The animated sitcom Family Guy is known for its shocking and offensive jabs at pop culture more than it is for being funny. And six years ago, it featured a joke that isn’t quite so funny anymore in light of recent events. It was basically about Caitlyn Jenner.
The silly joke seemed to come out of the blue, one of those typical Family Guy quips that really makes no sense and only derives its humor from its shock value. But with her dramatic reveal on the cover of Vanity Fair into her brave new identity, jokes about transgendered people aren’t recommended.
In the clip from a 2009 episode, called “ We Love You Conrad ,” Stewie Griffin and his faithful dog, Brian, are at some kind of party when they run into Brody Jenner, Uproxx recounted. Stewie tells Brian that in fact, Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce, gave birth to Brody.
The dog argues, reminding him that “Bruce Jenner is a man.”
Stewie’s response?
“No, Brian, that’s what the press would have you believe but he’s not. Bruce Jenner is a woman. An elegant, beautiful, Dutch woman.”
What’s interesting about the clip is that the emergence of Caitlyn this week wasn’t a complete surprise, and not just because she discussed her life as transgendered and her transition during an interview with Diane Sawyer.
Caitlyn’s journey will even become a reality show called I Am Cait on E!, Fox News added.
But for years, rumors have circulated about her private life. And any casual watcher of Family Guy knows there is absolutely nothing, no matter how sensitive or serious, off limits to Seth McFarlane and company.
These kind of jokes aren’t cool anymore, however, not for Family Guy , or late night talk shows . But as E! Online reported, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Conan O’Brien are still poking fun.
Kimmel pointed out that she “has been a woman for three minutes and he’s already hiding his arms.” Note the use of the masculine pronoun there. Fallon wondered just where she got her bathing suit body. At least he called her “she.” And Conan took a crack at the Jenners and Kardashians both.
“Bruce is on the cover of Vanity Fair as her new identity Caitlyn. This is historic because Caitlyn is the first woman from that family to appear on a cover fully clothed. She’s actually covered up and tastefully dressed.”
Jon Stewart was so ticked about these and other references that he made a point to chastise the media for emphasizing Caitlyn’s looks over everything else she may have to offer, the Los Angeles Times added. And that’s really what being female is all about.
At least Seth Myers took the high road, sparing the audience some ill-advised joke about a very sensitive issue. He, at least, recognized her bravery.
“Such a wonderful photo, I cannot wait to read the article. I don’t have any jokes about this. I’m so happy. I sort of can’t believe we’re living in a time when this is happening and people are being so positive about it. So congratulations, Caitlyn Jenner.”
[Photo Courtesy Twitter]
