Rosie Jones’s Am I a Retard: The controversy distracts from documentary’s crucial message

There are many things that are difficult to watch in Rosie Jones’s new documentary, Am I a R*tard?. Jones’s open and frank exposing of the abuse she faces sends that message loud and clear – and forces the audience to question why it has been tolerated for so long. It’s painful to watch, even though for disabled people like me, the pain stems from the fact we recognise Jones’s experience, rather than because we’re shocked by it. Jones’s friend and disabled BBC journalist Nikki Fox does make an appearance, but the programme would have been stronger if it reflected a more diverse range of voices. open image in gallery Jones on ‘QI’ Nonetheless, as an introduction to ableism for a public largely unaware that it exists, and as a plea for change, the documentary is effective.