In addition, if you live in Topeka and are a victim of domestic or sexual violence, PLEASE call the YWCA's toll-free 24-hour helpline: 1-888-822-2983.
Here is their website for more information:
http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=8nKFITNvEoG&b=1069861
The National Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
http://www.thehotline.org/
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Me [in a Jim Gaffigan commentator voice]: "Why did he have to say all of that? Isn't he being a little over-reactive?"
Well, the reality of my life story is what brought me to where all of this is. If you haven't seen it, here is the ad for The Stand-Up Kind of Guys next comedy show, as taken from the Facebook Page for So U Think UR Funny.
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Also, I would like to include Jesse Mundy's artist statement here:
I am the one who came up with the flyer concept. The name of the show is a double entendre. The
image portrays an IRONIC scene that plays off of the name. The cartoonish exaggeration is only missing railroad tracks and rope. The other comics and I are portrayed as BADGUYS. There was never an intention of glorifying violent behavior. I will NOT apologize for the ad for any reason, particularly not based on the opinions of people with nothing more important to do with their time, nor will I demand an apology from anyone who has prejudged me to be a hate-monger who relishes in the idea of violence being inflicted upon women. The term "stand up kind of guy" is antiquated, as is the concept of the damsel in distress, and the employment of the rapier in evil-doing. If you really must go out of your way to be outraged over this simply find another activity to engage in, and leave comedy to those with the sensibilities to enjoy it.
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And this is what Grace MacMillan had to say, regarding the promoter:
how this could have been handled:
dennis: vicki, this is really offensive! i know many survivors of abuse, and this minimizes their experience and promotes violence against women.
vicki: dennis, thank you for your concerns. now that you've brought that to our attention, i can see
where you and others would be coming from. this was an ironic image because of the name of the
comedy gig, "the stand-up guys". however, you make a good point. maybe we could write a disclaimer, or post a link to local resources, like the Center for Safety and Empowerment, to draw attention to the fact that violence is never funny, and so that people feel heard. do you have any other ideas? i'd really like to work on a resolution with you. i'm sure we can fix this. let me talk to the guys and i'm sure we can resolve this. hope to see you at the show.
THE. END.[
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So here is my suggestion for an ad re-vision--to "look again" (vision = "look")--keeping the original artists' vision and making a truly ironic statement. Again, this is only a suggestion. By all means, every artist has the right to stand by her or his art!
Before taking the picture, do not have a woman involved at all. Instead, take a picture as is (without woman). Maybe replace the purse with each guy holding a wallet, as our heteronormative culture says men carry wallets, not purses.
Take another picture with the guys unconscious on the ground. Try to lay down at the place you were pointing at and laughing.
Merge the two images together. Volla! A really artisitc image!
This continues with the original meaning: "The name of the show is a double entendre. The
image portrays an IRONIC scene that plays off of the name. The cartoonish exaggeration is only missing railroad tracks and rope. The other comics and I are portrayed as BADGUYS."
Plus, the violence is done--to themselves?
In other words, they are laughing at themselves!
Cue laughter here, folks!
That is also ironic, taking the cliche, "I can laugh at myself," and creating a visual representation of it.
Both parties above can also be happy with this kind of ad. It's good PR. It takes into consideration everyone's intellectual and emotional sensitivities.
Plus, I do not have to worry about any woman who has survived any ordeal recently walking in to The Burger Stand and seeing the ad as it currently is.
So, yes, I do NOT think Jesse should be made to "apologize for the ad for any reason, particularly not based on the opinions of people with nothing more important to do with their time, nor will I demand an apology from anyone who has prejudged me to be a hate-monger who relishes in the idea of violence being inflicted upon women."
I never prejudge anyone. I am against an ad that can be read the way I read it. I truly see what your intentions are. However, for me, the context of the current culture, and the initial dismissal by Kim and Vicki of my concerns, led to this" "In response to an ad depicting violence against a woman as comedy, we will not attend this or any comedy performance by these four men AND promotions by So U Think UR Funny."
Jesse, again: "If you really must go out of your way to be outraged over this simply find another activity to engage in,"
That IS what the boycott is about!
"and leave comedy to those with the sensibilities to enjoy it."
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