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Iliza Shlesinger's Brand of Feminism Keeps It Real so You Need to Watch Her Show Right Now
Comedian Iliza Shlesinger will make you laugh...and think about feminism
Comedy's greatest source of power is the tolerance we grant for stuff we wouldn’t normally pay attention to...just because it’s really funny. I need to listen to a woman talking about feminism for an hour and a half, you say? Forget it—there are more important things to do, like play Call of Duty or NBA2kwhatever. But through comedy, we more easily lend our ears to issues that need to be talked about, and hopefully, become more open to new ideas in a platform of discussion that’s neither hostile nor judgmental. Comedian Iliza Shlesinger does exactly that in Confirmed Kills, her latest Netflix special.
These are some of the best ideas to take away from the show that are refreshingly realistic and more inclusive for both men and women. And don't worry, it's not like the whole show is one giant feminist rant. #KeepingItReal
1. When Shlesinger said that a lot of women don't like to identify themselves as feminists because they don't think it sounds attractive to men.
Usually, this statement is followed by blaming men for chastising women and not allowing them to express themselves as empowered people. However, Shlesinger quickly explains it's only because the feminists people see the most are the loud and aggressive ones. It's easy to generalize feminists as men-haters and “social justice warriors” because they're the most vocal, but really that's not and shouldn't be the case. #StopTheBlame
2. When she said that it's not right that women must do things to make themselves appear more vulnerable, with strong women constantly being told to tone it down. But then she also adds that, on the other hand, men are always told to toughen up and can't be vulnerable.
When fighting the patriarchy, it's always important to remember both sexes face their own kind of oppression. And really, mainstream feminism needs to remind itself that the source of a lot of discrimination on women is due to the same societal expectations that face men. #RealMenCry
3. When she said that the root of the oppression is the fact that men are physically stronger than women.
It's logical to believe that gender roles, and thus their expectations, were formed because of the physical capacities of men and women: that physical difference actually dictates a lot of the interaction between men and women. Shlesinger asks, "Do you think women would have waited to be allowed to vote if they were stronger than men?" Guys also need to realize how terrifying it must feel to walk down a street, be catcalled and know at the back of their minds that if someone really wanted to harass them, he could. #DoYouEvenLift #BeenLiftingTheBurdenOfPatriarchy
4. But she was also self-aware enough to admit that it's not sexual harassment anymore if the guy is hot, because that's called flirting.
Not in an "It's okay to be groped by a guy just cause he's ripped" way, but in an "I feel like the shit with that group of hot guys checking me out" way. So really, you know you have double standards, and pretending otherwise doesn't do anybody any good. #EverybodyIsAHypocrite
5. When she straight-out accepted that men are visual creatures and biologically speaking that's just how they are hardwired.
It must be a confusing world for men to live in right now, when they are being chastised for liking breasts and bums while their instincts tell them otherwise. (And some guys are bullied for not being "man enough" if they aren't into breasts and bums) The truth is that some men aren't purposely objectifying women; it's just nature's way of making sure people continue making babies. And really, the unfortunate truth that Shlesinger reminds us is: "He cannot check out your personality from across the room." #NotAllMen
6. And finally, when she reminds us that if you want respect, you have to command respect, not demand it.
If your idea about empowerment revolves around loud-and-proud sexuality, Shlesinger’s routine also ris a rib-tickling reminder that empowerment and respect also come from treating yourself and the people around you kindly. #Goals #MeanGirlsShouldJustBeAMovie
Catch Iliza Shlesinger on Netflix.