Can I Laugh?

A Look at the Language of Comedy through Feminist Lenses

By: Redmond Millerick

Abstract:
Looking at a single joke by comedian Jerry Seinfeld, the research paper shows the feminist
differences and use of language to discuss the words used in comedy. Audiences believe that this
language has become too aggressive for the current culture; others disagree, stating jokes can be
dissected as positive language for different groups and cultures. This is a discussion on what
society believes to be too politically correct or too ignorant, and how to find that middle ground
using language and feminist theory to promote progressive action. The poststructuralist approach
focuses on the main points of comedy and ways comedians are setting up jokes and discussing
cultures using language, breaking it down by second and third-wave theories. Through the use of
Judith Butlers work, the language is evaluated. This is done by conversational analysis and
comparative analysis. The data used is the reactions and discussions spurred by the joke and
comedian Jerry Seinfeld. There seems to be a positive relationship between third-wave feminism
and the language used performers and comedians.

Key Words: FPDA, third-wave, second-wave, feminism, comedy, language, political

correctness

Introduction:
I think humor should be used to promote positivity, tearing down negative stereotypes
and ideas in an entertaining way. Comedians often use jokes as a way to point out cultural beliefs
and indiscretions, but do not usually do so to perpetuate the views. Many comedians use comedy
as a way to break down stigmas about cultures, ridiculing our beliefs in the stereotypes against
race, class, sexual orientation, etc.
In recent years, there has been a culture of political correctness (PC) that has increased
awareness about the views, words, and actions used towards diverse cultures and groups. Younger
generations are demanding more inclusive and sensitive language when discussing these
differences, and they condemn anyone who goes against their viewpoint. Public figures have
gotten involved in the debate, adding input when it comes to color of peoples skin, their sexual
orientation, and the views they have on current political topics. President Obama has even spoken
out in recent months, stating that college campuses are becoming too narrow-minded, with
students rejecting the arguments and opinions of those who go against their ideals.
This paper focuses on the way language is used in comedy to addresses issues within
society. Comedians have always offended people. Recently, however, the language and jokes
made by comedians have left people wondering about the way we interpret jokes, and where is
the line that comedians cannot cross. It also brings in questions of political correctness, the
avoidance of certain words and phrases that could be perceived as a way to exclude or
marginalize people. This issue has infringed on the wide-ranging, seemingly offensive language
strategies of comedians.
Jerry Seinfeld, a legendary comedian, recently when on record saying that college
campuses are too difficult to perform, because they have become too PC. He says that students

are too sensitive, quickly jumping to point blame or sling accusations as soon as they hear
something they consider even remotely offensive. This is important to consider, as it will soon
start to represent a shared outlook of the nation. So the question becomes: Is our culture
becoming too politically correct? I want to explore that reasoning.
This topic is important because it brings to light the use of humor in daily life. It is
important to explore the way society views humor and what is acceptable, and why some jokes
are allowed and some are not. I will try to bring to light the idea that jokes are a way to promote
social change and justice, and should be taken more lightly.
Within comedy, there are differences in the way comedians and audiences interact with a
joke. For some, a joke can appear harmless, yet for others it becomes something entirely
offensive. Why is there this discrepancy? While yes humor is subjective, are some comments and
subjects totally out of the question? Where is the line, and how do you know it has been crossed?
I explore the use of language of comedy. Are people too easily offended by jokes? Is it
getting more difficult to laugh about social justice issues? Is humor no longer a way to instigate
change?

