‘Awkward Black Girl’ Called Out For Offending the Transgender Community, Is It Fair?
We all know how much you love the web series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, but recently a few members of the Crunk Feminist Collective, a group we also love, has called out the show for using the word “tranny” and the phrase “no lesbo.”
Although very few people get spared the comedic jabs of Awkward Black Girl, the men and women over at the Crunk Feminist Collective (CFC), found the usage of such terms to be offensive and divisive.
The CFC explains:
In episode 11, CeCe calls Angelina Jolie/White Jay’s ex a “tra**y bitch in heels.” The word tra**y perpetuates violence and divisiveness amongst women by relying on the idea that trans women are not “real” women; it suggests that White Jay’s ex is somehow less than the main character J.
The word “tra**y” has a very real history of violence and discrimination, often targeting trans women. It has been used as a slur, as a way to objectify women, and as a way of denying the personhood of trans women on the basis of appearance.
We have seen your responsiveness to the fans of ABG and we hope that by raising this concern you will respond accordingly by not using such language in future episodes. There are so many awkward queer, trans, and disabled folks who love the show and it hurts to see and hear our lives used as punchlines. For those of us, the awkward black, queer folks who have lived at the intersections of our awkwardness, our blackness, and our transness, words like “tra**y” erase our lives, and our humanity. Phrases like “No lesbo” and the use of affected speech to imitate hard of hearing people detract from the vision of creating representations for the rest of us who are all too often maligned in mainstream media.
Upon hearing of the letter, Issa Rae tweeted: “Respectfully, “Awkward Black Girl” was never meant to be politically correct. We poke fun at ignorance. Response letter coming soon.”
While I understand the intention and the concern of the CFC (and appreciate the respectful brillance of their letter), I’m left to wonder if our personal speech–and by extent–our comedic voice should always be politicized and politically correct.
So what do you think Clutchettes? Should ‘Awkward Black Girl’ and other shows be more mindful of the language they use? Is the show being disrespectful to the transgender community?
Let’s talk about it!
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It seems to me that there is no tolerance for criticism even if it is done in love by long time supporters of ABG. Many of the previous comments here and on the CFC Facebook page reflect the fact that black folks have no tolerance for criticism regarding the rampant homophobia and transphobia in our community. The criticism of the open letter is not about supporting the comedic speech of ABG, this is about folks taking an opportunity to say I don’t support transfolk anyway so black folks, especially someone we like, have creative license to use the term “tranny” in a derogatory manner because transfolk simply don’t count. I’m sorry but equating the widely circulated terms nigga and bitch to “tranny bitch” simply are not the same thing in this political moment and many of the negative commenters know it. So if you want to condemn the CFC for using our voices to fiercely support transwomen as valuable members of our community while also showing fierce support for ABG, then go right ahead. But please remember that when the CFC challenged the racist sign held by white women at a slutwalk and the sexist and violent language of a black male academic on his FB page folks were ready to join in. As fans, we all lose if we cannot challenge the people we admire most in popular culture to be mindful of their power. So here we are dealing with an awkward moment, let’s see if there is some wisdom that can come from it.
*standing up and applauding* Well said! As a loyal ABG fan, I completely agree. Call black folks out on their anti-gay and anti-queer prejudice, and they/we get all up in arms. But majority groups always react that way when minorities call them out.
I see .
The real focus shouldn’t be on those that have to continually live in a hostile environment that challenges their humanity. An environment that fails to recognize their gender. One that isn’t interested in the pschological and physiological well-being of trans folk in general.
We should focus on us. THe privielged cis-gendered folks of color ! Woe is US , for we can no longer use oppressive language in peace ! Woe is us, for we can no longer have fun at the expense of other’s dignity ! Woe is us, because as marginalized folk we seem to forget how hurtful WORDS can be !
All of this is wack ! I stand with CFC and ally with the LGBTQ community. Words MATTER!
BTW, no one is taking away your freedom to express yourself, we are just critiquing the use of oppressive language !!!!!!
Hypocrites
Thank you!
