Would you rather be witty or pretty? Is this an actual question? Oh, please. Spare me.
This week’s controversial Daily Mail article (because there sure isn’t a week without one) focuses on model Amy Willerton. Specifically, it focuses on her powder blue peplum dress and silver heels, because we do love a good verbose DM breakdown of someone’s fashion choices.
Amy was photographed during a debate at Oxford University’s student union, the debate being ‘This House Would Rather Be Witty Than Pretty’. The DM, in trademark style, first states that she was opposing the statement and then claims she was arguing it’s better to be witty. I suspect the article writer is just as undecided. In any case, she was there and received most of the media attention for daring to have her legs out.
DM aside, I’m frankly appalled that a university like Oxford is scraping the barrel when it comes to debate topics. And that anyone should even have to choose between the two. Let’s face it, they’re only being compared because they rhyme. ‘Would you rather have snappy comebacks or be physically attractive?’ doesn’t have nearly the same ring to it.
It’d be nice to believe that I can personally bring you that balance between witty and pretty. Get me and my unabashed confidence. Cue a playful swish of my hair and a quick improvised sonnet or three. Joking aside, I put a bit of time into my appearance on a daily basis and I write for a living. If that doesn’t cover all my bases I don’t know what will.
For women in comedy, this particular choice feels like it’s already been made on our behalf. Reviews of funny females can’t help but critique the outfits as well as the jokes. Look at Katherine Ryan – seriously, look at her, she’s gorgeous – and how often her glamorous style is commented on alongside her stand-up routines.
Should anyone ask me which I’d rather be, I’d prefer to avoid the question altogether. Probably with a blend of dazzling smile and quick, sharp retorts. Maybe they’ll stop asking.
