The TNT Show is funny AND offensive

Below are copies of emails I sent to Channel 4 regarding the 'Gilbert's special report' segment.


To whom it may concern, (although I doubt anyone will be very concerned)

Last night I watched a program broadcast on your channel called 'TNT Show'.

Firstly, I would like to say that I found some segments funny and some not..It's a sketch show after-all not everything will appeal to everyone.

Secondly, Many would think for ME to complain about offensive material would be a bit rich. I am prone to the odd 'off the cuff' and 'off colour' remark myself from time to time.

Thirdly, As a little bit of explanation of where I am coming from. I am the father of two boys on the Autistic Spectrum.

So, to the nub of my email to you today. I was confused by the section called 'Gilberts Special Report' (I have deliberately not put an apostrophe in 'Gilberts' as I can't remember if the segment titles have one).

Question 1) Is it a Special Report by someone called Gilbert or a Report by someone called Gilbert who is Special?.

Question 2) Could you not find any incompetent crew from amongst the able-bodied community or any competent crew from amongst the disabled?

Question 3) Was I supposed to be laughing at the rather pleasant young man being interviewed? Who, I think, took the offensive questioning by Gilbert in fine style and acquitted himself admirably, despite being struck by the boom mike and being confused by the interviewer as a member of 'Take That'.

Question 4) Was the interviewee confused when two crews turned up for the filming of his interview?

Question 5) Do you really think that in todays media savvy environment that you are going to get anyone to react badly whilst being filmed for this show? Sacha Baron Cohen killed that particular golden goose years ago.

Question 6) Has anyone on your legal team actually read the Disability Discrimination Act?

Question 7) Perhaps next week we could have a crew made up entirely of Homosexuals or Ethnic minorities or Old people?...Surely that wouldn't be seen as offensive would it?

Question 8) I notice that the actors hired to be members of 'Gilberts' crew are not given any writing credits, Is this because disabled people are only funny to watch and not funny to listen too?

Question 9) I am sure you will say that the actors are 'in on the joke' and 'happy to play along' but is that because they genuinely believe the sketches are making valid social commentary or because, as disabled actors, they are glad of any work they can get?

Question 10) Wouldn't a deaf sound man have been funnier? and also perhaps the Interviewer could have Tourettes..what do you think?

Anyway enough questions, I think you get my point. I have no problem with offensive comedy as long as it is funny, but if you want to be this offensive you need to be much much funnier than your writers seem to be able to manage.

Yours sincerely,


John Shanley



This was the reply I received

Dear Mr Shanley,

Thank you for contacting Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries regarding Gilbert's Special Report on THE TNT SHOW.

The sketch is not intended to use disability or disabled people as the butt of the joke. The laughs are from the celebrity's reactions to being interviewed by someone who appears to be 'different'.

In the tradition of Ali G, the persona adopted by the interviewer gives them licence to ask questions that celebrities wouldn't expect or normally tolerate being asked.

The disabled production team ( played by disabled actors ) are completely in on the joke, as well as being up for participating in a bit of slapstick to add to the general entertainment.

We are sorry to hear that you found it offensive, please be assured your complaint has been logged and noted for the information of those responsible for our programming.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact us. We appreciate all feedback from our viewers; complimentary or otherwise.

Regards,

Sally Smith
Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries

As you can see not really a response at all more a waste of bandwidth, So I replied to the reply,

Dear Ms Smith

Thank you for your reply. Which I am sure you have pre-written and ready to send. The reason I believe this is twofold 1) You didn't actually bother to read the complaint or answer any of the points contained therein and 2) I have seen the exact same email on various forums. You see, I did a little research before I wrote to you.

Bearing in mind the amount of complaints that you must have received, perhaps it is now time to look beyond what the 'intent' is and respond to the 'effect'. I often make comments that are not intended to offend but when told about the effect of my comments, I apologise and stop making them. What I don't do is try to justify my offensive behaviour or hide behind an excuse.

The way to test for the appropriateness of this item would be to imagine how it would be for able bodied persons to play the roles? and frankly as these are 'roles' there is no reason why not.

I am reminded of the self-serving justifications of the producers of shows like 'The Black and White Minstrels'. They would often point out that they did in fact have black cast members...one of whom has spoken at length of his feelings of fear and disgust. You may have heard of him. His name is Lenny Henry.
It is not good enough to claim that the participants are in on the joke. In a far more serious case, for example sexual contact with a vulnerable person, consent is not a defense. Those in authority have a duty to see beyond the initial consent and to examine if there are circumstances that might remove a certain element of choice. For example the dearth of roles for people with disability in the mainstream might make these actors more likely to hide their true feelings in order to obtain work.

If the 'joke' is to obtain a response from the interviewee or to push the boundaries of acceptable standards surely you are more likely to achieve this using more mainstream 'crew' and adding the 'shock' questions as part of a conventional interview. As it is, the best you can hope for is that the interviewee sits patiently whilst the crew behave in an even more inappropriate manner. And as someone with extensive experience in working with and living with those with special needs, anything is possible and thus NOT inappropriate. So in effect all you are doing is re-enforcing the stereotype that makes it harder for the disabled to find work and value in society.

John Shanley