Just my opinion on the matter…Awkward people are essentially insecure and hyper-judgmental. Their off-handed remarks are true to character. Cece’s and Jay’s name calling, Patty’s questioning Jay’s sexuality after the hair cut, Nina’s calling Jay “Kunta”, etc. are no more sinful than Archie Bunker mocking the black power movement by calling people “black beauties. The intent is to portray the character’s flaws. However, I do respect the CFC’s right to express their concern. I’m looking forward to a thoughtful response from Issa Rae.
As a lesbian and an avid fan of ABG, I was a little taken aback by the “no lesbo” comment. It’s offensive and unnecessary in the same way that “no homo” is. Freedom of speech allows Issa Rae to say whatever she wants on her show, but what I think that people are missing is that: IT WORKS BOTH WAYS. Crunk Feminist Collective has every right to speak out against what they find offensive. Does Issa need to issue an apology or explain herself? No, not at all. I agree that comedy does not always have to be politically correct. However, I just hope that she understands why and how her choice of words were offensive to the LGBT community.
I don’t understand. Characters use a rainbow of derogatory terms ALL the time in movies. This isn’t a documentary or interview. I hate the ‘b’ and ‘n’ words (which are also thrown around on this webseries, too), but I can’t see myself or others writing letters because they were used in tv shows or movies. In this case, we should demand that no derogatory terms be used again in all movies or tv shows.
I’m sorry but to me this is overly sensitive pc pandering and being inert sensitive. Tranny is bit some scary oppressive term used only to bully those that are different from mainstream. Here in SF, many trannys actually identify themselves as such loud and proud. This particular artist uses it not as a slur but in a comedic context. It’s insane to me that many of you are so insecure with yourselves that now you want to label tranny as a slur. It’s not. If your a tranny then you are. Simple as that. Get over yourselves and get back to the biz of living.
I fully agree with Luxurylatte. Members of the LGBT Community will proudly call themselves slurs, and call their LGBT those same slurs, but as soon as a heterosexual individual uses that word, the LGBT community gets all up in arms and sensitive about the subject. No person overtly searches for homosexuals, many times homosexuals make themselves known, force their opinions down everyone else’s throat, then wine and complain about everyone else for not accepting them as if we all have to love one another and get along.
And with regards to the African American community being homophobic and the latter….that’s a wonderful observation that can also be cited within all other races and cultures spanning the globe. African Americans are no more intolerant than a Jewish person, a Catholic, or an Asian. Lets be realistic and stop complaining about a person’s words.
Being overtly sensitive and complaining about every little thing another individual says or does that does who may not agree with the homosexual lifestyle does not support the Feminist or LGBT causes. After a while, its just another batch of disgruntled people making noise and it just looks like these people are unhappy with themselves.
At the end of the day ABG is a politically incorrect comedy. GET OVER IT
@QueenV, who said: “Members of the LGBT Community will proudly call themselves slurs, and call their LGBT those same slurs, but as soon as a heterosexual individual uses that word, the LGBT community gets all up in arms and sensitive about the subject.” Hmmmm, no different than how black folks walk around calling each other the N word but then get “all up in arms and sensitive” when a white person uses the word. I guess that means we’re all even as far as being over-sensitive goes?
@B
Oh gosh, I’m so happy you said it, because I wasn’t going to. I’ve been that person all day today. Seriously. I’m going to wait for the next article on Clutch about some misuse of the N-Word and copy this link to every person who has the nerve to get even slightly mad. Also if racist/bigoted people agree with you, then you’re probably wrong .__.
@Timcampi
I totally agree. There is some serious equivocating going on in this thread. According to some people no one is supposed to object to anything. That is unless someone says something to offend them and suddenly it’s okay to be upset and to protest.
I agree with Issa. From the get go the show was offensive. Its meant to be funny in a politically incorrect manner. Issa and everyone else involved in the show have their moments and that is what I like about the show. That is what makes the show.
What I find funny about the show is that so many of the things J and the other characters say are so unnecessary and ridiculous, you just have to laugh about how stupid it is.
I know that more people are going to complain about the show (if they already haven’t). But I would be upset if anything changed about the show because that is how the show is supposed to be.
I’m sure Issa will explain everything in her response.
