Crippen's Blog - November 2008

Friday 14th November 2008 - I had the opportunity the other week of either running with a cartoon about the continuing adverse effect that disability charities have with regard to the portrayal of Disabled people, or one about a woman with big boobs. I chose the boobs!

Crippen Creatures cartoon

I’d like to say that it was a subtle and clever use of metaphors, but unfortunately it only came to me after I’d uploaded the boobs cartoon and then read an article in the on-line Disability Now about a debate organised by RADAR earlier in October. It was based on whether or not Disabled people’s organisations could campaign effectively for social justice without the need to ally ourselves with non-disabled campaigners.

David Morris (he’s the senior advisor to the Mayor of London on disability and deaf issues) told the debate that we need to challenge the big corporate charities which pump millions of pounds into advertising campaigns which ‘perpetuate indignity and the denial of basic human rights by promoting negative images of disabled people’. He then went on to mention the Leonard Cheshire Disability's Creature Discomforts campaign.

Er, nice one David. I really can’t argue with that one. And it’s nice to know that Boris has got somebody on the case. But what do you think we’ve been doing for the past several decades?! Perhaps you’ve missed all of the DAN actions at various Leonard Cheshire institutions around the country or the articles that have been written on this very subject?!

I don’t claim to know David, and he’s probably a very nice guy, but I think maybe he deserves a copy of my 2007 cartoon collection book (in which this cartoon first appeared) for stating the bleedin’ obvious don’t you?!

Oh, by the way. The 2007 cartoon collection is still available if you’re interested in a copy. Here is the link for the product’s page of my web site.

(How did I know that this was going to be another plug for his cartoon books?! – Ed)

Enlarged image - If you want to see an enlarged version or get a description of any of the cartoons on this blog, then just click on the middle of each cartoon and it will open as a much bigger version along with a description for your software to read.

Friday 7th November 2008 - The UK government’s plan to start work on building five new eco-towns has emerged from the second round of the government’s public consultation on eco-towns which started at the beginning of this month. Sounds like it could be a very good thing. Exciting huh?!

Crippen ecotowns cartoon

There’s mention of good quality, low priced, environmentally friendly homes and the need to get the housing market moving again during this economic downturn – great, all commendable - , but … nope, just checked again; not a mention of accessibility!

We must assume of course that all these new homes will be built to lifetime homes standards. Here’s an opportunity to start from scratch and create state-of-the-art accessibility in the eco-towns … but … Perhaps it’s just me being my cynical old self (Surely not?! – Ed) and they are including Disabled people in this consultation process, and it’s just an oversight that they haven’t used the term ‘accessible’ once in their recent statements?!

But what if it isn’t and we’re not being included again in yet another decision by this government regarding an issue that ultimately affects us all? I would suggest that Disabled people, above others in any other walks of life (no pun intended) should be involved at all levels of consultation when it comes to housing and having somewhere accessible to live. Please someone reassure me that someone, somewhere in government has had the bright idea that these new towns should be fully inclusive and accessible to all citizens at all points in our lives.

OK. Who wants to start the response … When Disabled people are provided with independent accessible accommodation, linked to an accessible education, an accessible transport system and accessible places of work, the economy can only benefit (as it’s done in the U.S.A). Can we start afresh with these eco-towns maybe?

Remove the barriers that disable us and we can start to play a more fundamental role in society. We can become bigger consumers, paying more taxes and health benefit contributions and adding our skills to that of the general populace. It’s a win-win situation, and as soon as this government and society in general get their heads from out of their collective arses and realise this, the better we’ll all be.

Roll on the revolution, that’s what I say!

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Fred said on 2007-10-29 04:49:
I thought the old bugger was dead. Hiding out in Spain eh?! Must be a tax issue! Can't wait for the reaction from the mouth and feet painting lot. He he

Artyfartyboy (Artyfartyboy[at]google.com) said on 2007-10-31 18:08:
Oh great. It look like Crippen is going to do an ongoing blog like his other one. Incidentally, I love the way I've been featured in his first cartoon!

Amber Rose (horsebonkers[at]yahoo.co.uk) said on 2007-11-06 10:57:
Like the pictures.

Artyfartyboy said on 2007-11-08 02:46:
Me again. Just an observation really. Why does Crippen seem to use a wheelchair user most of the time when he portrays a Disabled person? There are those of us with other impairments you know!:)

Mo Reece said on 2007-11-08 03:42:
Good to see your work on line and to read your blog. 'bout time your cartoons were easier to get too. Keep up the good work. Just don't mention the sun too much!!!!

