Rosie Jones is calling out the entertainment industry for treating 'disabled' as a one-size-fits-all personality trait rather than recognizing the diversity within disability. At the launch of her Channel 4 sitcom 'Pushers,' Jones criticized the token representation often seen on TV, where a single disabled character is expected to embody all disabled experiences.
Highlighting that 24 percent of the UK population is disabled, Jones's sitcom centers on a group of disabled characters involved in drug dealing, aiming to portray them as complex, multi-dimensional individuals rather than mere stereotypes.
Jones stresses the importance of having disabled people both in front of and behind the camera, believing it enhances the authenticity and quality of the show. 'Pushers' is described as a comedy first, but it also aims to shed light on the challenges faced by disabled and working-class individuals in the UK.
The comedian hopes viewers will not only enjoy the laughs but also gain insight into the systemic obstacles faced by disabled people. With a mix of humor and social commentary, 'Pushers' seeks to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Describing the political backdrop of the show's creation, Jones joked about the challenges of writing under a Tory government, only to have the Labour party come into power just before filming. Despite changes in political leadership, she asserts the need for media that accurately reflects disabled life remains crucial.
'Pushers' debuts on Channel 4 at 10pm on Thursday, June 19th.
Source: Chortle (UK)