The ‘funniest joke of The Fringe’ has gone to comedian Zoe Lyons for a joke about Amy Winehouse and self-harm.
Viewers of the TV channel ‘Dave’ voted the comedian to win the title. ‘see me’ and activists from across Scotland have joined forces to challenge the humour by responding to the media and informing the public of the facts about self-harm. Have you heard the joke?
'see me' wrote to to the letters page of The Herald, a letter which was published on 26th August:
Dear Sir
Good comedy shocks us and makes us laugh in equal measure and it's never great having to be the person who stands up and says 'may be that's not funny?'. So I was saddened to read that a joke about self-harm has been voted the ‘best joke of the year’ (Official: the Fringe’s funniest joke is cutting jibe about Winehouse, 22nd August). One of the myths about self-harm is that those who do it are attention seeking and selfish, when in fact it is a sign of emotional distress and often a cry for help. People of all ages, backgrounds and both genders experience self-harm. It is not a fashion and even people in the public eye can deserve our support.
‘see me’ is Scotland's national anti-stigma campaign for mental ill-health and we aim to create an climate where people can be open and honest about their mental ill health . Edinburgh's funniest joke or not; it's maybe just a bit harder today for someone who self-harms to speak up and ask for support.
Suzie Vestri
acting Campaign Director
'see me'
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