Some of Amy Schumer's stand-up may make you cringe, but if I had to guess, she probably wouldn't care. The whole gist of the 35-year-old's comedy career is that she's unapologetically herself. That's part of what makes her such an awesome feminist and activist, in addition to making people laugh. In her July cover story with Vogue, Schumer shared why she speaks her mind and her words may inspire you to not hold back either. She told the magazine,
I have this innate need to say things that I think are important for people to hear. And I can’t stand injustice, so even if it makes people uncomfortable, I’m not afraid enough of conflict to keep my mouth shut.
I love this statement for multiple reasons. While some people filter what they say to try and fit a certain mold, Schumer doesn't care. If something is important to her, she's going to speak up regardless. Her IDGAF attitude is what makes her both relatable and enviable — in that she almost makes it seem effortless and makes me wish I was as straight-forward as she is. Her series Inside Amy Schumer tackles unfair beauty standards, whether the emphasis on women needing to wear makeup or what size their bodies should be. She takes society's preconceived notions and throws them out the window, all while getting a laugh in the process.
This idea that she "can't stand injustice" is also reflected in more serious matters, like her frequency in speaking out for gun control. She teamed up with her cousin, New York Senator Chuck Schumer, to push for legislation to strengthen gun laws. She also made her opinions on campus rape known in another sketch from her Comedy Central show. Basically, she does not hold back from the issues that some people shy away from. And of course, I'm not trying to fault people who don't feel comfortable talking about touchier subjects. It's just applaudable that Schumer chooses to do so.
While these reasons are part of why I admire Schumer and appreciate her comedy, I'm not the only one who feels this way. In fact, a certain presidential candidate would probably agree. In her Vogue interview, Schumer gushed over Hillary Clinton, and it turns out the adoration is mutual. The comedian played a voicemail for the Vogue writer, where Clinton told Schumer, "And I meant what I said last night: You make me laugh and you make me think." I've never heard a better summary of her appeal. Part of what makes Schumer's comedy stand out is that it's blunt and funny, but also makes you think about the greater social context of her words.
Bravo to Schumer for succeeding in her career by speaking her mind. She doesn't let others' potential uncomfortableness stop her from getting things off her chest. She goes with her gut and speaks out when necessary — and really, what's better than that?
