Caitlyn Jenner
As a film student and aspiring screenwriter, I understand that it is a comedian’s job to joke about current issues and events. But I believe there is a fine line between “art” and belittlement and that nobody’s dignity should be sacrificed for a performance.
Gender identity, for example, is an important issue that should not be mocked or belittled. And yet a number of comedians recently made transphobic jokes about Caitlyn Jenner’s transition. Actor and singer Jamie Foxx, for example, claimed at the iHeart Radio Music Awards that of the many “ground breaking performances here tonight,” Jenner would “be doing a his-and-her duet all by himself.” The next day at the Justin Beiber roast, Kevin Hart also made a disparaging remark about Jenner — in the presence of her daughter, Kendall Jenner, no less. No matter if these comments were ill intentioned or a result of ignorance, they are extremely narrow-minded and insensitive.
This is not to say that Jenner’s transition — as a very public event — cannot be used to make a powerful statement, though. One comedian managed to add humorous commentary to this situation that not only empowered the transgender community, but also revealed the misogyny present in today’s society and commend Jenner’s bravery.
“It’s really heartening to see that everyone is willing to not only accept Caitlyn Jenner as a woman, but to waste no time in treating her like a woman,” The Daily Show host Jon Stewart said on the June 2nd episode of his show. A montage of various news broadcasters and commentators praising Jenner’s appearance followed. Although the praise was mostly positive, it became increasingly apparent that is was centered on her physical appearance rather than her courage and strength.
“Caitlyn, when you were a man, we could talk about your athleticism, your business acumen, but now you’re a woman, and your looks are really the only thing we care about,” Stewart concluded. “Welcome to being a woman in America.”
Stewart’s comments ring true. I was in awe of Caitlyn’s beauty and poise when I first glimpsed her on the cover of this month’s issue of Vanity Fair. As I read the accompanying article, I felt proud of the strong woman and reality television star. But when the cover went viral, I realized that this shared support seemed to indeed focus on Jenner’s physical beauty rather than the strength and bravery with which she faced such a drastic and important transition in the public eye. Stewart’s ability to pinpoint and critique this dynamic was therefore not only funny, but meaningfully changed the conversation in a constructive way.
Rather than use comedy to denigrate, therefore, we should follow Stewart’s example and use it to both point out society’s ills and uphold a better example. This is true for Caitlyn Jenner and the issue of gender identity, but also beyond.
