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Child Item

Let's all take Blindboy seriously now...

Sky King

People do know this is a character right? And not an actual person?

Does it strike anyone else as strange that a made-up persona with a fake voice, parody accent and a fking plastic bag on his head is treated like a normal, regular person in debates and current affairs TV shows? And given the same credibility and respect as an actual real person?

Imagine Fr. Dougal Mcguire, Dustin the Turkey and Fortycoats appearing our incisive current affairs shows discussing mental health with Alan Partridge adjudicating.

Or discussing the 8th amendment and feminism with Mrs Brown, The Bottler and Podge and Rodge? It would be treated like a joke (obviously), but when the prank phone call making, glue-huffing, spastic hawk-toting Blindboy talks serious we all suddenly have to sit up take it seriously.

If I was asked to debate on the same show as a parody character I'd be more than a little pissed off.

By all means share your story on mental health or offer an opinion on our education system. But for fk sake would you give us and the other people on the show the respect of doing it yourself, in a real voice? Without a fking bag on your head?

Alternatively if you prefer holding on to the bag, you could try going back to... you know... being funny. And less preachy.

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Rekop dog

From what I've heard he is at pains to point out he's not in any way a professional and his thoughts are merely his opinions on the matter and not to be taken as gospel.

I think his output is sensible, articulate and well thought out and his reasons for wanting to maintain his privacy is also very understandable and admirable imo.

Anyone deriving negativity from what he's doing is coming from a deeply flawed place. He's admitted some of his motivations are selfish in that positive feedback from people who were in dark places that he's helped does make him feel better about himself but it's the right type of selfishness and good to have the grounding and self awareness to realise it's both good for his own and other people's mental health.

Most importantly he's helping to normalize stigmas and reaching an audience who may be among the most vulnerable, his demographic of listeners would be among the highest suicide risks. If they find him relatable and engaging it can only be a positive.

Baggly

Succinct. I like your style.

Lots of psychologists would disagree with you in published articles, so I'll take their word for it, thanks.

Why do you think it doesn't exist?

MayoSalmon

Pter wrote:

Would you care to actually discuss it?

Doesn't exist

s7ryf3925pivug

I checked out his latest podcast there. Wouldn't have bothered except the ranting on this thread made me curious. Quite enjoying it.

Still not getting the outrage. I'll try to join in to see if it gives me insight... I did not enjoy the oddball poetry! Orange is the standard colour for high vis camping gear, and pink would not be as effective! The word commit can be used in other ways than for sins! 'Commando dad' is a succinct and well structured book on parenting, and I prefer its approach other books I've looked at not focused on traditional male audiences!

No still not feeling it. Still found him interesting and amusing.

Baggly

Vladimir Poontang wrote:

We need to raise awareness of mental health these days about as much as we need to raise awareness that rain is wet.

I disagree. I think it's been common practice in ireland for a long time not to talk about mental health. I think it's still the case now in many parts of the country. I'm glad that's not the case where you are though

Vladimir Poontang wrote:

It's an industry and every dipshjt celebrity looking for a new gig are exploiting it

Do you have any examples?

Vladimir Poontang

We need to raise awareness of mental health these days about as much as we need to raise awareness that rain is wet.

It's an industry and every dipshjt celebrity looking for a new gig are exploiting it

Baggly

Vladimir Poontang wrote:

Ah here we go, the Toxic Masculinity bolloxology.

Would you care to actually discuss it?

Baggly

DickSwiveller wrote:

Studying psychology at college level means nothing. I studied law; doesn't mean I'm a lawyer. Please show me the psychology texts that advocate embracing feminism to overcome mental health issues.

Well I wouldn't be coming to you for legal advice, but I'd probably listen if you recommended I talk to a lawyer on something.

I don't agree with everything he says and that is one of the comments I don't agree with taken in a literal form, but I'm happy more men are talking about mental health, mindfullness and their emotions, and I appreciate BB talking about these is helping the conversation take place.

I disagree with your original comment that mental health awareness isn't a positive thing. While some may talk to professionals without need, there is a better chance those with need will also do so, which is the positive for me.

Vladimir Poontang

Pter wrote: »

Excellent word, pal, but i dont think it applies in this matter, given that BB attended college studying the subject.

If you would care to do a simple google to inform your point, though, you would see that there are a host of studies and health bodies exploring 'toxic masculinity' as a concept. Of course you are right, its a complex issue, but yes, yes there is evidence to suggest 'boys dont cry' isnt a great philosophy to impart to young boys.

Ah here we go, the Toxic Masculinity bolloxology.

DickSwiveller

Pter wrote: »

Nope. But if the implication is that only clinical psychologists are in a position to encourage others to look after their mental well being then I can't agree with that.

I'd also appreciate you answer the question I put forward.

Studying psychology at college level means nothing. I studied law; doesn't mean I'm a lawyer. Please show me the psychology texts that advocate embracing feminism to overcome mental health issues.

Baggly

Nope. But if the implication is that only clinical psychologists are in a position to encourage others to look after their mental well being then I can't agree with that.

