Apr. 19 , 2007

Comedian focuses on being fat and funny
Will Kauff
kauffw@marietta.edu

Fatty. Big Boy. Hard to kidnap. Whatever they are called, people who are overweight definitely don’t have it easy in life. Whether it’s the name calling, issues with store clerks, dating and relationships, or the many health issues they face in their lives, people who are larger have to fight to find their place in society.

But that’s just what one performer who’s coming in as part of the College Union Board’s Comedy series has done. Jen Kober, a Louisiana native from Lake Charles who recently made the move to Los Angeles, has performed with a number of comedic legends. This weekend, you’ll have the opportunity to see the show that she has done around the nation with people like Roseanne, George Lopez, Andrew Dice Clay, and Chris Tucker.

Jen’s show is obviously a very funny hour that focuses on many different things, but a reoccurring theme is the idea of being a “funny, fat lady.” It got me thinking about the state of “fat people” in American society. Where do they fit? Are they only here to be funny and fat? Think about the number of TV shows featuring larger characters; usually they are used as a comedic relief, or a joke in some way. The larger characters are almost always the best friend, who eats way too much and provides a shoulder to cry on for the leading lady once a man does her wrong. The other portrayal of a fat person is on a weight loss show, fighting against the odds to lose the pounds.

However, there are some celebrities who are larger who refuse to be shown this way. think of Monique, who has starred in a number of shows and began a pageant for larger women. She has most recently started a “Charm School” for the girls from Flavor of Love, which teaches them how to be more womanly and positive role models (or at least that’s the idea of the show; we’ll see how it really goes).

Personally, I feel that larger people should have all the acceptance the rest of us do in society, but I understand where some of the negativity comes from. I personally think about my weight and how it can affect my image in society almost constantly. If I notice that I’ve gained weight, you’ll see me at the DBRC running on a treadmill.

However, I do love that Jen Kober is a “funny, fat lady” because it makes for a great act that I personally can’t wait to see this coming weekend. I hope that you’ll all come out to hear some of her best jokes, including the story of her travel from Louisiana to Los Angeles.