Maggie Cameron said on 2007-11-08 05:21:
Crippen, I love you! you always make me laugh, just when I despair of anything really changing, hitting my head against a brickwall syndrome!I look at your cartoons and snigger away, keep it coming!

meg said on 2007-11-08 05:28:
great pics dave....love the blog.... didn't know you were a writer tooooooooooo! xx

marmiteboy (marmiteboy99[at]hotmail.co.uk) said on 2007-11-08 12:57:
Love the foot painter cartoon. it made me laugh out loud. I've just bought some mouth painter Christmas cards so I'll have to have a look to see if there are any impressions of lips and tounges on them.

Micky Ashton (micheleashton[at]yahoo.co.uk) said on 2007-11-08 13:33:
Oooh my baked potato is about to frazzle. Our disabled family would like a little feature = uniboob (me), rib-crackered-jellied arm-Al (and still riding towards Cuba for the Royal Marsden Campaign), sight and hearing impaired Schmutter, little missy three legs and of course cinder-potato. By the way we love your blog and it is winging its way round the Disability Officers in Further and Higher Education - huh, how many of them are disabled people we wonder? Jamboree contacts. By the other way, Amber Rose might not be who you think she is...... oh oh, a mystery threatens...

Mayo Marriott (mayo[at]ilanet.co.uk) said on 2007-11-09 03:57:
Dave, I think your cartoons are really fantastic!So good in fact, I will be using them on Sunday for a small disability equality training presentation! Obviously, if the presentation doesn't go well I will blame you completely! I think your blog is really great, especially your honesty and irreverence, keep it up! Yours Mayo

Genevieva (sopadecalabaza[at]hotmail.com) said on 2007-11-09 08:08:
Hey! He can ramble on as well as draw, can't he? Crippen International now too, eh? There must be some funny stuff about disability (in)equality en Espana as well. I know your home turf's Inglaterra when all's said and done, but how about a quick glimpse of what we Crips here endure while you're temporarily among us?! Keep up the good work, hombre!

Artyfartyboy (Artyfartyboy[at]google.com) said on 2007-11-10 05:28:
Never mind my name. Who in his right mind calls himself Crippen?! ;-p

EssPee (sarahplayforth[at]btinternet.com) said on 2007-11-10 07:14:
Have been struggling to find time to peruse all this great stuff and to enjoy the cartoons - love the outing one specially cos am doing loads of stuff around other equalities issues and you know I'm all for equality for all - but am also not tooo happy with existence of new EHRC as don't think DRC existed long enough to justify subsuming it yet. Do you remember FOVIDs? Can we have a little cartoon relevant to them? xxxxxxxx

Helen Lupton (daughter!) (hellupton[at]hotmail.co.uk) said on 2007-11-10 10:07:
wow my talented popsical.... lovin the blog... one question though... "where do you find the time to write so much!!!" hee hee love ya loads Hel xxxxxx

Artyfartyboy said on 2007-11-11 15:08:
Come on you old crip, where's my answer to the question about your fixation with wheelchair users. I suspect your short-term memory problem is kicking in again eh?! Oh to be young like me. Tee hee!!

richard downes (r.downes[at]yahoo.co.uk) said on 2007-11-12 02:15:
good to see disability humour from the perspective of day to day experience on the web The thing with the day to day stuff is it reveals inconsistencies with a strict social model approach and that reminds you that life is a lot more interesting than the fundamental approach people like me try to take

Atadgreasy (gary.woods[at]esda.org.uk) said on 2007-11-12 05:54:
Dave, your cartoons lift the spirits for the likes of me wading through this stuff everyday. And a bit of wit to throw a humorous perspective on some of the disconcerting levels of idiocy helps to make me realise it's not just me! Long may your irreverence continue. Regards, Gaz )

Fleur Baladine (fleurbaladine[at]hotmail.com) said on 2007-11-13 06:03:
Freudians refer to the unconscious; Jungians to the subconscious. We'll know what you mean either way. PS: A picture paints a thousand words(hint).

Kevin Rowan-Drewitt (kevinrowan2[at]hotmail.com) said on 2007-11-16 02:46:
Great Blog Dave - really enjoying the irreverence and great cartoons - keep up the good work!!! Hi to Jeni.

