Channel 4 cause outrage with mental health season stunt
By Charlotte Fantelli
Channel 4 have caused a stir by 'straightjacketing' the statues of some very famous British heroes and heroines. The stunt was carried out in a bid to highlight the 4 'Goes Mad' season.
The season itself aims to tackle the important topic of mental illness, and does so by looking at the abilities and successes of people with mental health problems. I am personally involved as a contributor in the season, and wanted to get involved (despite misgivings about 'sensationalism' and the shocking titles of both the season and the programmes) because I believe that open, intelligent debate about mental illness is so important.
Mental illness sufferers are often portrayed as weak or criminal in the mass media, and indeed much of popular culture, so I personally see a shocking public reminder that some of our most notable citizens have battled mental illness as empowering. The statues that were targeted are: Winston Churchill, Parliament Square, London, Charles Darwin, Shrewsbury, Florence Nightingale, London, and Samuel Johnson, Lichfield.
Lina Prestwood, Commissioning Editor for the season says: "We wanted to demonstrate how outmoded attitudes towards mental illness can be - by using the archaic image of the straightjacket in conjunction with individuals whose achievements have made them some of the most celebrated Britons of all time - they also happened to have mental health conditions."
While the channel defend their move, in an interview with The Sun, Churchill's grandson Nicholas Soames called the stunt 'contemptible'
National mental health charity Rethink supports the provocative act, associate director Jane Harris, says: "We're pleased to see Channel 4 putting mental health on the agenda with this bold stunt. Churchill in a straightjacket is a provocative but powerful image which highlights the message that mental illness can affect anyone, no matter how able or successful."
Rethink themselves made a bronze statue of Churchill in a straightjacket in 2006, a controversial move, but one that sparked the public imagination, and more importantly, tongue. Ms Harris says: "Our campaign six years ago caused some controversy, but the response we had from the public was overwhelmingly positive. Most importantly, it opened up a national conversation around the taboo subject of mental illness."
The stunt has been loved and hated in equal measure, dividing the public and mental health advocates alike, but whichever side of the fence you fall, you have to admit, it has the country talking about mental illness.
What do you think? Was it a bold move or a step too far? Please enter your thoughts below.
Comments
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Churchill in a straightjacket
"*~>British<~*"
channel 4 mad season
Step to far useing
I agree more should be done
I agree more should be done and more awareness raised about those suffering to a greater extent. However this particular angle also appealed to me because it shows that you can come through hard times and still be a success at the end of it. I think a programme showing the realities of the care and NHS would be great. i suggested one after the suicide of a friend in a psych ward, but the legalities of course are limiting. Just to point out 'season' refers to a TV term and nothing to do with mental health, for example they did a 'Japan season' once. I do hope you get the help you need. SANELine are very good at pointing people in the direction of help 0845 767 8000
Sorry! if some parts of my
Your opinion is most welcome
Your opinion is most welcome. We will never criticise or judge anyone's opinion on here, it is our diversity and opinions that make us a strong community. I opened up the comments section so we all got a chance to have our say, please do air how you are feeling. We covered the cost of welfare cuts on here a while back but statistics are one thing, peoples lives are quite another, and it is the people, not just the numbers that count. It would be great to get the media to focus on the human stories behind these numbers, I do agree with you.
Proof in pudding
Great point
Another great point, I have not seen the final version so I am promoting something that if it is a disaster actually has me in it! However, from what I have seen, heard and during the process, I have believed that the motives are great and the season really is groundbreaking... I look forward to commenting after I watch for the first time, along with the rest of the audience!
Of course it was a publicity
Here, here!
Here, here!
"*~>British<~*"
I think its good cos theres
Absolutely. I totally agree,
Absolutely. I totally agree, I know when I was at my worst i had no idea there were 'strong and successful' people who struggled, breaking down the barriers can really help give hope to others. Thanks for your comments
Can people still pretend it's invisible?
Brilliant points well made, a
Brilliant points well made, a great way of summing it up Dawn, thank you for commenting
Open discussion
I have allowed comments on this article as I hope that we can involve our readers in discussion on this topic - what do you think?
Ruby Wax's Mad Confessions
I've just finished watching this Channel 4 programme. It was ground-breaking t.v. and a total inspiration. I am so pleased at how the programme was produced and so proud of the courage of the three people that it centred around. I think that Ruby Wax did a brilliant job and by the four people (Ruby and the three others) discussing so frankly what their lives are like it will help many many others. Thank you to everyone who was involved in the start of breaking the taboo of mental health disorders. Many of us had reservations about the programme and I am happy to say that they would seem to be unfounded.
Who cares what the motives
Who cares what the motives are - publicity stunt or not - if it gets the nation talking and, more importantly, thinking about mental health it has to be a good thing. I find the fact that Florence Nightingale had a mental health condition (I guess it would be called PTSD today) inspirational. People don't just exist with mental health disorders they 'live' full lives with them.