rant · moment 2 of 15
Variety's Diversity List and the Rise of 'Southern Mama'
from Montreal Mama · #107
Audio-only archive episode — no video to seek.
4 minTim explains how Variety's 'top 10 comics to watch' list included only one straight white comic, a YouTube personality named Darren Knight who performs as 'Southern Mama,' and questions why he was chosen over established stand-ups like Mark Normand or Andrew Schulz.
- 1:53Tim introduces the topic of bombing at comedy festivals and how comedians handle it.
- 2:59Variety's annual top 10 comics to watch list featured just one straight white male comedian.
- 3:11Tim criticizes diversity lists as inherently political statements that delegitimize comedy merit.
- 3:58The one straight white male on Variety's list is Darren Knight, performing as 'Southern Mama.'
- 4:20Southern Mama came up through social media rather than the traditional New York or LA standup circuit.
- 5:02Darren Knight became famous from a YouTube video where he performs a character who imitates a Southern woman.
VarietyMontreal Comedy FestivalDarren KnightKevin HartTiffany HaddishAndrew SchulzAmy SchumerDave ChappelleSouthern mamaMartin LawrenceBig Mama's HouseJoe List