Artyfartyboy said on 2007-11-16 12:02:
Thanks Mr Crippen. I'll try and think up some cartoon ideas about hidden disabilities (or should I say impairments!)... don't hold your breath though! ;-)

Artyfartyboy (Artyfartyboy[at]google.com) said on 2007-11-18 07:19:
I'm shocked! Nipples in a Crippen cartoon (OK then a Sox cartoon but who's counting)I'm just gong to have to go and lie down and think pure thoughts for a while!!

Bol said on 2007-11-18 12:57:
Bloody hell - does this man ever stop!

Colin said on 2007-11-18 13:12:
Give a man an inch ... and well you know the rest. For those who need to know, I can vouch for the fact that this cartoonist is fully potty trained in fact we wouldn't want him an other way. - ED

SaVvmari (mail[at]savvmari.com) said on 2007-11-19 08:16:
As a fellow cartoonist I just want to say I love your work. All of my work is in black and white and hand drawn. I haven't found a software. It's okay I feel more connected to my work and my characters. Carlita http://savvmari.com

Artyfartyboy said on 2007-11-26 15:43:
Wow. Some work went into that chasm cartoon. Nice one Mr C!

Artyfartyboy (Artyfartyboy[at]google.com) said on 2007-12-02 23:43:
Go Crippen go! I love it man, just love it! We should rename this blog 'the crippen and artyfartyboy blog'(I'd want half of his earning though as well!);-)

Artyfartyboy (Artyfartyboy[at]google.com) said on 2007-12-07 12:11:
Loved the cartooning info in Nov. What chance of a proper cartooning course? (all part of my cunning plan to take over from Crippen when he topples!)

Artyfartyboy (Artyfartyboy[at]google.com) said on 2007-12-12 22:54:
What, no more deathless prose! Gulp ... OK, who's gonna start the whip-round?!

Jonesy said on 2007-12-20 11:12:
I think I prefer this format Mr Crip. The new cartoon at the top with a bit of writing and then the others underneath for the month. Like someone said earlier "a picture paints a thousand words" and your pictures sure do that!

Dolly Sen (dollysen70[at]hotmail.com) said on 2008-01-14 12:33:
thanks for the weekend, and what a lovely family it is indeed x

ArtyFartyBoy said on 2008-01-23 23:32:
Happy New Year Y´all! New Year - New Format. I like it!

Studley (Studley223[at]hotmail.com) said on 2008-02-02 19:05:
I'm torn! I loved the rambling script that Crippen used to put alongside of his cartoons before his computer did the nasty on him, but I also like this new, punchier style. I wonder if anyone from the Arts Council looks at these new ones though? Be interesting to hear their side of things.

arty farty boy said on 2008-02-14 11:27:
Arts Council comment - Oh yeh. Thought I saw a pig flying past the window! This guy has had a go at the Arts Council more than most and he's never mentioned that he's had any sort of response from them! What say you Mr C?

Crippen (daveluptontoons[at]aol.com) said on 2008-02-18 21:51:
Hi AFB, thought you'd disappeared! No, I rarely get a response from any of the big organisations I focus on. Over the past 15 years or so I've given the Leonard Cheshire mob more than enough grief. Likewise the Arts Council over recent times. Perhaps they don't tap into these sort of networks? I will just have to keep trying wont I!

EdsArt (edsart[at]skycom) said on 2008-03-11 13:04:
Great to see youre still inking away mate. I'm contemplating a return myself. Fancy a competition? Lol

Arty Farty Boy said on 2008-03-28 19:09:
Still here Im afraid! Just like to say that I think its great how this blog has developed. I still really look forward to reading it each month ... still, I dont get out much these days!

richard downes (r.downes[at]yahoo.co.uk) said on 2008-04-07 10:10:
good on francesca and good on you Dave for bringing it to our attention that not all disabled people fell in with this great celeb focussed event. me i'd pay good money to see Grieve Bluegrieve and Sir Mither Macdonald get burned by the olympic flame. rich

Nathan Doidge (nath[at]doidge12.fsnet.co.uk) said on 2008-04-07 18:29:
I'd just like to say good on Francesca! Any Facebook members wishing wishing to show their support for her decision can join the Francesca Martinez is quite bloody right group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10615123183

Tara Flood said on 2008-04-09 07:23:
I totally support Francesca for pulling out of the torch relay which I watched with delight on Sunday BBCNews 24 - the protest made me feel proud to live in the UK. However I wish she had also done it in protest against China's outrageous abuse of disabled people's human rights in China. For years Disabled people have been warehoused and killed by the Chinese regime and the world ignores it!

