Fran Lebowitz: astute, relentless and more relevant than ever

On 20 September, Fran Lebowitz took to the stage at VIAGE in Brussels. The hall was packed to the rafters for the legendary New York voice of sarcasm, style and social critique.

An Evening with Fran Lebowitz tied in perfectly with the International Day of Democracy, celebrated just five days earlier. The legendary New York author and social commentator once again demonstrated why she has remained the uncrowned queen of sarcasm for over four decades. She tore into the current political culture in her country, dissected certain privileges and mercilessly exposed the hypocrisy of those in power.

Lebowitz is a force of nature

From the very first moment it was clear this wasn’t going to be an evening of light entertainment or casual anecdotes. Fran Lebowitz came, saw and carved through ideas, systems and people. She not only symbolically ended the summer but also dispelled the illusion that we live in a comfortable world. A world where everything runs like clockwork. “Even a tissue barely makes it out of the box,” she sneered. Not as a joke, but as a symptom typical of a society losing its grip on efficiency, logic and fairness.

Democracy under fire

Especially relevant in the context of the International Day of Democracy were Lebowitz’s sharp observations on American politics. She didn’t mince words when analysing Trump’s election: “Trump was elected on the basis of racism and misogyny.” Her analysis delved deeper than superficial political rhetoric. She exposed the historical roots. In short, she argued that the Republicans want to return to pre-Civil War days. The Confederate states in the South vote Republican and support Trump because they have never come to terms with losing the Civil War. She went on to describe how the election of Barack Obama shook the old power structures to their foundations and how Trump ruthlessly played into this, not by leading but by dividing. Until then it had been enough to be a straight white man in order to hold some standing but all that remains now is frustration because that is no longer enough.

This observation strikes at the heart of many of today’s democratic challenges: the fear of shifting power relations and the resistance to the inclusivity that is fundamental to a healthy democracy.

Incompetence as a qualification

With her trademark humour, Lebowitz also denounced the normalisation of incompetence in public administration. She argued that complete incompetence is a prerequisite to joining Trump’s administration. It’s like saying:

‘I have a leak in my kitchen. Do you happen to know someone who isn’t a plumber?’ – Fran Lebowitz

This statement perfectly illustrates how democratic institutions can be undermined when expertise and experience are no longer valued as qualifications for public office. The audience laughed but no one forgot the gravity of the punchline.

Progress in spite of everything

In response to a question from the audience, Lebowitz also acknowledged the progress that has been made. Women and the LGBTQ community are far better off now than in the 1960s. Back then being gay was a crime and could land you in prison, something she herself always avoided. With her diminutive frame she would have been easy prey in a place where real criminals were being held. Her sarcasm wouldn’t have sent anyone scurrying, she joked.

As announced, the evening with Fran Lebowitz was “not a lecture but a mental workout, wrapped in satire.” With her sharp analyses Lebowitz held up a much-needed mirror to the audience. Democracy is not only about voting but also about critical thinking, exposing hypocrisy and having the courage to face uncomfortable truths.

VIAGE as a haven for free thinkers

That evening, Theatre The Viage became more than ever a safe but also a challenging place. A place where conversation knew no boundaries, where discomfort was welcome and where questions could be asked, even if no easy answer followed. And where a New York icon – openly lesbian, brilliantly articulate and stylish on her own terms – proved that high-level thinking still draws an audience. A large, sold-out audience.

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