I just saw this episode and cringed the entire time. All the men (Johnny, Flip Wilson, George Carlin) kept doing was referencing her pregnancy, how pretty she was and the fact that she doesn't wear makeup. I had to turn it off as soon as Wilson started gushing about how much he loved pregnant women. It was just so creepy and awkward.
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Women's lib would probably think they were being patronizing.
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I found it fascinating--not so much for the subject matter, but for the way they
all chatted politely and quietly back and forth, as in genuine unprepared conversation. Today's talk shows rarely have that kind of interaction.
I'm not crying, you fool, I'm laughing!
Hewwo.
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I came on here JUST to see if anyone had watched that interview!! For me, it was incredibly eye-opening to see how a woman was treated back during that time. I mean, she really had to defend her choice to not wear a lot of makeup and not eat meat? And these were topics that needed to be discussed on a talk show? It was truly fascinating to watch.
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Agreed, but then when she said it, George Carlin started talking to her about how he didn't eat red meat, so it was okay if she made a personal choice. Just everything discussed seemed like people were telling her she was "okay" but talking down to her as well. Then came a whole slew of very weird questions about her being pregnant and breastfeeding. It was like no one there had spoken to a woman before.
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Did you watch it? Because if you did, it might be easier for you to understand what we're saying.
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As the host, Johnny was hoping for an interesting and entertaining interview with a rising young star. The worst type of guests for instance, are those that answer with "yes" or "no" and not add to the conversation and the host has to draw them out.
In comes Susan St. James, who if not at the time, but soon enough, was known for more progressive ideas (for the times) and opinions. Her subject matter was interesting but her delivery was so serious that JC and team had to respond in kind so as not to make her feel uneasy since she wasn't particularly entertaining in that regard.
I think Flip was sincere when he praised her for being a beautiful pregnant woman and George Carlin was showing support for her being vegan since it wasn't a mainstream option at the time---it was thought of as generational and that of the counter-culture though not in a malicious sense.
So if anything was creepy I thought it was Susan's all to serious manner of discussing things that were important to her--not the subjects--just her delivery.
And yes, for those not alive at the time, talk shows were less superficial and real conversations took place. Sure, Johnny had his share of sexist skits and such since the boy's club was still going strong but between he and Dick Cavett, many a solid interview was had.
I thought Flip was kidding about his mom having so many kids...
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