What do avocados, tiny pumpkins, inspirational throw pillows, and overused phrases like “It’s wine o’clock!” have in common? They’re all staples on the Instagram accounts of many white women. Don’t take it personally, Karen; you know it’s true.
If there’s one principle I firmly believe in, it’s this: we must learn to laugh at ourselves. Good humor brings joy and can make us laugh until we’re in stitches. Whether the jokes are about short people or Midwestern habits, humor is universal—even if it’s about white people, and yes, even if you happen to be one of them.
And no, it’s not racist, Linda, so relax. The groups mentioned above aren’t marginalized or oppressed. It’s perfectly acceptable to poke fun at the quirky behaviors of white people, like bringing Jell-O salads to potlucks. Similarly, jokes about short folks aren’t offensive, as they don’t face systemic oppression. Neither do Midwesterners or white people. (Now, if you’re short, white, and from the Midwest… just kidding. You’re still not oppressed.)
That’s what makes Bo Burnham’s latest video, “White Woman’s Instagram,” so spot-on and hilarious. It’s perfectly fine to tease the stereotypical behaviors of white women, and let’s be honest, a lot of it rings true.
From the very beginning, with an avocado reference (of course!), Burnham’s satirical song and video are uproariously funny. If you’re too busy being offended to enjoy the humor, please, do yourself a favor and lighten up. It’s a blast!
Dressed casually in flannel and socks, aiming for that “hot-mess-mom” vibe while clearly posing with perfect lighting, Burnham dives right into all the white girl jabs. He hits all the must-haves, like a candle burning with a pumpkin scent, a cozy fall sweater, a cute dog (golden retrievers are classic, but any pooch works), and an ironically clever tee that reads “May contain wine!”
So far, he’s three for three, wouldn’t you say? Check for obsession with fall, check for a dog, and check for wine references. It’s almost like we’re predictable!
Am I a bit miffed that he made a joke about my fuzzy socks? Seriously, Bo Burnham, fuzzy socks are life! I’m just a short, white woman in the Midwest with perpetually cold feet!
Honestly, my favorite parts aren’t just the things he mentions (a bobblehead of Ruth Bader Ginsburg?! Yes, please!), but his hilarious expressions and the way he tosses his hair, pretending to be deep in thought while actually wondering about the best angle for his butt. That serious “gaze into the distance” pose followed by snapping a picture and slapping on 13 filters is a classic white woman Instagram move, and we all know it.
Burnham doesn’t hold back when he mocks the “super woke” white women who make “no hate” posts but misattribute civil rights quotes. (“Some random quote from Lord of the Rings incorrectly attributed to Martin Luther King…” I lost it at that one.)
Then there are the less serious lines like “a goat cheese saaaallllaaad…” paired with an image of an inspirational throw pillow featuring words like “dream,” “believe,” and “joy.” You can’t help but laugh and think OMG IT’S ME. And while you might want to be offended, you can’t because he’s spot on—and that humor is good for the soul.
Does he touch on deeper topics too—like missing loved ones or writing insecurities on our faces in Sharpie? Sure.
But then he zooms out to show himself holding a bunch of tiny pumpkins, and you just can’t help but burst out laughing because, let’s face it, every white woman loves tiny pumpkins.
Bo Burnham’s job is to entertain, and he knows there will always be backlash. There’s always going to be someone offended, but you keep going, knowing that making others laugh and feel good is worth the potential criticism. This is especially true when you’re poking fun at the truths and hypocrisies of life, which is exactly what Burnham excels at. His song “Welcome to the Internet” challenges us to reflect on the absurdities of humanity, proving just how messed up things can be. As you laugh, cringe, and then laugh some more, much like with “White Woman’s Instagram,” you’ll find yourself thinking, “Well, he’s right.”
Yet, whenever someone makes a joke about white women and their $8 Starbucks drinks, or their perfectly coordinated family photos in a field, or their love for leggings, there’s always that one person who chimes in with something like, “Um, isn’t that racist?” No, Karen. You just came from a photo shoot in a field and stopped for an overpriced coffee on your way there, and yes, you’re still wearing your flannel infinity scarf. Take a seat.
I’ve watched Burnham’s hilarious video at least a dozen times. Much of it rings true—even about me. And it’s undoubtedly accurate for a whole lot of white women on Instagram. But honestly, does it matter? Am I still going to grab a wheelbarrow full of pumpkins this fall and take a picture in a field wearing flannel? (Bo, can I borrow yours?) You bet I will! Am I going to stop enjoying goat cheese salads? Absolutely not! Goat cheese salads are amazing, especially with avocados.
So, no, I’m not offended by this playful jab at white women and their Instagram habits, and I’m certainly not changing my own account. That’s not what humor is about.
This short, Midwestern white girl isn’t going anywhere, Bo—so keep the jokes coming!
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Summary:
In a humorous take on the stereotypes surrounding white women on Instagram, Bo Burnham’s “White Woman’s Instagram” resonates with many, including those who might find themselves laughing at their own quirks. The video tackles everything from avocado obsessions to cozy fall aesthetics, encouraging viewers to embrace humor even when it reflects their own experiences. Ultimately, laughter becomes a means of connection rather than offense, as Burnham reminds us that it’s okay to poke fun at ourselves.