The year of speaking dangerously, funnily!
Women can be funny — and often more humorous than they’re given credit for
Ladies and gentlemen, let’s face it — women don’t just have the last word in most arguments; we often have the funniest ones, too. Our ability to turn awkward moments into comedy gold and crack jokes sharp enough to cut through glass ceilings is a testament to our shared experiences. Consider or step back a moment and dive into the hilarity, wit, and undeniable truth that women can be funny — and often more humorous than they’re given credit for.
Speaking dangerously and funnily is a skill, and it goes like this: “A woman is like a tea bag: You can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” — Eleanor Roosevelt or “If I was a bird I know who I’d shit on”! – did I just say that? The empowered woman (my favourite subject to kiss) knows humour isn’t just our forte – it’s our survival skill and makes us unstoppable. Let’s take it a notch higher, we’re not just funny, we’re so AI – Awe-Inspiring! (my original created caption).
As unlicensed comedy practitioners, we are the amative icons that expertly juggle a toddler, a to-do- list, and a snarky comeback and navigate daily chaos while challenging stereotypes, breaking down barriers, and paving the way for gender equality, multitasking as we crack a joke, soothe a tantrum, and remind you where you left your keys – all in one breath!
For women, humour is like eyeliner – it’s sharp, it’s bold, and women use it better than anyone else. Our humour is as diverse as we are, from witty one-liners to clever observations. To the stand-up acts, I say, “Move over; life is our comedy stage”!
Inviting the New Year, I am, with laughter and cheer alongside my sisterhood, the world over, who believe empowerment is not a trend; it’s a lifestyle! This prompts some introspection about my tendency to speak provocatively this year — perhaps more accurately, “my year of speaking dangerously with humour.”
How I’m perceived is important, as humour doesn’t always land well and can sometimes make me seem less likeable. However, humour can enhance how others view us — as competent, diligent, and independent — when used effectively rather than coming across as domineering or abrasive. I’m just thinking out loud here, but it occurs to me that women don’t necessarily face the same need to appeal to men in this way; they already do, if you know what I mean.
When examining humour through a gender lens, it’s clear that both men and women wield humour in all its forms — sarcastic, witty, anecdotal, ironic, satirical — and as intricate and nuanced as language.
Humour can be a double-edged sword: a weapon that alienates or a tool to express interest and intelligence. I’m simply seeing here, not passing judgment on its quality! This said, each gender accomplishes being funny in different ways. I’ll leave you with a little quote today, hoping you’ve enjoyed this read: “Some girls are pretty, some girls are funny, I’m pretty funny.” And trust me, folks, that kind of combo can be dangerous!
Cheers then to laughter, happiness, and daring on high heels!
By Seema Azharuddin