Victoria Wright said on 2008-04-09 13:21:
Great cartoon Dave, totally sums up how I feel about the Olympics and the ignorance of these athletes and others taking part in the torch relay. Konnie Huq, the former Blue Peter presenter, said 'I believe in the Olympic values, the Olympic ideals... it's just unfortunate that China has such a terrible track record when it comes to human rights and they are the host nation.' Yeah, really unfortunate that!

Mary Fish said on 2008-04-10 12:10:
Really love the cartoon and I feel really proud of Francesca.

Bol said on 2008-04-17 09:13:
Did you know another anagram of that famous journal is uradaing - sounds like being hit on the head with a large pot! Alternatively there's graduain - has a bit more of an academic bent to it.

Helen said on 2008-04-19 18:34:
Exceptional site; exceptional content. Keep it up.

Kit Wells NUJ (mail[at]arcadian-uk.com) said on 2008-05-05 15:42:
As a former editor who once foolishly encouraged this man by publishing his work, I feel it only right to say that, in those good old days, Lupton was vivacious, slim, funny and quite good looking. Now he's just funny! I recently visited him in his lair in Spain and discovered the great man lurking behind a cactus polishing his funny bone (or at last that what it looked like) Cheers, Dave

john and anne (johainswrt[at]aol.com) said on 2008-05-05 22:42:
pre op precaution,PLEASE,make sure the saw is sterile and sharp,,,,,,,,,,,,great talent dave

Andrew said on 2008-05-12 14:42:
How come Crippen's in Spain most of the time yet he gets the lowdown on disability events in the UK before any of us here?

Arty said on 2008-06-18 14:25:
Okay I tried looking on e-bay, but couldn't the badge, let alone the mobility impairment. What's going on Mr C? Are your sources as reliable as one would hope?

Mabel (mabel[at]yahoo.com) said on 2008-07-19 12:40:
Crippen's been coming up with some pretty contentious stuff over the past several months, so why isnt anyone commenting?

Colin [ED] said on 2008-07-31 18:40:
Did you see Dolly in Ruby's room talking about psychosis as a gift? The link is on Dollys blog.

Crippen said on 2008-08-01 16:54:
I think I must be banned from the Wax site as, despite several attempts, it won't let me in!

Lil said on 2008-08-08 17:41:
Crippen just gets better and better

Jed said on 2008-09-18 10:19:
I agree absolutely with your cartoon on the paralympics. The fact is that disability sport is political - it's all about focussing on the ability, and thus is commited to the tragic, but brave model of disability.

Crippen said on 2008-09-18 11:07:
So there are people out there! Thanks Jed.

Penny Pepper (pennylion[at]hotmail.co.uk) said on 2008-09-18 21:56:
I hate the Olympics para and otherwise, so what better thing to do than appear at the handover event yesterday in Graeae's tongue in cheek Line Dancing gig with various other Disabled women who may be known to us all. Beijing to Hackney Town Hall, the excitement was underwhelming. Nice bunch of people though, and some free fruit in the square. I nabbed 3 golden plums. Dave, I agree and agree some more. Outside of the political fudging and side-stepping (wheel stepping?) there is all this physical overcoming shit. Ok, ok, the sports folk may be excellent in their fields I suspect, but can't they do it more quietly? Then we may not be bothered by Normal people in the street saying we should try harder and wheel along like those inspirations whove won medals. OK, off to practice some powerchair hurdling.

Jed said on 2008-09-23 09:02:
Doesnt extraordinary abilities sum up what the paralympics is really about? All of us proving that we are supercrips - and can toss our powerchairs as far as anyone.

emski (emzijcl[at]yahoo.co.uk) said on 2008-10-07 22:46:
I love it! You made me laugh so hard :) Keep up the good work! Ems xxx

Vicky W (vmwright[at]hotmail.co.uk) said on 2008-10-29 20:40:
Love it! Keep up the good work!

Bol said on 2008-11-05 15:30:
Don't get me ranting about train companies. They all have their own design. Most companies seem to use train designers who've never travelled on a train before - let alone never met a disabled person.

October 2008

last updated: 2008-01-23 02:03:31

tags : political history disability arts visual arts satire comedy

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