Dear Amy,
Without a doubt, there are plenty of amazing role models for this generation of young women. But while the world is filled with fierce, intelligent, inspirational females who change society daily, it can be hard to relate to Malala and Beyoncé. It is not hard, however, to relate to this:
or this:
…or this:
And so, on behalf of women everywhere, thank you. However, we aren’t just thanking you for being relatable or making us laugh; we’re thanking you for making us think. Unfortunately, we live in a culture with unrealistic expectations regarding body image, success, and relationships. We live in a culture where rape, birth control, and sexual health are considered ‘controversial’ or ‘taboo’ subjects. And we live in a culture where we constantly critique others through the lens of social media and visual filters (whether it’s conscious or not).
But you, Amy, have an incredible talent: you observe these cultural norms and incorporate thought-provoking wit and humor into your skits, without directly bashing or insulting anyone in the process. That time when you parodied Friday Night Lights and simultaneously slammed rape culture? Brilliant. That skit where you illustrated the injustice of how difficult it is for women to get birth control? So spot on. That video where you recreated Twelve Angry Men so that it revolved around Hollywood’s bizarre beauty standards and objectification of women? Flawless. The truth of the matter is, you manage to provide smart, hilarious social commentary on some pretty dark subjects, and we’re so grateful.
Also, thank you for confronting unrealistic gender expectations:
Thank you for capturing our annoyance at the hypocrisy and conditionality of wearing makeup or going au naturel:
Last but not least, thank you for acknowledging how ridiculous it is to self-deprecate and undervalue yourself instead of taking a compliment:
The fact of the matter is, all women should strive to be as unabashedly honest and hilarious as you. You’re crude and bold and shamelessly open about your opinions, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
Cheers, Amy–we love you!