Oh shut up Ricky Gervais. Just admit you cocked up by using the word ‘mong’ in an attempt to be funny that resulted in you falling flat on your fat face.
The comedian – that guy from The Office, remember him? – has pissed off disability charities (because it’s always worth a laugh to do that, right?) by tweeting phrases to his 440,000 Twitter followers including, “two mongs don’t make a right” and “good monging everyone”.
Wow. Hilarious stuff. Gags that will no doubt stand the test of time. Good work Rickster! Only, really, when you think about it, it’s not that funny.
Having derived from how those with Down’s Syndrome used to be described, ‘mongoloid’ was shortened to the word ‘mong’, which went on to become a way to insult them.
Gervais argues the meaning has changed, and says that, in his defence, he’s never used it to mock a person with disabilities.
Why not? If, as he insists, its definition is now so different, where’s the harm? What the funnyman doesn’t get is that while the word is more widely used, its roots are still firmly wedged in what it once meant.
That’s why it’s an insult – because it was first used in an abusive manner. Just because the target has changed, doesn’t mean the word’s connotation has.
Along with his comments, Gervais published the above photo. Oooh … right. So that’s the real definition of a mong is it?
I’m bored of so-called comedians who defend their right to use any material for gags. Rape victims? Hilarious! Disabled people? So funny! Abortions? Stop it, you’re killing me!
“But I’m a comedian, darling, I’m allowed to be con-tro-ver-sial.” No, you’re too lazy to think up any decent material and need to ensure you hit the headlines by saying things you know will annoy people.
If you’re a comedian, get back to what you’re supposed to be doing – being funny.
» Agree or disagree? Is the word ‘mong’ offensive? letters@tntmagazine.com
