#HotMessComedy, or How Amy Schumer’s Netflix Special Drove Me to Use Hashtags
#MuchFeminism
Through the barrage of “haha, I’m fat” jokes and tangents about fellatio, we landed on another joke that went as follows: “Thigh gap? Is that like the wage gap?” Nope. We have to throw a little bit of #OnlineFeminism in there to please the masses and make another knock on the tabloids Amy both loves and hates. And if we’re comparing the thigh/wage gap: One is how your body was formed, the other is an oversimplification of economic understanding and gender roles. Sorry, but that’s it. This felt like some #CringeComedy, if we’re still being honest here.
What struck me most is how Amy ended her show. There was a humorous bit about her saying Bradley Cooper wants to “f*ck” her, even though he has a girlfriend. We were treated to a nice photo of Irina Shayk in a bikini, followed by an odd photo of Amy in one as well. She was lying on a beach lounger, legs ajar, in an ill-fitting swimsuit, just another example of “haha, see how gross I am?” It was okay, but what was the real ass-kick was the last lines of the show. In reference to Irina Shayk, Amy said, “F*ck her, that b*tch will never be brave,” a call-back to her first joke, and an odd example of what I consider her pitting herself against another woman.
Some would argue it was just a joke, but lest we forget what an outspoken feminist Amy is. Not saying feminists can’t make or take jokes, but it seemed out of place to do, especially for someone who champions for other women a lot.
#TheBrightSide
Because I don’t want to be an old curmudgeonly no-fun lady (or a d*ck), I’ll say that Amy’s self-deprecation jokes work really well. Since she’s not ‘conventionally attractive’ and I guess we can call it ‘Hollywood fat,’ there’s a lot for her to play off of, which she pulled off seamlessly and with the least amount of force. Her self-deprecation (mostly about her appearance) was the most natural part of the entire show, and it was a hit with the audience. I wish she’d drive those points home just a little bit more instead of humblebragging about how the Daily Mail writes articles on her and her sister because she’s, like, so totes famous or whatever.
If I’m going to offer some unsolicited comedy advice to Amy Schumer as a licensed, clinical comedic professor*. Amy, you’ve got a boyfriend now, one you consider the love of your life. Talk about that more. Talk about your love for this man and how #BasicBitch he makes you feel (I’m speaking from experience). I see it in you, and I’ve read about your love in the Daily Mail. End your show on a hopeful note that even those who exemplify #HotMessComedy can still find love. It would be a sweet thing to see, and follow a natural storytelling progression that most stand-up shows adhere to.
Related Story: Amy Schumer Has A New Netflix Comedy Special, ‘The Leather Special’
#FinalThoughtsFromABasicB*tch
Obviously I can’t tell anyone what they can or cannot do and Amy Schumer will continue on her insanely successful career, but I thought I’d offer a hashtag or two in an attempt to understand. As she says, “I’m a woman with thoughts and questions and sh*t to say.”
Samesies, but it’s funnier if those thoughts are about yourself instead of this image you’ve worked so hard to craft and defend.
Food for thought, Amy.
I’m sorry for all the #Hashtags.