“I think I can make more of an impact being a comedian”

As a lover of all things humorous and a connoisseur of well-crafted comedic content, I wholeheartedly endorse adding Taskmaster and Rosie Jones: Am I a R*tard? to your watchlist. Having just spent an afternoon engrossed in the quirky charm of Deadloch on Amazon Prime Video, I can attest that these two shows are worthy additions to any comedy enthusiast’s lineup.

Add Taskmaster and Rosie Jones: Am I a R*tard? to your watchlist

What’s the view from your sofa?

I reside in a compact apartment that I feel proud to call mine, as it was a significant accomplishment for me to purchase it. Ever since I had a place of my own, I’ve dreamed about having walls adorned with bookshelves everywhere. Currently, the scenery from my couch is a complete wall filled with books and, you guessed it, a television on one of the shelves.

What have you enjoyed watching recently?

I primarily spent my time yesterday binge-watching the hilarious Australian series “Deadloch” on Amazon Prime Video. This show centers around a string of murders in a quiet Tasmanian town, and its blend of humor, camp, and intelligence is truly captivating.

Who controls the remote in your household?

I’ve been living independently for a year now, and I absolutely adore it because it affords me personal space. One of the pleasures is relaxing at home, watching television without any interference on what to watch. However, being somewhat particular about things, I used to manage the TV remote even when I shared a living space with others.

When did you first realise that you wanted to go into comedy?

Over the years, I’ve found solace in humor as a way to cope with people’s stares due to my disability. I discovered that by turning their gaze into laughter, I was regaining control of the situation – it was my choice what they were observing me for.

Competing alongside comedy stars like Jack Dee, Babatunde Aleshe, Andy Zaltzman, and Emma Sidi on the newest season of Taskmaster, how does it make you feel to be included among such renowned comedians?

Remarkable experience. Despite my disability, I appreciated that it wasn’t treated with condescension. Alex [Horne] ensured that I was both included and engaged in the show. It was thrilling to be part of something I’ve admired for years without feeling my disability was an issue at all – truly remarkable.

What motivated you to create the 2023 Channel 4 documentary titled “Rosie Jones: Do I Have Learning Disabilities?” was an exploration of cyberbullying and discrimination against individuals with disabilities, known as ableism. Can you share why this topic held significance for you?

Initially, when I began making television appearances, I was taken aback by the level of hostility I encountered online. The criticism encompassed various aspects of me such as my physical appearance, voice, weight, facial features, comedy style, disability, and sexual orientation. At first, I felt unable to express my discomfort with the mistreatment, believing that I should endure it graciously for having a platform. However, as my self-assurance grew, I realized I could address abuse without fearing that my career would suffer.

Is it common for ableist slurs to go unchallenged compared to racist or sexist remarks? In your opinion, what steps should be taken to challenge and ultimately eradicate this issue?

As a film critic, I confess that until five years ago, I was unaware of the term “ableism.” Regrettably, as someone who identifies as disabled, I had encountered it daily without realizing its true nature. Now, I urge everyone to educate themselves about ableism and have the courage to challenge it when they encounter it. It’s essential for all of us to recognize and address this insidious form of discrimination in our society.

What was your aim for representation when you served as a writer on Netflix’s Sex Education?

In the first season, there wasn’t much representation of characters with disabilities. During the development process, I was part of the team that created Isaac, and I felt it was important to include a character who had a disability yet wasn’t defined solely by it. I wanted to portray a character who was complex and imperfect, as we all are, to challenge the stereotype that disability equates to a certain personality type.

Do you see comedy as a medium of education and a way to bring taboo topics to the masses?

100% is often expressed as “completely” or “entirely.” Many individuals suggest to me, “You’d make a great politician,” to which I always reply, “No, thank you,” because I feel that I can leave a greater impression as a comedian. Using humor as a veil, I truly believe that the audience resonates with you, actively engages with your content, and comprehends much more than if they were being addressed by a politician in a formal manner.

2024-09-18 13:34

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