I am curious at looking at the stereotype that men are funnier than women, or that women aren’t funny at all. I have always loved laughing and making other people around me laugh, so much so that I was voted Class Clown of my high school graduating class. So I find it absolutely ridiculous when I hear someone say that women aren’t funny especially when I think about some of my favorite comedians like Tina Fey, Lucille Ball, and Gilda Radner. Anyone who has seen these ladies in action can surely attest that women ARE funny. Just as funny as any male comedian out there.  

            Humor is a hard thing to measure because it is subjective. Everyone’s sense of humor and what they find funny are unique. However, I plan to investigate how this stereotype that women aren’t funny got started and to analyze the accuracy of this stereotype by reviewing research articles on the subject, making observations in my life and looking at how society may view comedy as a man’s field. I’m curious in finding the answers for questions like: do women have to work harder than men to get noticed in the comedy world? Do male comedians get more respect? Make more money? Why do people think women can’t be just as funny, if not funnier than their male counterparts? 

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton on Saturday Night Live.