There is no fiercer political weapon than laughter. Feminists have known that all along.
Author: Maggie Hennefeld
Maggie Hennefeld is an Assistant Professor of Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and author of Specters of Slapstick and Silent Film Comediennes.
The Nasty Women of Silent Cinema
The nasty women of silent cinema represent crucial traces of feminist media culture from the early twentieth century—and reveal the power of new media to make visible transformative notions of femininity and female identity.
From the Salem Witch Trials to Desiree Fairooz: On the Criminalization of Female Laughter
In January, Desiree Fairooz was arrested for laughing during Jeff Sessions’ confirmation hearing. It seems ridiculous—but her indictment is not without precedent.