Lawd, I don’t understand how black folks can practically beg everyone to empathize with their/our plight and yet refuse to offer that same empathy to other minority groups. “Tranny” and “no lesbo”: IT IS OFFENSIVE, plain an simple and Issa should have apologized (if for nothing other than human kindness then at least -for strategic purposes-to not lose any regular or prospective viewers).
Clutch, I’m almost ready for you all to never post on any queer issues anymore because the comments that roll in on these articles are often just abhorrent and a sad indication of the lack of progress we (black folks) have made as a conglomerate of cultures. Of all people – the sh*t we (black folks) and/or our ancestors have went through because of hate – we have the nerve to be so hateful toward another group. It’s depressing.
Thank you, Timcampi and others for your thoughtful comments.
I don’t use “nigger”/”nigga” and it bothers me to hear people throw it around so freely. But I can’t control what comes out of others people’s mouths. It’s Issa’s show and the content is supposed to be real and relatable (as is the dialogue). Guess what? “Tranny bitch” is a slur that CAME FROM the LGBTQ community. Cunt and bitch are also run to death, and those are slurs against women (although they’ve been supposedly “re-appropriated”…ummm ok). How far do you think I’d get if I put out an open letter to Logo and the producers of RuPaul’s Drag Race (not to mention the LGBTQ community at large) stating that as a woman, I was offended by their constant use of those words?
I’d be told (and rightfully so) to sit my ass down somewhere with that bullshit. So while I respect CFC’s feelings and their right to express their opinions, they have ZERO right to try to police the dialogue on Issa’s show.
Bitches be trippin…
I remember a time when a comedian could do… well, comedy. I remember when the best shows were those that made fun of others and ourselves while living on that thin gray line that distinguished comedy from crassness. But now, you have to apologize.
Remember the chappelle show… In living color, Fred Sanford…. George Jefferson, Archie Bunker, Flip Wilson…
I just read somewhere that PETA is going after the Mario Bros. behind the introduction of a “Tanooki” suit. A full fur jumpsuit that allows Mario to fly, But just like the CFC, PETA is late. The Tanooki suit has been around since the 8 bit gaming system and was introduced in Super Mario Bros 3.
This is a feeble argument and society has begun sliding down that slippery slope that is censorship.
Dear Peta, Mario Bros is a Cartoon/Game
Dear CFC, Awkward Girl is a comedy webisode.
Signed
Lisa Lampinelli
I kid, iQg
Um, maybe I’m the “passivist” of the LGBTQ group, but I’m not offended. It wasn’t a Mel Gibson/ Michael Richards type rampage. It was a side prod that most of y’all would probably say about your competition.
And no, I do not condone ANYBODY using the n-word. It’s not the same. Heterosexual people did not coin the term “Transgendered” as compared to racist white people coining the term “N*gger”. Understand that there is a plight, and understand that you can usually tell a transgendered person from a female. Not always, but often.
So yeah, until Issa Rae says something completely against a group of people, I’m still watching the damn show. Please, I invite queers to come after my ass…I fly my pink and purple flag freely.
She posted a response already.
Remember Amir? The one who left for “racial desensitivity training? I laughed at EVERY one of his jokes, even though in a real-life context I wouldn’t. I laughed precisely because it reflected real life.
I think the Issa makes a good point, that the show is at times irreverent in good fun. It will offend some and make those who can relate laugh.
I think that CFC is looking for attention. First of all, ABG uses “no lesbo” in an earlier episode and if they were true fans, they should’ve said something then, assuming that true fans have saw previous episodes. Also, I also think that it’s bad for them to point out one thing and not the others. If they found some of the material offensive, they shouldn’t pick and choose since she curses and says the n word frequently in the show. To me, that shows a bias and a not clear knowledge of the show. People never wanna see someone succeed. There are shows that are currently on TV that are longer and so much more offensive than ABG about LGBT communities, minority communities, and women alone that it’s shocking they’d call her out on it. I don’t see Lil Wayne’s songs being pulled off the radio and he frequently says “no homo.” I think the show picks fun at society and society’s assumptions and also shows another side, that society doesn’t show to us. Things like this upset me. Things like this could destroy ABG since everything…if no one had a sense of humor, could be interpreted as “offensive.”
