"The reason I used a name was because I was a nurse at the time, and I didn't want my name in Timeout and people from working coming along and taking the piss"
About this Quote
In this quote, Jo Brand, a popular British comic, reviews the thinking behind her decision to use a pseudonym throughout her early comedy career. At the heart of the quote is the dual identity she managed as both a nurse and an emerging comic. Brand name indicates a need for separation in between her professional life and her blossoming profession in funny.
Firstly, using a pseudonym can be seen as a protective measure. As a nurse, Brand would have been concerned about preserving professionalism and protecting her career in healthcare. The nursing occupation frequently demands a high level of etiquette and ethical habits; hence, any association with the possibly irreverent and non-traditional world of funny could have had consequences. By utilizing a various name, Brand minimized the danger of her humor, which might be crucial or provocative, being connected back to her workplace. It shielded her from judgment or misunderstanding by associates or companies who might have viewed her comedic personality as inconsistent with her role as a nurse.
Moreover, there is a mention of the publication "Timeout", a prominent magazine understood for covering arts and entertainment. Brand name was acutely knowledgeable about the general public nature of her efficiencies and the possibility of being featured in media outlets, which might further blur the lines between her 2 careers. This quote exposes Brand's apprehension about possible ridicule or teasing from her peers--"people from working coming along and taking the piss", a British colloquialism for being mocked or made fun of.
Overall, this reflection by Jo Brand highlights a tactical decision to separate her life, allowing her to safely explore and develop her comedic skill without threatening her position in the nursing field. It is a practical relocation, showcasing her awareness of societal standards and the possible clash between her double professional identities. Her experience underscores the struggles many face in stabilizing divergent profession paths and the imaginative solutions they embrace to ensure their numerous worlds do not collide.
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