Literature Review
Recently, political correctness, particularly on college campuses, has become a hotly
debated topic. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld was attacked by the media a few months ago for accusing
college students and the younger generation of being too PC. His comments on the subject were:
"I don't play colleges, but I hear a lot of people tell me, 'Don't go near colleges. They're
so PC.' They just want to use these words: 'Thats racist'; 'Thats sexist'; 'Thats prejudice.'
They dont know what theyre talking about. (Seinfeld, 'CreepyPC'Culture:TheyDon't
EvenKnowWhat'Racist'Means." Youtube)
Author Joan Wallach Scott, in The Campaign Against Political Correctness, discusses
the growing campaign against political correctness that is occurring on college campuses. There
has been an increase in conservative agenda, paranoia, and anti-intellectualism, causing a shift in
views and acceptable behavior. The author fears that learning has come under attack, as more and
more colleges are listening to outsider input about what is correct and safe enough to be taught in
the classroom. Conversations and opinions are being stifled for their incorrect viewpoint and
opinions are stifled for being wrong. Students, teachers, artists, etc., can have disagreeing and
unpopular views, but are not allowed to express themselves. (Scott, J. W. "The Campaign Against
Political Correctness: What's Really at Stake." Radical History Review)
Transitioning into the language used in discussion political correctness, we can look
towards the work of Judith Baxter. She presents information about women in the workplace and
how they navigate through the use of language. The Language of Female Leadership: Chapter
7, on where womens humor and language come into effect. The book brings up terms that I feel
go against third wave ideals. By female comedians using these words, however, does it become
acceptable? (Baxter, Judith. "Chapter 7." The Language of Female Leadership.)
There are opinions by all on how different ideas and opinions can be positive, even if
judged by some people as being politically incorrect. It's a fine line to tread, and comedians have
to be careful on how they portray their message. In Relief in Hard Times: A Defense of Jon

Stewarts Comedy in an Age of Cynicism, Lance Bennett discusses the comedy techniques used
by comedians such as Jon Stewart, and the way they talk about events, politics, and social
processes. Bennett believes that this comedy can negatively affect the way audiences perceive the
information that Stewart discusses. I disagree, arguing comedy can garner support towards these
issues and make them more recognizable. The viewers of these satirical shows gain more
information about the way to behave and act around certain norms, and are shown the dual sides
of the topic at hand. There is a growing problem with censorship and stifling debate. Humor can
be used to defuse these situations. (Bennett, W. Lance. "Relief in Hard Times: A Defense of Jon
Stewart's Comedy in an Age of Cynicism.")

Theoretical standpoint
In recent years, political correctness has been a topic heavily discussed. Are people
becoming to sensitive to material, or are they justified in their disagreements? On the topic of
comedy, it seems that the views of the comedians and the audience are not in alignment. Comedy
has often been used to poke fun at society and promoted societal change. Since comedy involves
people of different race, sexuality, gender, and religion, it is fair to look at the topic through
feminist lenses.
Previous feminist ideals, ones that were held in the 1960s and involved the political and
economic drive to promote equal sex opportunities, was labeled as second wave feminism.
Baxter, Positioning Gender in Discourse: A Feminist Methodology, 4) The current stage of
feminism, third wave, strives to fix everyday relations from the bottom-up, pushing for equality
and justice for all types of genders, races and other identities. Baxter, Positioning Gender in
Discourse: A Feminist Methodology, 4) This is important to focus on, because it is a more
inclusive belief, one that affects everyone in some way. As previously stated, comedy involves
everyone, so everyone needs to be considered when deconstructing its use.
A helpful way to look at this language is through the Feminist Post-Structuralist
Discourse Analysis (FPDA). This type of analysis is a feminist approach to analyzing the ways
in which speakers negotiate their identities, relationship and positions in their world according to
the ways in which they are located by competing yet interwoven discourses. (Baxter,
Positioning Gender in Discourse: A Feminist Methodology, 1) This form of analysis emphasizes
that gender is a restriction that is placed upon people by non-inclusive language and assumptions.
FPDA focuses more on the issues of individual and contained narratives and contexts, and
addresses the language and interactions depending on the different situations. This will be helpful
when looking at comedy and comedians, because there are different interpretations and reactions
regarding the jokes, demeanor, and word-choice of each individual. This will cause me to also
look at the perspectives of second and third wave feminism, and the way gender is discussed and
analyzed.
Through the deconstruction of comedy, it is seen how people use humor as a way to
interact with each other. This can be described as discourse, which is something that can be
broken down into a few definitions. Discourse is a way of understanding the written or spoken
word, either in solitude or through dialogue, and exploring the way language is shared and
experienced throughout different settings. Where do we see language shared? Through stand-up,
improv shows, television, and other media that reveal the way humor can connect or reject an
audience.

