They Used to Call Me Snow White...but I Drifted: Women's Strategic Use of Humor

by Regina Barreca

Artfully combining sociology, psychology, and feminist theory, here is a fascinating and entertaining look at how women can use humor to their advantage. This witty--and at times deliciously ribald--book examines women's humor and shows how the proper punchline can work wonders on the street, in the bedroom, and even in the corporate boardroom.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Feminism, Essays, Womens Studies

223 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very insightful, witty, and thought-provoking look at gender, sex and the power involved in humor. Barreca *is* an academic, but this book seems like it was written for a more popular (abeit educated) audience. This is a fast, interesting read that will change the way you think about humor.

[Kate Moffett-Polacci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me immensely when I was venturing into the world of women in comedy, and appreciation of feminism in all aspects in general. It's brilliant, and hilarious.

[Fishgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long time ago I read this. The palpable relief I felt at reading it cannot be measured, it's that massive. I'm going to see if it's still in print.

[Amberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome read, and an unusual avenue on feminist issues. Certainly hilarious, and full of delightful anecdotes and comebacks, ("Hey Baby, lemme get in your pants!"..."No thanks, I have one asshole in there already.") My only issue is it's a little polite and a little dated (published in 1991). The author refers to Roseanne and her show as a new wave of feminist humor turning tables on convention, after a million "take my wife, please/my wife's so fat/ugly" jokes, and the likes of Benny Hill. There's reference to plenty of dick and tit jokes, but the best part is seeing how much things have changed in 17 or so years - from misogynist Andrew 'Dice' Clay and his unfortunate ensemble/career choices to the likes of Jenny McCarthy, Chelsea Handler, Sarah Silverman and some SNL babes completely owning their sexuality and their stage.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Bad girls say what they think." What the bad girl says out loud is usually the same thing that everyone else is thinking but ashamed to admit. RB

Professor, comedienne extraordinaire, I laughed all the way through.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I purchased this book when the author was the emcee at a Literary Sojourn in Steamboat Springs, Colorado many years ago. In my effort to move books from the unread to the read shelf I put this one on my May To-Read list.

Although my personal experience was that Barreca was a very smart, very humorous speaker I did not find the book to be at all humorous. I disliked the extended rant from the feminine stance

In her role as emcee Barreca was witty and humorous, not so in this book.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dated now but still very interesting. It reminds me of all the misogynistic jokes we girls were forced to listen to and laugh at when we were too young to stand up for ourselves. At least we knew who to stay away from and not marry.

[Mélanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little out of date but excellent nonetheless! A great read for anyone interested in subversive or feminist humour.

[Meghan C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most feminist efforts of the early 90s, two decades later, this book feels both outdated and yet (unfortunately) timely. Which is not to say I'm on the fence about recommending it. I give this book a full endorsement, especially for women like me or younger, who could use a reminder of how far we've come as a culture, and a gentle prodding reminder of how much further we have to go.

As someone fortunate enough to grow up in a household that encouraged me to laugh loudly and with my head thrown back, the idea that there were and probably still are women out there who can't trust themselves to determine what they themselves find funny is like some kind of horrifying Twilight Zone episode. But then again, I was never taught to think of myself as a punchline, either.

With the many dated pop culture references in this book, and also the dissection of 90s culture that at the time was openly hostile to women in a way that it's hard for me to fathom let alone remember, I would have thought that this book would read as pure historical record. And yet. And yet. Things have certainly improved on the more overt, explicit areas, but it's those subtle innuendos and insidious backhanded compliments (women who play along are "good sports," those who won't don't have a sense of humor) where Barreca's references pack the same punch, are the same old modes of control as they always were. Like most well reasoned, well argued feminist theory, reading this was validating, empowering, and enraging, sometimes all at once. Disparity in our culture is so deeply ingrained into every facet that it can be exhausting to examine just how far down and out the roots spread. But exhausting as it may be, I'd rather talk it through, I'd rather face it head on than ignore it.

Barreca does an excellent job approaching something that might sound frivolous--it can be hard to take comedy and humor seriously--and investigating it from every possible angle until it becomes clear that there's nothing frivolous about it. A thoughtful call to action for both men and women to empower women through laughter.

[Connie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regina Barreca has taught both feminist theory and various courses in the English department at the University of Connecticut. She makes use of her expertise in those fields when she wrote her first book about women and humor, citing many examples of women's humor in literature, television, and comedy. She also discusses gender differences in what type of humor men and women find funny, and also gives examples of men's and women's sexual humor. This was an entertaining and witty book with serious comments about the psychology behind certain types of humor such as aggressive, hostile humor, and self-deprecating humor. She also thinks it's important for women to use humor as they climb the executive ladder.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hadn't expected this to be just as much a user's manual to comedy as it was a sociological treatise. However, it was interesting and a quick read, so I didn't mind. As other reviewers have said, some of the references are dated, but I would add that some of the scenarios are dated as well. (Thankfully, I've never been asked about my method of contraception during a job interview, like one example states!) I enjoyed it, but I'd be interested in reading an updated version.

[Vivisection · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Sarah Silverman, I think I need to go back and read this book. I have been made aware over the years that my sense of humor is masculine and assertive. Not just because I love fart jokes but because I assert my need to be the source of humor and not simply the audience. Just like Sarah. I remember this book as a great discussion of women who use humor assertively.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great feminist manifesto especially for the late 20th century. Since I do stand up in my local area, I am going to try to be a bit more daring this year with my comedy and try Not to be so nice. This book has opened my eyes to my nice girl manners and asked me to step up and be a bit more brave in my works.

[Cat. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but I only read about half of it. It's a bit dated; since it was written, I've seen women comics doing quite a few of the things she says women "never" joke about. But the general theme is good. I marked a quote to use in my email sig....

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it the first time I read it 10 years ago and am enjoying this second reading also.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the read but thought lots if the references were outdated, considering this is a 2013 re-release. Read my full review on RedLetterReads.com.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Insightful, sharp, hilarious, interesting. A good read all the way through - it's educational, but written in such a way that you never stop laughing. Can't recommend highly enough.

[Tamera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love it!