“A vegan, a person on a gluten-free diet, and someone who does CrossFit walk into a bar. I know because none of them would shut up about it.”
Gluten is a Joke is Robin Hofmann’s spirited documentary about living with celiac disease. Through comedy, expert interviews, personal stories, and absurd reenactments, she presents a sharp, satirical discussion of celiac disease becoming a punchline and the real world consequences for millions who have no choice but to live gluten free.
Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder. It can remain dormant for decades, triggered at any point in life. The immune system then sees gluten as a dangerous invader, releasing chemicals and antibodies that attack the small intestine, flattening its absorptive lining. This has devastating short and long term impacts from severe immediate stomach distress to cancer, bone loss, anemia, and a host of other issues. Celiac is diagnosed in about 1% of the global population, but it is estimated that more than 80% of cases are undiagnosed. Genetic markers and antibodies are tested to identify it, and the only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. The history of celiac disease is fascinating, should one wish to indulge.
Ridicule has surfaced in response to rising awareness of gluten illnesses. Lazy, reductive click-bait “comedy” goes for cheap laughs by mocking the diet. This has been exacerbated by the promotion of “lifestyle” gluten free practice for health, but there is no known benefit if one doesn’t have a related disorder. Harvard Health spells it out: “There is no compelling evidence that a gluten-free diet will improve health or prevent disease if you don’t have celiac disease and can eat gluten without trouble.”
Hofmann doesn’t go after the bullies with angry fire, as I would have done, but rather uses gentle humor and light-hearted sketch comedy to illustrate situations facing those who are gluten free. The impact of the disease on social and family lives of sufferers is explored through first-person stories. Because the disease is poorly understood, acceptance by friends, family, and restaurants can be problematic. Sufferers are socially isolated, or placed in awkward situations having to explain the importance of food (and other products, like drugs) being not only gluten free, but also free of cross-contamination.
“… celiac disease has become the punchline of a cultural joke …”
The presence of gluten over 20 parts per million (the U.S. standard for “gluten-free”) can trigger the autoimmune response. Cross contamination is a major threat, as even careful prep done in a contaminated environment can result in adulterated food. Kitchens, cookware, and food production lines are all sources of cross contamination.
Gluten is a Joke highlights the backlash to a gluten-free diet, which can be disbelief, contempt, misunderstanding, annoyance, and outright hostility. Some people are horrified, saying “if I couldn’t have bread, I would die.” This hyperbole strikes deep, because for someone with celiac disease, bread could, in fact, kill them. Full disclosure: I have celiac disease and can confirm everything in the doc hits the mark.
From the film’s website: “Rather than rejecting humor, Gluten is a Joke asks a deeper question: How can we laugh without causing harm? It calls for empathy, awareness and respect for lived experiences.”
With top notch technical production, Hofmann uses light humor, grace, and compassion in an entertaining and enlightening film. Humor without mocking is explored by stand-up comedian James Yon. This film is for everyone. Those who are not aware of the disease will be educated and entertained. Those with the disease will be heartened and reassured that they are not alone. Consider it required viewing. Gluten is a Joke, but it shouldn’t be.
Learn more at the official Gluten is a Joke website.
"…Joking about a gluten-free diet is mean, lazy comedy"