Methodology
FPDA includes two different aspects of analysis. It offers denotative analysis, which
explains, concrete description of what is going on within the text. (Baxter, 75) Then it offers
connotative analysis, which provide more searching, interpretive commentary of extracts of
spoken discourse, drawing partly from the synchronic, denotative evidence, and partly from
ethnographic or diachronic sources of data. (Baxter 76)
This form of analysis emphasizes that because FPDA sees meaning as fluid, it helps
explain why some people find some words offensive and other people dont. FPDA focuses more
on the issues of individual and contained narratives and contexts, and addresses the language and
interactions depending on the different situations. Gender and other socio-demographic aspects of
identity must be viewed as a nexus within which meanings are fluid, non-static, and non-binary.
This will be helpful when looking at comedy and comedians, because there are different
interpretations and reactions regarding the jokes, demeanor, and word-choice of each individual.

Context
The context of this analysis of language originally stems from Jerry Seinfelds, interview
with ESPN in which he states college campuses are becoming too politically correct. He claims
that younger audience members, between the ages of 15-30, seem too rigid about inclusive
language, and almost become overly defensive in an attempt to show how accepting they are
towards others of different race, gender, sexuality, etc. Seinfeld then went on to further the debate
by explaining on Late Night with Seth Meyers a joke he told at a club that people were offended
by.
SEINFELD: I I do this joke about the way people need to justify their cell phone. I need to
have it with me because people are so important. You know, well, they don't seem very
important the way you scroll through them like a gay French king (makes swooping motion)
you know, just- (Meyers and audience laugh) Well- (Balan, 1)
This joke references a stereotypical homosexual action, flourishing a hand, to demonstrate
scrolling through a phone. What I am attempting to look at from this joke is the initial discourses
behind comedian culture, and the different lenses surrounding this language.

Language Analysis
Comedians are a close group of people, many having worked together for several years.
In exploring that relationship, some discourses become clear.

The Locker Room Discourse:

This discourse explores the relationships of male comedians. It is an exclusion culture
where men tend to build relationships in unofficial ways on the basis of common agreements,
assumptions and shared interests such as sport, entertainment, and sexual references. (Baxter,
30) The culture these men share happens within informal settings. It occurs at bars, restaurants,

and during shared activities. Comedians, especially when they are first starting their careers, are
always in comedy clubs, surrounding themselves with other funny people, interacting and
exchanging friendships in this relaxed, shared area. With this in mind, it is not surprising to see
most comedians supporting one another when one of them gets in trouble for a joke. It is a
protect our own type of culture.
This culture persists, and the comedians most against and vocal about this politically
correct culture are men. White males dominate the comedic scene, and seem to have a shared
opinion about the way jokes are being perceived during recent years. While comedians have
always ruffled feathers with their humor, more are feeling attacked, and continually act protective
of their way of life.

The Gender Blind Discourse

Contrastingly, there is another popular discourse within the world of comedy. Gender
Blind discourse is an apparently gender-neutral culture that denies that there are issues of gender
discrimination; a level playing field that encourages people actively to dismiss the significance
of gender at work. (Baxter, 30) This refers to the idea that comedians do not care about gender,
race, or orientation, but focus more on the actual material and ability that is presented on stage. It
is more important to the comedic community that a person is funny, especially within stand-up.
Female comedians, however, have seemingly had a more difficult time being represented
on stage at a global level. There are more famous male comedians than female, and the women
who do make it to that higher level often have to make a choice. They must decide on the
language used within their comedy, as it is often met with more success if typical male word
choice is utilized.
Surprisingly, some female comedians do not share the ideas of their male counterparts
when it comes to the ideas of political correctness. Many see comedy as something that needs to
be adaptable and interchanging, rising to meet whichever ideas and opinions are most current in
society. When asked about the situation, comedian Sarah Silverman said:
To a degree, everyones going to be offended by something, so you cant just decide on your
material based on not offending anyone, she conceded. But, I do think its important, as a
comedian, as a human, to change with the times. Silverman added, I think its a sign of being
old if youre put off by that. (Wielstein, 1)
It is interesting to note the difference in the stances amongst comedians. I believe it is
related to the varying cultures and discourses that are within that world.
SEINFELD: I I do this joke about the way people need to justify their cell phone. I need to
have it with me because people are so important. You know, well, they don't seem very
important the way you scroll through them like a gay French king (makes swooping motion)
you know, just- (Meyers and audience laugh) Well- (Balan, 1)
Looking at the joke again, we can see exactly, on the surface, what he is saying. He is
referencing that people, in this modern age, are too obsessed with technology. They act as if it is
the most important thing to them, yet people become casual about it. They scroll through the
phone like someone who looks down on the technology, putting on airs as if it is an insignificant
item. They do so with a flourish of the hand, scrolling quickly and without care.

