*Matt Bissett-Johnson is a freelance cartoonist and sci-fi artist based in Melbourne. He also animates and creates electronic music under the name Error Command.
The Sandpit: Matt Bissett-Johnson
*Matt Bissett-Johnson is a freelance cartoonist and sci-fi artist based in Melbourne. He also animates and creates electronic music under the name Error Command.
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Not funny at all. You want to know how the stigma of mental illness is perpetuated? Look at how the mentally ill are depicted in this cartoon.
How would you depict the mentally ill? I wanted to do something that got the reality across of the situation they now find themselves in, and ran it past some people I know who are in this situation.It’s not easy for them.This is the only cartoon I know of even touching the subject.I’ve even had some experience myself in this, and I feel very strongly about it.I’m sorry if this cartoon offended you, but the situation is very real for those involved and I hope people speak up about it.
Yes, MBJ, I did like your cartoon and it did touch on a fairly obvious issue, that the mainstream media are probably getting totally wrong.
But you did leave out a few high paying positions, that have been traditionally filled by the mentally ill; talkback radio host, News Ltd columnist, leader of a fundamentalist sect, media magnate; actually, now that I’m listing them, it’s really could be quite a long list.
If we count people on anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication amongst the mentally ill (and why not? I am amongst them) then most jobs are being filled by the mentally ill. I don’t want to make light of those who need disability services and more support, though. The reality is that it would be hard to pick a mentally ill person out of a crowd and equally hard for the cartooniste to depict them as in any way different from the rest of us. you.
I live with a mental illness and work in the support industry. I do not think the majority of those receiving support for ‘heavy duty’ mental ill health would take offence. Conversely the statement about the majority of DSP recipients living through a mental illness is a welcome reminder of the effects this group have in society – usually vulnerable, under resourced and struggling to find hope. Anything that draws attention to their lives with a slight tongue in cheek whilst highlighting the in congruence of govt action for their immediate lives is a bonus.