Podcast Summary: The Moth - "Sarah Jones: A Walk on the West Side"
Episode Information:
- Title: Sarah Jones: A Walk on the West Side
- Host/Author: The Moth
- Release Date: June 14, 2010
Introduction
In this episode of The Moth, Sarah Jones shares her compelling story, "A Walk on the West Side," detailing a pivotal and harrowing experience during the early stages of her burgeoning career in Los Angeles. Recorded live at the Moth main stage in 2009, this narrative delves into themes of racial profiling, personal integrity, and the challenging landscape of the entertainment industry.
Background and Career Aspirations
Sarah begins by introducing herself as a solo performer known for her multicultural characters, drawing inspiration from icons like Whoopi Goldberg, Lily Tomlin, Tracey Ellis, and Meryl Streep. She recounts her journey from Bryn Mawr College to immersing herself in New York's vibrant writing and performance scene. Her hard work culminates in a significant opportunity:
Sarah Jones [02:09]: "A couple of weeks earlier, I had gotten word that MTV wanted me to star in a sketch comedy show that they were doing. And I was really, really over the top excited about this. It was huge. It was a really big deal for me."
The Incident: Being Pulled Over by LAPD
Amidst her excitement, Sarah shares a distressing encounter with two LAPD officers in Los Angeles. While walking with her friend Julisa, they are unexpectedly stopped and accused of prostitution, leading to an unjust and humiliating search.
Sarah Jones [04:15]: "What do you think you are? How do you think you can get away with this? This is outrageous."
The officers misinterpret their presence, influenced by stereotypes, leading to a confrontation that leaves Sarah questioning the systemic biases within law enforcement.
Cultural Identity and Artistic Integrity
Sarah reflects on the roots of her diverse characters, emphasizing her multicultural upbringing and the importance of authentic representation in media. She expresses frustration with casting directors who preferred limiting her to urban stereotypes rather than embracing her broad range of characters.
Sarah Jones [06:30]: "Part of the reason I had started writing in the first place was I was frustrated with the dearth of, you know, well-rounded images on television for someone like myself."
Her commitment to portraying multifaceted characters is portrayed as both a personal mission and a professional challenge within the industry.
Conflict with MTV and Professional Struggles
Upon joining the MTV project, Sarah encounters resistance when the show's writers attempt to pigeonhole her into a stereotypical role. The tension escalates when she discovers her character, Sybil Licious, is reduced to a derogatory stereotype, conflicting with her artistic values.
Sarah Jones [09:45]: "I couldn't do it. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. And they thought I was crazy."
Faced with the dilemma of compromising her integrity or abandoning a major opportunity, Sarah chooses to walk away, prioritizing her principles over immediate success.
Resolution and Continuing Influence
Despite the setback, Sarah finds solace and support in the New York theater community. Her dedication pays off as she collaborates with mentors like Whoopi Goldberg, Tracy Ellis, Lily Tomlin, and receives pivotal support from Meryl Streep, which propels her show "Bridge and Tunnel" to Off Broadway and Broadway, eventually earning a Tony Award.
Sarah Jones [13:20]: "I look at all of that and think I don't know if that happens in LA, but that is the kind of thing that happens in New York City where jaywalking is considered high art."
Her story underscores the importance of staying true to oneself and the long-term rewards of artistic authenticity.
Conclusion
Sarah Jones's narrative in "A Walk on the West Side" is a powerful testament to resilience in the face of prejudice and professional adversity. Her journey highlights the struggles artists of color face in the entertainment industry and the significance of representation and diversity in media. Through her unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling, Sarah not only defied stereotypes but also paved the way for future generations of performers seeking to break free from limiting roles.
Notable Quotes:
- Sarah Jones [02:09]: "I did a characters, lots of multicultural characters. That's what I do..."
- Sarah Jones [04:15]: "This is disgusting. Who do you think you are? How do you think you can get away with this?"
- Sarah Jones [06:30]: "I was frustrated with the dearth of... well-rounded images on television for someone like myself."
- Sarah Jones [09:45]: "I couldn't do it. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. And they thought I was crazy."
- Sarah Jones [13:20]: "I don't know if that happens in LA, but that is the kind of thing that happens in New York City where jaywalking is considered high art."
Final Notes:
Sarah Jones's story is a poignant exploration of identity, representation, and the courage to stand against systemic biases. Her experiences provide valuable insights into the complexities of the entertainment industry and the enduring impact of authentic storytelling.
For more inspiring stories, visit themoth.org.