Isn't it Funny

I was thinking a bit about a point brought up in the article Holy Feast and Holy Fast. Caroline Walker Bynum said that saintly women much more commonly embraced sickness (specifically anorexia) as a sign of their connection to God. Professor Velasco added that saintly men could achieve a similar dedication through their minds rather than their bodies. This phenomena is still quite prevalent today, especially in entertainment. I read an article a few weeks ago, which I have since misplaced, about how women can achieve comic fame. The article stated that women used to rely on highly exaggerated shtick in order to be considered funny. Before Lucille Ball was Lucille Ball, she was a model. But she had to downplay her good looks and play up a wacky persona to be valued as a comedienne. On the flip side, all men had to do was be funny. The article continued to say that women now have the power to be both beautiful and funny. I was confused. How is this better? Not only do they have to be hilarious, but they have to look cute doing it? The article sighted Kristen Wiig and Tina Fey as these modern examples. Yes, these are extraordinarily funny women, but they still rely heavily on zaniness in their comedy. And they are beautiful. But I can't help but wondering if they would receive the same recognition if they looked differently. I often feel like so much of a woman's worth is attached to her physical body in so many ways, and I don't feel that it is appropriate or healthy.