Joined: 18 Jun 2011 Age: 42 Gender: Male Posts: 645
22 Feb 2014, 6:06 am
Let me start by saying I'm a fan of Conan O'brien so my weird sense of humour and opinion may be biased in this case but I'd like people to watch Conan's treatment of one of his shows producers Jordan Schlanksy. What are your general thoughts? Do you think Jordan is on the spectrum? Do you think this is a case of televised NT bullying of someone with an ASD?
Keep in mind Jordan took part in an 'Ask Me Anything' on Reddit where he claims he gets along very well with Conan and usually finds him quite funny but maintains a straight face through these ambush pieces because he doesn't like 'confrontational comedy' but otherwise the two seem to get on well and like each other.
The most disturbing part of all this for me is some of the gags by Conan and comments by viewers that play on the theme that Jordan is creepy or must be a serial killer with bodies under his house. Sadly it seems like too many people on the spectrum have to put up with this stereotype.
Teasing of that sort is normal in intimate longstanding professional relationships and friendships alike. I dont see any evidence that it bothers Jordan, that it is unwanted, or that Conan is acting maliciously. I get the impression that Conan has an affection for him and that Jordan himself appreciates the relationship. Basically the opposite of bullying.