Margaret Cho and the 4th wave of Feminism

Avram Katzman, October 2001
 

When we are all laughing or crying at the same thing, it reminds us that we are all similar which I think is important and of comfort to many right now. We need each other.” -Margaret Cho The Asian American comedian posted this message on http://www.margaretcho.com/ shortly after the terrorist attacks - making it clear the role of comedy when others have doubted its relevance. Margaret Cho’s work has always embraced reality and honesty, both harsh and beautiful, so her brand of performance fits with the times more than ever. Tablet: You’ve done work for the Feminist Majority’s Campaign to Stop Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan. What thoughts do you have on the recent tragedies? Margaret Cho: It’s hard for people to think of comedy right now. I performed on September 15th and it was really amazing because the show was a benefit for firefighter’s families in New York so we were able to offer some immediate assistance to the people in need. We turned the whole show into a USO type rally. We had American flags all over the stage and I wore an American flag costume. It was really amazing to be able to connect like that. I think people were saturated, overexposed to the news, and we made them feel better. I have done work for women in Afghanistan. People have to remember there are so many innocent people who live there who have nothing to do with terrorism. Many are now trying to get out the country as fast as they can. People are quick to blame anyone who seems to be of Arab origin so there’s a lot of violence that’s happening now against Arab Americans that’s been devastating, so I’m hoping that will get better. I think the people who really understand oppression and discrimination, like myself, people of color, gays and lesbians, have even more of a responsibility to spread that understanding. Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson have not made it easier. The statements they made were incredibly volatile and people can look at that as another form of terrorism. So I feel that comedy right now is really healing and important. Tablet: Your new one woman show The Notorious C.H.O. was inspired by your favorite women of rap. How have they inspired you? MC: I’m so into the fact that the women of rap are creating the new wave of feminism, the 4th wave, because it’s all about feminine power, sexually strong and actually quite materially based. Really about making your own money and way in the world. Not about getting a man or impressing men, but about impressing yourself and providing for yourself. That’s an exciting image so I wanted to get with that aesthetic too. I really love what they’re wearing too, what they sound like, what they look like. I heard that Lil’ Kim and Mary J. Blige have separate planes for their wigs. It’s about materialism and femininity and glamour without sacrificing any of your power. I want those clothes. I need that jewelry. Tablet: You’ve made a guest appearance on Sesame Street. Do you have any backstage secrets to share about the Muppets? MC: I don’t know because I didn’t really hang out with them too much. They stay in their dressing rooms mostly. But I just love Big Bird because he’s so big and yellow. It’s weird because Big Bird talks out of his chest but you still look up at his head, even though it’s a strain because he’s like 18 feet tall. It’s impossible not look up into those big eyes sitting on the beak. He’s so cute. Tablet: What vintage TV show would you like to see a movie version of and what role you would want to play? MC: I would love to see a movie version of Fantasy Island and I would love to play any character that was on the island to recreate a fantasy. I really enjoy those fantasies where the secretary turns into a really sexy woman. Where they take off their big glasses like a total Diana Prince, spin fast, turn into Wonder Woman thing. Either that or play Wonder Woman. Tablet: I have this early ‘80s fetish. I love the feathered hair and Aaron Spelling TV show guys like Starsky & Hutch. So that’s the female counterpart, like Farrah Fawcett. They always wear belts and pants and big blouses. MC: Absolutely. So beautiful. I have an early ‘80s thing too. Tablet: There’s this revival of people who want to look like Andrew McCarthy. MC: Oh that’s hot! He’s my fucking favorite. I love him! St. Elmo’s Fire. Oh my god. He was so fucking awesome! I still want to get those pearls that Ally Sheedy was wearing in that movie so I could fuck somebody in the shower wearing them. Tablet: What’s been your biggest fashion victory? MC: This weekend was a big victory because I wore a sequined bustier that was all stars and stripes. First I was like I am never going to wear this ever, but now I’m going to hold on to it. I have the hugest wardrobe ever. I have a four bedroom house and three of the bedrooms are all clothes. I wore the bustier with a crisscross belt. I looked just like Latoya Jackson. Tablet: Which Facts of Life girl were you most like? MC: Natalie. I actually did a stage version of Facts of Life in Los Angeles with all drag queens. I played Natalie. We recreated episodes. The one I did was all Geri Jewell. Geri was in the show. It was very funny. Tablet: Which one would you have liked to sleep with? And that includes Mrs. Garrett... MC: Joe. She was the hot butch. Tablet: I saw you on International Star Search. Is Ed McMahon as sexy in person as he is on TV? MC: I don’t know. He spent a really long time in the bathroom. That’s all I know. That’s all I’m saying. Tablet: In your book, I’m The One That I Want, you say you left school at 16. Were you popular? What crowd you were in? MC: I was with the theater crowd. I was chubby and loud and carried a lunchbox. And wore striped tights. I was very popular in theater but not in school proper. I totally wore a lot of white girl makeup with superarched eyebrows and red lipstick. Like total pre-goth, super early ‘80s goth. Tablet: What other projects can we look forward to? MC: I’m on tour until January. I hope to appear on “Sex and the City” again. I want to write a new show, which will be the third big standup show. It will be shot for film. And I’ll write another book around that. And I’m writing and producing segments on “Life 360,” an innovative news show beginning on PBS in October [Fridays at 10pm on Channel 9]. Margaret Cho performs “The Notorious C.H.O.” at the Paramount Theatre on Sunday, November 11, at 4pm and 7pm. Dress to express because these shows will be filmed. For tix, call 206.323.2992 or order at www.seattlemenschorus.org. Her concert movie, I’m The One That I Want, is out on video and DVD.