Laugh With Women’s Lib (Press, 8 August 1985)

"Ladies Against Women" is a political satire that the American women’s movement has adopted to convey their messages humorously and provocatively. The show features characters such as Phyllis Le Shaft, who has been actively campaigning for a House committee focused on what she terms "Unladylike Action" and the passage of the Equal Restroom Amendment (ERA). The fictional Ms Le Shaft also supports the Seminal Life Amendment, which asserts that the union of sperm and egg is a fundamental right. This satirical approach incorporates various absurd slogans and positions, such as the call to "Make America a man again," restoring virginity as a high school graduation requirement, and even advocating the abolition of the environment due to its maintenance challenges. These extreme statements reflect the creators' aim to mock conservative views and highlight the contradictions present in some arguments against women's rights. The Plutonium Players, who created this satire in 1977, specialise in surprise disruptions during political events, where they inject their opposing viewpoints into ongoing conversations. This tactic has been employed to attract attention and provoke thought among audiences who may otherwise remain disengaged. Critics of the movement, such as Phyllis Schlafly, head of the group Stop-E.R.A., have dismissed these performances as foolish and ineffective, arguing that they do not convey coherent messages. However, members of the Plutonium Players and other feminists argue that humour is an effective tool for communication, allowing complex ideas to be presented in a memorable fashion. They believe that through comedy, they can better engage with audiences, making important political points more accessible. Jaime Mars-Walker, one of the male members of the cast, emphasises the potency of humour in delivering a message rapidly and lasting in impact. Feminists have drawn inspiration from various incidents that showcase the effectiveness of their techniques, citing examples such as a bake sale protesting military expenditures that poked fun at the inflated prices of food items. Similarly, the Gay Freedom Day parade in San Francisco featured a satirical contingent that attracted attention for its outrageous themes. Overall, "Ladies Against Women" serves as a catalyst for dialogue, utilising satire to challenge traditional views and make political commentary more engaging. Its creators aim to confront societal norms with a blend of humour and critique, demonstrating that political activism can take on many forms, including entertainment.

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