to figure out who you are and make your own decisions. It would also be nice to have someone to go through life with, but it needs to be the right person. I haven't found that person yet and here's a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

5874
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments