Editor’s Notes
When I pick up a newspaper I’m rarely surprised by what I read.
When I hear about a financial meltdown, I’m not surprised that some of our elected officials got preferential treatment from financial institutions, or that CEO’s will keep their millions while taxpayers pick up the tab, because all of our elected officials are in the pockets of big business.
When I hear about religious leaders being caught in sex scandals ranging from ironic to disgusting, I’m not surprised, because I’ve typically found that those who are in such a hurray to tell people how to live their lives are a freak show off-camera just waiting to be discovered.
However, I was surprised by what I read in a recent interview in the Hartford Courant, a paper I contribute to. Lisa Lampanelli was featured prior to her appearance in Northampton, Mass. Ms Lampanelli remarked, that aside from her and two other women, all female comics stink. Really Lisa?
I understand stand-up isn’t a team sport and competition for success in this business is fierce. One could also argue in touting certain awards, as all performers do, you’re implying you’re better than others. I also take into account Ms. Lampanelli’s character and propensity for putting others down. But how little class does it show when someone as successful as she is makes a low rent remark like that?
In almost every issue of this magazine, a comedian will point out that stand-up doesn’t get the respect it deserves; that it’s a performance art. Would you expect Jennifer Connolly, Audra McDonald, or Natalie Portman to say something similar?
Most people appreciate that it’s only within the last generation that women have gained wide acceptance in stand-up. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be better for this stand-up community that I keep hearing about for her to back other women in the press to make it easier for them.
In the end, I suppose it’s not that big a deal. It’s a free country and she can say what she wants. What does it matter what she says? She’s just a comedian. If you’re a comedian and didn’t appreciate the previous line, I’m not surprised.
Ken Carlson is the editor of the Comedians Magazine.
editor@thecomedians.org