As I was reading, The End of Male Approval in Comedy, By Lili Loofbourow I really liked how Tina Fey didn’t miss a beat in her interview with David Letterman. The one-time late-night television host seemed to respect and even bond with Fey, comedian to comedian, during her interview. However, once he started giving his forgiveness on a bit Fey did, she in fact, repeatedly rejects it. As said in the article, “When Letterman raises Fey’s controversial August 'sheet-caking" bit and tries to declare it a success, she doesn’t let him, implicitly rejecting the authority he (just as implicitly) claims to pronounce her comedy good or bad.”
It was amazing to see that Fey didn’t ask, need, or even want Letterman’s approval. His approval wasn’t needed or necessary, she made that totally clear without being rude or confrontational. Just a matter of fact. Not only did Letterman attempt do give his approval once but then attempted again thinking she wasn’t understanding him. Fey quickly dismisses Letterman and says, “Thank you kindly,” she says firmly. “Here’s what was wrong with it.” Not giving him the power to absolve her. It was brilliant.
Here is a clip of their interview on YouTube you can watch;
As perfectly written in the article, “When Fey’s Bossypants came out, a lot of people thrilled to the story about Amy Poehler snapping at Jimmy Fallon (who said he didn’t find a vulgar joke of hers “cute”) with “I don’t fucking care if you like it.” In this odd little faceoff with Letterman, Fey shows exactly how well she learned that lesson from Poehler. She doesn’t care if Letterman likes it—even if he’s deploying his authority in her defense. And there’s a weird power to that.” Poehler wasn't being "Lady-Like" using the same four letter word that most men use on a daily basis at work. Not only that, Poehler didn't care if Fallon liked it or not because his opinion doesn't matter MORE than her's! It does seem like there is this unspoken revolution happening with women in comedy. I'm proud to say that two of my favorite comedians, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are leading the way!
I too was impressed with and empowered by Fey's actions and rejection towards Letterman. I really liked how she managed to reject his approval in a very sophisticated and calm way. As you mentioned, she was not rude or un-polite, but still remained firm and confident, which also impressed me. I also am a big fan of Amy Poehler now, so I loved how you included her into this post as well!
ReplyDeleteI liked this post a lot. I really admire how Fey politely, yet firmly makes her case and won't just let herself be won over by pleasantry. I also really liked the concept of Poehler's comment to Jimmy Fallon. It's something I'm working into my final project and I think it's something that I think is kind of inspirational to other women. It isn't our job to be liked or to do things that please men, we're just here to exist.
ReplyDeleteElisha, I totally agree with the first point you make. I really enjoy how Fey is able to firmly, but in a polite manner, deny Letterman's approval. You say it so poetically, "and won't just let herself be won over by pleasantry". I am not a woman myself, but I can see how this type of action would definitely be inspiring to other women, and for that I really enjoyed reading about Tina Fey's interview.
DeleteAlex, I agree with your description of Tina Fey's rebuke of David Letterman, "It was brilliant." I am not sure if I could have handled that interview as cooly and as calmly as she did, and as you portray her as doing, so I have grown in admiration of her due to the way you described her handling of this interview. Thanks for sharing so in depth!
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