I'd also appreciate you answer the question I put forward.

DickSwiveller

Pter wrote: »

Would you be happier if the people talking about this on media had, oh, I don't know, studied psychology at college level?

Has he practiced as a clinical pyschologist?

Baggly

DickSwiveller wrote:

It seems to be a given on this forum that this person talking about mental health is a positive step. I disagree. Mental health awareness is becoming a huge industry, with saturation coverage on radio, in magazines, from celebrities and people on social media. People who are feeling a bit sad are convinced they are suffering from a terrible disorder. I have no problem, and have an awful amount of sympathy, for people suffering from depression, but I'm very wary of people being given a platform to tell people how to handle depression when they are completely unqualified.

Would you be happier if the people talking about this on media had, oh, I don't know, studied psychology at college level?

DickSwiveller

david75 wrote: »

Its interesting this guy rattles people enough to even talk about it.

Is it that we can’t get past the ‘mask’ or we don’t like his output in the podcast?
I wouldn’t suggest it’s a form of jealousy or begrudgery of his success. Daniel o Donnell has a career ffs and doesn’t make any sense to me at all that he does but I’m not railing against him or anyone appreciating his efforts online.

If you’re not into it just ignore it. If its eating you up enough to be angry about it then you probably should listen to hidden podcast. Might help you.

Why are you on boards.ie then? If people are annoyed by him they are free to say so. Just like those who like him can say so. Isn't that the point of boards.ie?

david75

Its interesting this guy rattles people enough to even talk about it.

Is it that we can’t get past the ‘mask’ or we don’t like his output in the podcast?
I wouldn’t suggest it’s a form of jealousy or begrudgery of his success. Daniel o Donnell has a career ffs and doesn’t make any sense to me at all that he does but I’m not railing against him or anyone appreciating his efforts online.

If you’re not into it just ignore it. If its eating you up enough to be angry about it then you probably should listen to his podcast. Might help you.

DickSwiveller

It seems to be a given on this forum that this person talking about mental health is a positive step. I disagree. Mental health awareness is becoming a huge industry, with saturation coverage on radio, in magazines, from celebrities and people on social media. People who are feeling a bit sad are convinced they are suffering from a terrible disorder. I have no problem, and have an awful amount of sympathy, for people suffering from depression, but I'm very wary of people being given a platform to tell people how to handle depression when they are completely unqualified.

Ash.J.Williams

BillyBobBS wrote: »

He is a total knob. We need serious people to solve serious issues like mental health illnesses.

No we don't

optogirl

Vladimir Poontang wrote: »

Bahahahaha here we go...always trotted out

That was in response to someone saying he had no knowledge on the topic. Lads the vitriol is something else.

Baggly

I have never had a major mental health issue, but used to have a big problem with letting myself cry. As i got a bit older i recognised it was a bit silly and needless, so cry now if im sad or upset or need to vent. I roared crying when both my little girls were born.

Nothing wrong with any or all of those instances of expressing emotion.

To think i stopped myself from crying when i was younger when my dog died. Like, why not cry. And why would anyone frown upon me crying? It doesnt make me any more or less a man to express these emotions.

And to bring it back to the OP, i think this is part of what BB talks about - being self aware, mindful of oneself and accepting of ones emotions.

Drumpot

Deleted User wrote: »

Is there any actual evidence for this, other than "well it sounds like it makes sense so it must be true"?

The causes of suicide are complex. It is dangerous and simplistic to announce that 'factor x' is "driving the suicide rate in this country". Aside from anything else, it pushes responsibility for mental health onto the individual and (conveniently for neo-liberalism) ignores factors such as declining living standards, poverty, insecurity of employment and so on.

It's also worth noting that suicide in most Western countries is actually declining (even allowing for less reporting in previous times).

Personally I don't think it's an appropriate subject for dilletantes to be pontificating about on national television.

I can speak from personal experience and attending a specific support group and hearing other peoples stories for over 5 years that this is a problem.

I believe that there is a shame that many men feel if they find life overwhelming or stressful. I don't see a world or country that supports them or encourages them to release their fears with tears. Personally and in the support rooms (that are not supported by state), its clear that we live in a society that's great at giving lip service to issues it doesn't really want to address in any meaningful way.

In terms of suicide, I agree, the causes are complex and its not simply a case of x or y. However, the culture that exists (men don't cry) is a part of that problem. In my experience, an element of suicide is where people are unable to resolve or express their pain, emotions or feelings in a healthy way and one of these ways is by crying.

The Moldy Gowl

seachto7 wrote: »

I am guessing, but could be wrong, that he may ditch the bag eventually depending on how things progress? It never harmed Slipknot!

No doubt, some hipster will come on slating Slipknot

Ditch it if he got more famous? You'd probably be wrong there.
He won't give interviews to reporters who use his real name so doubtful.

Baggly

Deleted User wrote: »

Is there any actual evidence for this, other than "well it sounds like it makes sense so it must be true"?

