Popular Culture Review 30.1
structed to push the unhappy beast down the slope of the mountain side , which was so steep as to insure the death of the goat , whose bones were broken by the fall . The reason for this barbarous custom was that on one occasion the scapegoat returned to Jerusalem after being set free , which was considered such an evil omen that its recurrence was prevented for the future by the death of the goat . ( Baker ’ s )
But every societal scapegoat , every Nanette , must take a stand , declaring herself or himself the inclusive , nurturing , nonjudgmental person she or he is�or at least come to the discussion table to offer their point of view . For the sake of us all , Nanette can ’ t simply disappear . Silenced voices are characterized by Others . Isn ’ t that Gadsby ’ s message ? None of us can afford to be silent lest a comedian abuse us on stage . Silence is suicide�another of Gadsby ’ s messages . Gadsby has the power in this contrived relationship and chose to smear all five Nanettes in a campaign of prejudice and hate . ( OK , maybe there ’ re a few more of us left�I ’ m only guessing since I ’ ve yet to meet another one since junior high .)
Following Derrida ’ s definition of the Other as a subject of phenomenological alterity , Gadsby begrudgingly claims Other status for herself and thereby the privilege of slandering Nanette . Yet , simultaneously she turns this objectionable lens on Nanette , making her the Other . This two-pronged , oscillating approach is the shaky framework upon which Gadsby ’ s show is built and causes viewers difficulty in receiving and believing her message . The instinctive practice of Othering , with often negative consequences , is a common core of contemporary social discourse , whether addressing gender , race , religion , or any variant stratification influencing
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