Seinfelds joke forces us to look at societys comfort levels with language and current
issues. His joke uses a common slang term, gay, in a perceived derogatory way. In his mind, the
word was not being used as offensive or to attack, but merely to describe his use of satire in the
behavior of homosexual men. While he did not see anything wrong with this word choice, others
disagree, going on the offensive. It brings to light the current topic of political correctness, and
who is allowed to speak on certain issues, and who is not. The line of comedy is constantly
changing, and this movement is upsetting comedians and a percentage of comedy fans.
Language is a huge part of the way in which society is approaching political correctness.
What interests me is the acceptable behavior of comedians. Comedy is about pushing boundaries
and exploring social taboos, and making people think. Was Seinfeld wrong for using the word
gay? That depends on the individual. It did, however, get people to start thinking and talking
about the use of that word, which is a positive.
What I have been discovering through this process is that the problem with stand-up and
comedy is not necessarily focused around political correctness. This is a by-product of the bigger
issue, and that is misrepresentation within the comedic world. In a culture where the most famous
players are white, straight males, the jokes can become a problem. When mainstream beliefs are
challenged, it makes people uncomfortable, especially when true.
This anatomy of tension and release ensures that the comic is going to discuss material that is at the fringe
of what polite society will talk about. Theres plenty of controversy to confront, says Giraldo, enjoying a
meal of sushi after a Tuesday night appearance at the Comedy Cellar in New Yorks Greenwich Village. A
lot of racially charged shit happens here in New York City. Yet mainstream culture likes to pretend that race
issues dont exist. Ninety-five percent of white people and ninety-five percent of black people live on
different planets. They dont speak the same language. They dont interact. Theyre not comfortable
around one another. Thats fucked up. Its the sad reality of our culture. Unfiltered honest talking on race is
rare, but comics are comfortable with race. Comics are honest. (Cohens, Richards 1)

This quote brings up the fact that comedians are honest in the way they talk about the
world. The go after controversial issues because it is what society knows to be true, but is too
afraid to address. At least with comedy, if people are laughing at the topics, it is a step towards
facing them openly, and calling others to do the same.
Here is where the situation becomes muddled again, however. While comedians have an
important duty to address controversial topics, there will always be a line. This line, for the most
part, seems drawn because of the various subcultures that the individual comic belongs to. Would
Seinfelds joke have gotten a better reaction if he were homosexual? Possibly. While he has the
freedom to make those types of remarks, it is important to consider how others will perceive it
within that culture. This brings up an important point. Minorities are misrepresented within
comedy and stand-up, at least on a national level. By working towards supporting more of these
comedians, a fairer and more equal balance may be reached between the comic world and
political correctness.
Third wave feminist discourse can also be seen as language that critiques and describes
an object. This occurs through the formation of assumptions, expectations, and the observations
of social and cultural practices. It seems that this discourse can also be seen as stereotyping.
These different uses of discourse to observe society and describe it, seems familiar. Through these
observations, the linguist is simplifying an object or idea so it can be broadly understood. Who
else besides linguists do this? Comedians. Comedians use discourse as a way to observe the
world and comment on it, in ways everyone can understand. That is why this third wave theory is

important for this topic. Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Amy Schumer are not just joke tellers.
According to this analysis, they are third wave feminists.