The causes of suicide are complex. It is dangerous and simplistic to announce that 'factor x' is "driving the suicide rate in this country". Aside from anything else, it pushes responsibility for mental health onto the individual and (conveniently for neo-liberalism) ignores factors such as declining living standards, poverty, insecurity of employment and so on.

It's also worth noting that suicide in most Western countries is actually declining (even allowing for less reporting in previous times).

Personally I don't think it's an appropriate subject for dilletantes to be pontificating about on national television.

Excellent word, pal, but i dont think it applies in this matter, given that BB attended college studying the subject.

If you would care to do a simple google to inform your point, though, you would see that there are a host of studies and health bodies exploring 'toxic masculinity' as a concept. Of course you are right, its a complex issue, but yes, yes there is evidence to suggest 'boys dont cry' isnt a great philosophy to impart to young boys.

[Deleted User]

kylith wrote: »

And a good way of emotionally stunting 50% of the population. The notion that 'Boys don't cry' and that emotions are unmanly drives the suicide rate in this country and others.

A man is down, he's upset, he feels bad; he has no way of communicating this to other people. He is mocked for having emotions that some cretins deem are 'sissy'. What's he supposed to do? Because the notion that he should suck it up and get over it is killing young men.

Is there any actual evidence for this, other than "well it sounds like it makes sense so it must be true"?

The causes of suicide are complex. It is dangerous and simplistic to announce that 'factor x' is "driving the suicide rate in this country". Aside from anything else, it pushes responsibility for mental health onto the individual and (conveniently for neo-liberalism) ignores factors such as declining living standards, poverty, insecurity of employment and so on.

It's also worth noting that suicide in most Western countries is actually declining (even allowing for less reporting in previous times).

Personally I don't think it's an appropriate subject for dilletantes to be pontificating about on national television.

Drumpot

Reati wrote: »

Because they don't have a reasonable point to make or anything to back it up with. So it's an easy thing to attack and try make him look stupid but the ironic thing is the intelligent reasoning he has for wearing a plastic bag makes those posters look the fool.

I'm no fan of the Rubber-bandits or when comedians get preachy but to be fair to him, he is trying to make a difference in something that clearly has touched him in his life. Mental health issues are serious and if he saves one person from either thinking they are better off dead or trying to commit suicide he has a lot to be proud of.

I couldn't give what he wears or does while delivering that message.

Its also because people are slaves to optics in an extremely shallow way. We all judge what we see and like in this case people don't care about the message, instead prioritising the look. .Also happens when people refuse to listen to a positive message or a good point from somebody who they simply don't like.

Its kind of ironic because one of the issues with mental health is the self absorbed knobs who think "well I don't see anything wrong with you, so just do what I do and get on with life". People see the plastic bag on his head and think that's the major talking point?

What's pathetic isn't that there is a guy with a plastic bag on his head reaching out to communities that otherwise would be ignored or isolated. Its that people think there is more value on insulting the communicator of a very serious, powerful message . .

Baggly

seachto7 wrote: »

I am guessing, but could be wrong, that he may ditch the bag eventually depending on how things progress? It never harmed Slipknot!

No doubt, some hipster will come on slating Slipknot

He could do, but i dont know will it make a difference one way or the other?

seachto7

I am guessing, but could be wrong, that he may ditch the bag eventually depending on how things progress? It never harmed Slipknot!

No doubt, some hipster will come on slating Slipknot

Baggly

I've listened to a few episodes of his podcast and i can take and leave bits of them.

He comes across as a very thoughtful person who is willing to accept not everyone will agree with him.

He also comes across as someone who has experience with mental health issues and is coming out the other side, so worth listening for that alone, so that if someone i love, or even if i, ever have mental health issues, ill have some ideas on how to approach it.

Also enjoyed his short stories as they were all very thought-provoking. Some were extremely challenging to digest, but there is nothing wrong with that.

Reati

Danjamin1 wrote: »

How can people not get over the plastic bag?

Because they don't have a reasonable point to make or anything to back it up with. So it's an easy thing to attack and try make him look stupid but the ironic thing is the intelligent reasoning he has for wearing a plastic bag makes those posters look the fool.

I'm no fan of the Rubber-bandits or when comedians get preachy but to be fair to him, he is trying to make a difference in something that clearly has touched him in his life. Mental health issues are serious and if he saves one person from either thinking they are better off dead or trying to commit suicide he has a lot to be proud of.

I couldn't give what he wears or does while delivering that message.

Danjamin1

How can people not get over the plastic bag? It's a gimmick for a character he plays. It serves a purpose as well as it grants him anonymity when he's onstage.

Do people have the same problem with the likes of Buckethead who wears a bucket on his head when he performs? Is there something in particular that gets under peoples skin about this kind of anonymity?

If anyone's turning to him for anything other than entertainment then I think they're looking in the wrong place for answers but I don't think it's a bad thing that he uses his position to talk about things that he (and others) see as a problem in Irish society. If he's pointing people in the right direction then I think he's doing some good.

Boom_Bap

Luis21 wrote: »

Plastic bag on his face.

Take seriously ?

Have you listened to why he has it on his face?