Stephen Colbert, a comedian known for his shows The Colbert Report and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, is proud to support women and fight for gender equality.
In 2015, Colbert wrote an article that was published in Glamour Magazine entitled “Stephen Colbert Shares Why He Thinks Women Should Be in Charge of Everything.” He starts the article by talking about the late night TV world and the lack of women he sees in it.
He said, “It has been pointed out to me that I, like other late-night TV hosts, am a man. And while I’m happy to have a job, I am surprised that the world of late-night TV lacks a female presence, unlike sitcoms, which are packed with smoking-hot wives who teach their doughy husband a valuable lesson when he slips on a pizza and falls headfirst into a porta-potty full of beer. Check your local listings.”
Colbert continues, “While there are many talented female comedians out there, right now the world of late night is a bit of a sausage fest…To be honest, sometimes I wonder whether the world would be a better place if women were in charge.”
Later in the article, he mentions that even when women do reach the top, their accomplishments are often swept under the rug.
“Even when women do succeed, their stories often aren’t told. Did you know that the first computer, ENIAC, was programmed by six female mathematicians?”
He points out that his field isn’t the only one where this kind of gender inequality persists. For instance, “Why did Mad Max get top billing in Fury Road when he was essentially just a grunting tripod for Charlize Theron’s rifle?”
Colbert even makes a promise to women that his Late Show is a place where they are treated fairly. He wants to make sure their voices are always heard and so far, he has stayed true to his promise.
“I’m going to do my best to create a Late Show that not only appeals to women but also celebrates their voices. These days TV would have you believe that being a woman means, looking for ways to feel confident on heavy days, and hunting for houses.”
He continues with an intersectional, inclusionary addition. “I’m going to make a show that truly respects women, because I know that there’s more than one way to be one. Maybe you’re a woman who likes women. Maybe you like women and men. Maybe you’re a woman who’s recently transitioned. Maybe you’re a guy who’s reading this magazine because your girlfriend bought a copy and it looked interesting.”
He said, “Until that revolution I will continue to fight for women, because I’m a man who is deeply in touch with my femininity. I believe gender is a spectrum, and I fall somewhere between Channing Tatum and Winnie the Pooh. Whoever you are, I promise: I’m going to lean in on this. It really accentuates my muffin top.”
Featured Image by John S. Quarterman on Flickr
Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
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