You know what male comics can't do? They can't get pregnant. They can't perform pregnant. So my attitude is, just use all those differences.
Ali WongRead
There are certainly other female comics who are moms, but I don't know any who are actively touring with their kids. But there are more and more becoming moms, and it's awesome. I feel we're in a super sisterhood.
Interpretation
Ali Wong highlights the unique experience of female comics balancing motherhood and their careers.
In this quote, Ali Wong emphasizes the growing presence of female comedians who are not only mothers but also continue to pursue their careers actively, often touring with their children. She expresses a sense of camaraderie among these women, fostering a 'super sisterhood' that supports each other through the challenges of motherhood and the demands of the comedy industry, showcasing an evolving landscape for women in entertainment.
In practice
This quote can inspire female comedians at a comedy festival.
You know what male comics can't do? They can't get pregnant. They can't perform pregnant. So my attitude is, just use all those differences.
Whenever I feel mom-guilt, or I feel pressure to be a better mom - to cook salmon on a bed of quinoa for my kids - I just think to myself, 'I... have... suffered... enough.' And then I feel fine about feeding my toddler a bag of chips for dinner.
The most valuable thing my dad taught me was to never care about what other people thought. When he came to my shows, and I'd announce his presence, he'd stand up with his hands clasped in victory and cheer my name.
But I just think I was lucky enough to figure out early on that I wanted to do comedy, so that's what I put all my effort into.
I used to forget that I was an Indian woman. I would even forget that I was a woman. I don't think of myself as bringing to the table a lot of 'women's issues.' I don't feel the need to write about maternity. I grew up thinking that the talented people in comedy were hard-joke writers.
When I was a younger guy doing comedy, it was a big struggle. Promoters canceled me out of clubs left and right when I called somebody a dummy or a yo-yo. Then they realized I was different.
How to do half-hour comedy innovatively is something I do pride myself on. We invented it with 'I Love Lucy.'
Being an Asian person on SNL,' when people are like, 'Why did it take so long?' It's sort of a question that doesn't fully understand the idea that there is no developmental experiential process for a queer Asian person to get into comedy in a way that feels inevitable.
When I first started doing sketch comedy, I promised myself that if I were ever to have any success in this business, I wouldn't hold back. Why get there and play it safe?
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