Caught in the crosshairs : feminist comedians and the culture wars / Amber Day.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Day, Amber, author.

Series:

Comedy & culture

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Comedy--Social aspects--United States.

Comedy.

Women comedians--United States.

Women comedians.

Culture conflict--United States.

Culture conflict.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (150 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Bloomington : Indiana University Press, 2025.

Summary:

"The landscape of comedy has undergone a seismic shift in recent years with an increasing number of female comedians breaking through to mainstream audiences. Fueled by industry trends favoring niche projects and edgier content, women are claiming high-profile roles as late-night hosts, sketch comedians, television producers, and stand-up stars. At the same time, they have become lightning rods for controversy, facing online attacks and disdain from alt-right groups and conservative media. Reactions to outspoken female comedians have grown more polarized, yet, amid vitriol and trolling, these performers have sparked impassioned public discussions, prompting cultural self-reflection and challenging entrenched norms. Caught in the Crosshairs delves not only into the work of feminist icons like Samantha Bee, Amy Schumer, Leslie Jones, Michelle Wolf, and Hannah Gadsby, but also into the discourse surrounding their comedy. Author Amber Day argues that these debates transcend mere entertainment; they are cultural battlegrounds for larger philosophical and political conflicts, interrogating the essence of womanhood, power dynamics, and privilege. This type of popular culture serves as a primary arena where societal beliefs and ideologies are disseminated and contested. Caught in the Crosshairs is an examination of how feminist comedy reflects the tensions of our times, disrupting established narratives and challenging traditional power structures"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Ambivalence : feminist comedy past and present

Ridicule : Leslie Jones and the growing visibility of the alt-right

Loathing : Amy Schumer and White feminism

Revulsion : Samantha Bee, Michelle Wolf, and twin comedic controversies

Hope : Hannah Gadsby and the expansion of comedy's borders

Conclusion : female comedians and the cultural imaginary.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

9780253073167

0253073162

9780253073174

0253073170

OCLC:

1517395557