I am well aware that the debate as to whether women are funny enough to be comedians is a perennial topic; but, I wonder, are people aware that female comics also face sexism in other places in the comedy arena?
Imagine you are sitting at work. Your boss contacts you. He wants to you to work on a task which – if completed successfully – will surely boost your profile within the company. However, within the same correspondence he alludes to your ability in bed and his exact thoughts on what you should wear whilst at work to accentuate particular parts of your body. You really want this job; but obviously this unsolicited attention compromises your integrity. Where do you think you are? The 1970s? A Carry On film? Barbara Windsor, please put your underwear back on – this is the life of a female comedian new to the circuit. This is 2010.As a new act, I have to request spots in order to get work. If I don't ask, I don't gig. Simple. However, it recently occurred to me when speaking to a male comic that, based on replies I get from promoters, we are treated differently, based entirely on our genders.
Read more: http://www.chortle.co.uk/correspondents/2010/11/02/12060/the_comedy_casting_couch#ixzz148CwDLPA
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