Schema Magazine

Recently, Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart introduced its new correspondent: Jessica Williams, a black female comedienne, and all around funny lady. Williams' first assignment was covering the South Carolina GOP primary. The segment was aired on January 11, and so far it seems to have garnered decent reviews.

The Daily Show is often touted as a liberal alternative to conservative media in the United States; but in the past, it has come under fire for its lack of female employees. The only recurring woman is Samantha Bee, who has been with the show since 2001. Past correspondents and writers have complained about treatment on the show, and the inequality they faced in this comedic boys club. I hope Williams succeeds where other funny women have been fired in favour of playboy bunnies and video game stars.

Despite her stellar performance, I really didn't like the script. It was stereotypical, and didn't do justice to such an accomplished comedienne. Williams plays a hysterical news correspondent, wearing a shirt covered in blood. She screams about the politic mud slinging and 'all the white people' in a thick southern accent. The audience laughs; but is this the only way a black woman can be funny? I hope that her next roles on the show will be more complex and not rely on age-old stereotypes of hysterical black women.