This means that bodies are identified differently and the men who are not physically fit are rendered as culturally abnormal and grotesque (Mcilvenny, 2002, p.102)Īnother theme that is introduced in “the Spiral Cage” is loneliness. Sidonie Smith argues in the article, Revealing Male Bodies,that although there are a variety of bodily differences in everyone, only certain body parts pass the social and cultural differences of “meaningful”. The ones who are male and “able” are described as efficient, fit, proper and skilful, while the ones with impairments are assumed as incapable, weak, incompetent and inept (Mcilvenny, 2002).
The autobiography asserts how people with bodily disabilities are often described and labeled as “handicapped”, cripple”, “invalid” and “spacka”. it deserves several re-readings.One of the main themes of the Al Davison’s memoir, The Spiral Cage, is the depiction of disability experience. he was obviously very impressed.This book raises so many questions about attitudes to disability without posing them in text. The foreword is by Alan Moore, whom Davison approached at a comics conference with the preliminary drawings for the spiral cage. The narrative jumps back and forth it is not the most homogenous or coherent of works, but this fragmented format perhaps reflects Davisons feelings, and it adds to the overall power of the book. The artwork is in black and white, varying in style from quick scratchy sketches to dark meticulous chiaroscuro drawings. What, I feel, is so engaging is Al’s relentless optimism, his honesty and his warmth for his friends, family and for the health professionals with whom he comes into contact. The story is really composed of autobiographical snapshots from his life, together with philosophical snipets from –buddhism, which he practices daily. His absolute refusal to accept his “disability”, or cowtow to societies low expectation of him is at the core of this inspiring book. He took up karate, which came in handy on several occasions when he was the victim of unprovoked attacks by bullies and thugs. He endured countless operations as a child and bouts of ME as an adult. Although he can walk on his “scarecrow” legs, he still suffers considerably. He taught himself to walk aged five and attended a “normal” school, where he was called “spaka” by his classmates. Then, when he did, they were told that he would never walk. Originally published in 1990, this is a bit of a gem.Īl Davison was born with spina bifida.
A Graphic Medicine Conversation with Sam Hester.Graphic Medicine International Collective.
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