I suppose I better say something about ‘Pete’ from big brother, as apparently he has tourettes. I am, of course, all for increased portrayal of disabled folks in any media, as, by and large, I believe increasing the profiles of us cripples will lead to less prejudice towards us. This much is fairly obvious. However, I believe big brother is being very cynical in including a person with tourettes in their circus, as I have no doubt that they intend this ‘Pete’ fellow to exhibit the behaviour commonly associated with tourettes – the verbal twitch – for their own gratification. ‘Oh look, this chap cant stop swearing; isn’t it funny?’

In short, they’re taking the piss. Admittedly, the guy volunteered to go into the house, but no doubt he was chosen for his ‘comic’ value. It is as if we have not progressed from the days of the elephant man. Thus, this kind of representation will stifle rather than enhance understanding of disability.

Needless to say, I have nothing but contempt for the makers of this programme, those fools who seek fame my going on it, and the countless thousands who watch it. Why do we need this mindless drivel on our televisions? It teaches us nothing, it says nothing. It’s just cheap and pathetic: we could be watching a great drama which exposes a truth about being human, as all great dramas do; we could be watching a documentary showing us the wonders of our planet. Fiction or not, television can teach us things, but instead we are supposed to watch a few ninnies in a house. Its absolutely stupid.