The “They say, I say” essay If you have been keeping up with the show “30 Rock” as of late then you probably have very similar views as those who have adopted a rather negative opinion of the character Liz Lemon. However Liz lemon has been judged wrongly and should be seen in higher regard. Her character has evolved into what I can only commend for being phenomenally satisfactory, despite the growing dislike for the direction in which her character seems to be headed. I think it would be nice if the fans of the show could see the subtle life lessons that are being conveyed through the show. 30 rock is a comedy series about the workings of a variety show dubbed “The Girlie Show with Tracy Jordan” told through the voice of its producer Liz lemon. “In defense of Liz Lemon” by Emily Nussbaum strives to shed light on an aspect of the show that not many individuals have realized. After a slew of negative response to the Character Liz Lemon the author aimed to clarify why Liz is not only better than when she first started out but also why her audience find her so repulsive now. Nussbaum explains how in the first season of the show, Liz Lemon was very relatable especially to women of the same age group. She was unlike other female characters at the time which was refreshing. This new take on a female lead attracted countless die-hard fans which could be credited for the shows long run. The author however points out the inconsistency in the belief that Liz lemon was a “sassy, confident, if somewhat neurotic single career lady.” (1). by explaining why she was a very flawed character to begin with. The author goes on to show evidence of how Liz Lemon has grown and has become less of a people pleaser and more of a self-pleaser. She has overcame childhood fears as well as rescue her confidence in herself and her ability to think and make decisions for herself and not question them. She has learned to become more in tuned with herself which ironically is probably one of the reasons people have begun to have a very negative opinion about Liz Lemon. While I do not necessarily identify with Liz Lemon I do understand why her fans would feel somewhat let down by the direction in which 30 rock has gone. In the first episode of the series Liz Lemon is kind of a bad ass but later on she seems less so. Despite my understanding of why the negative feeling towards Liz’s character growth, I find myself agreeing with Emily Nussbaum and her stance in the article published in the New Yorker “In Defense of Liz Lemon”.. The part of this article that speaks to me the most is where the author says “Well, I can’t get on board the hate train” ”Someone needs to speak up for the Lemon, and for the Fey.” (2). She has moved past the negative aspects of the show and has seen the good bit. Just as in reality people can choose to see the good side of things or the bad side of things. I chose this article because of the authors unique prospective. I find it very fascinating when people chose to go against the norm and find a new and interesting way of analyzing or approaching things. My argument as well as that of Emily Nussbaum is simply this, Liz lemon has come a long way from being a “New York third-wave feminist, college-educated, single-and-pretending-to-be-happy-about-it, over-scheduled, and undersexed” (2). character as described by her boss Jack Donaghy in the pilot episode. For those who have been watching the show “30 Rock” from the start, they can attest to the many up and downs of the characters especially that of Tina Fey’s (who has done an unbelievable phenomenal job at portraying a typical middle aged woman in new York city) Liz lemon. She has come full circle not just in her personal life but in her professional life as well. I suppose for those who identified with Liz’s character can take a page out of her book and seek out their own self-realization and find a very similar happiness to that which Liz lemon herself has found.
Questions
1 Do you think I make a convincing argument as to why I agree with Nussbaum?
2 is there any part of this essay that did not make sense or that you did not understand?
3 was my thesis or point of view in this essay clear, and what changes would you suggest to make this essay better or more relatable?