“Also, I also think that it’s bad for them to point out one thing and not the others. If they found some of the material offensive, they shouldn’t pick and choose since she curses and says the n word frequently in the show.”
You are absolutely, 100% correct! It’s bull for these “feminists” to have a problem with the word tranny, putting asterisks all up in it, and the word, bitch, is right next to it. But that word does not offend these “feminists.” Like you said, don’t “pick and choose.” If they are going to be offended by one word, they should be offended by them all. Otherwise, be quiet.
A lot of you are missing the point I see
This isn’t about if the term was offensive to YOU
Clearly, a group of people found it offensive and while I think comedians should exercise their right to use free speech they must also accept criticism and truth that comes with it as well
Stop debating whether or not the CFC is being “overly sensitive” on the matter. We all agree that the word is associated with a specific group (a group that is NOT most of us) therefore we need to be respectful when it comes to how THEY would like us to use it, if at all
See, the bigger matter here is communication and respect. If minority (and majority) groups don’t have this between each other then we will continue to offend each other and I’m sure none of us want that
I’m so confused, I really want to understand why tranny is more offensive then nigga and bitch? All terms are demeaning. Personally, I feel the word nigga holds more weight to being offensive, especially amongst the Black community. But yet, we had no choice but to accept that word because out of irony it became socially acceptable.. It’s beautiful that the LGBT community is more sensitive to terms that are derogatory towards one’s existence because you all haven’t forgotten it’s roots…Unlike the rest of society who uses bitch and nigga freely and could care less about its hurtful meaning.. But in reference to the show…it’s awkwardly offensive to everyone (like most shows are now-a-days) but it’s up to the viewer to judge whether they love it or hate it… However, if it’s good enough to make certain communities speak out against it or embrace it, that show is serving it’s purpose. And that’s something all creative outlets wants to obtain, a reason to exist.
Le sigh….everyone has an opinion, I get it. All I know is that we have been deprived and starving for more shows created/written/produced by African-Americans and while criticism is apart of the game, all I ask is that the CFC and LGBT do NOT start policing this innovative show! This is when we will have a problem. No one is safe on ABG, which is the true beauty of it’s comedy. It’s real, which is why so many people can relate to it. Let us strike a dialogue and movement to get this show on a major network first before we start the inevitable PC debate! There is a bigger picture here…..wake up people!
If anyone wants to be up in arms about this, then they need to be up in arms about Family Guy and a dozen other things too. Relax.
im sorry not to be rude. but honestly this is not that serious. the show wasnt making fun or being bias against the transgender community. people are never satisfied. if its not one group of people being hyper sensitive about alil joke its another. people truly need to get the stick out of there ass and lighten up. its a joke. laugh at it and enjoy ur day.
I see all kinds of problems with their arguement.
1. “The word tra**y perpetuates violence and divisiveness amongst women by relying on the idea that trans women are not “real” women”
Really? They AREN’T real women! Just because I paint myself blue, doesn’t mean I’m a smurf.
2. The Crunk Feminist Collective is pissed about the use of the word tranny and not say bitch or the n-word? Please.
I remember a point in time where you could just laugh. Comedian could perform comedy. Now the PC police are all over EVERYTHING. Here is an idea. If you don’t like something, DON’T WATCH. Issa is NOT holding a gun to your head forcing you to watch. There are plenty of other web-series for you to go be pissed about. When are people going to learn you can’t police peoples thoughts, actions, and words. You can only control your own.
“Just because I paint myself blue, doesn’t mean I’m a smurf.”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Um, yes, they ARE real women. Maybe you should educate yourself.
Nothing is completely politically correct. And if it is, then it doesn’t represent anyone because guess what? We all have our prejudices against others. For all you smarties out there: No I’m not saying to accept blatant forms of racism, sexism, and homophobia, but I am saying to accept reality about speech in American society.
If you were honestly offended/hurt by any of the language on the show, then don’t support it, which is probably the most relevant statement of disapproval you can make.
We can debate all day about what should/shouldn’t be said on the show, but at the end of the day, Issa Rae is the writer and SHE decides what goes on HER show. Freedom of speech, the way of society.