Conclusion
Once again, we turn back towards the discussion of comedic audiences
and their reactions. Audiences believe that the language used by comedians has become too
aggressive for the current culture, yet others disagree, believing that even offensive jokes are
useful to create positive social change. Through the use of analyzing comedy text, are people too
easily offended by jokes, and is it getting more difficult to make jokes about social justice issues,
in the hopes of promoting change?
Society seems to be turned off by the conversation of social injustices and ethical issues.
It is not polite conversation. Comedians have always tried to point those problems out, with
seemingly more backlash now then before. It seems that political correctness might be an excuse
for not facing the problems society knows to be true, so instead of listening to them through the
voice of a comic, it is easier to shut down under the guise of insensitivity.
While comedians will make everyone uncomfortable at some point, good comics are playing an important
function in society by holding up a mirror and forcing us to confront realities that we would often prefer to
ignore. For minority groups, humor also serves as a tool to neutralize the power of stereotypes that obstruct
their path to equal participation in society. Stand-up comedy can give social critique and instigate
transformation in a way that leaves many audience members wanting more. (Cohen, Richards)

The idea is to force people to recognize the real problems the country, and the world, is
facing as a society. That is why comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and
more use humor to point out the issues. They make light of bad or ridiculous situations, taking
away the inherent negativity, and instead making the audience think about it as something real.
To combat this, more representation of color, sexuality, and gender need to move up the
comedy ranks. There has been a stronger presence in recent years, with comedians like KeeganMichael Key, Jordan Peele, Amy Shumer, and Aziz Ansari making their presence known. They
are contributing to the cultures they are a part of. By doing this, a wider audience can be reached,
people will be more accepting of jokes about different cultures if that comedian is part of it, and
social issues will still be brought to light, and humor will once again be able to assist in the fight
against injustice.

Works Cited
Baxter, Judith. "Chapter 7." The Language of Female Leadership. London: Palgrave Macmillan,
2010. N. pag. Print.
Bennett, W. Lance. "Relief in Hard Times: A Defense of Jon Stewart's Comedy in an Age of
Cynicism." Critical Studies in Media Communication 24.3 (2007): 278-83. Web.
Scott, J. W. "The Campaign Against Political Correctness: What's Really at Stake." Radical
History Review 1992.54 (1992): 59-79. Web.
Sieczkowski, Cavan. "Jerry Seinfeld Says Colleges Are Too Politically Correct, Kids Don't
Understand Racism Or Sexism." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 15 Oct.
2015.
"Jerry Seinfeld Is Tired of Political Correctness - Late Night with Seth Meyers." YouTube.
YouTube, n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2015.
"Jerry Seinfeld Rants Against Creepy PC Culture with Seth Meyers." Mediaite Jerry Seinfeld
Rants Against Creepy PC Culture with Seth Meyers Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2015.
"Sarah Silverman: Comedians Should Change with the Times for PC College
Students." Mediaite Sarah Silverman Comedians Should Change with the Times for PC College
Students Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2015.
Cohen, Roger; Richards, Ryan. "When the Truth Hurts, Tell a Joke: Why America Needs Its
Comedians." Humanity In Action. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2015.
Baxter, Judith. Positioning Gender in Discourse: A Feminist Methodology. Houndmills,
Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan, 2003. Print.
"JerrySeinfeldOn'CreepyPC'Culture:TheyDon'tEvenKnowWhat'Racist'Means."YouTube.
YouTube,n.d.Web.12Dec.2015.

Appendix
1. Jerry Seinfeld Interview Seth Meyers
SEINFELD: I I do this joke about the way people need to justify their cell phone. I need to
have it with me because people are so important. You know, well, they don't seem very
important the way you scroll through them like a gay French king (makes swooping motion)
you know, just- (Meyers and audience laugh) WellSEINFELD: Yeah. I did this line recently in front of an audience. And comedy is where you can
kind of feel like an opinion. (audience laughs) And they thought, what do you mean gay? What
are you talking about gay? What are you talking about gay? What are you doing? What you mean
you know? (audience laughs) And I thought, 'Are you kidding me?' (audience laughs)
I mean, we can't even I can imagine a time and this is a serious thing I can imagine a time
when people say, 'Well, that's offensive to suggest that a gay person moves their hands in a
flourishing motion, and you now need to apologize.' (audience laughs) I mean, there's a creepy
PC thing out there that really bothers me. (Balan, 2015, Newsbusters Blog)

Professional Biography
Redmond Millerick - As a senior at Xavier University, I am pursuing a career in
the fields of Advertising and English. Using my Writing minor, I have a strong
ability to write and create new content, and am eager to use these skills by
helping companies promote the ideas and stances they are trying to provide
the consumer. By studying to obtain a minor in Theater as well, I am gaining
confidence in the ability to interact with people in a personal, more
connected way.