Drunk Russian guy on TV :D

[intelligenzija]

...... is not drunk.

Internet joke turns sour for cerebral palsy victim


One day Kursk man Yury Tatarenkov woke up an internet celebrity. His face appeared on funny images with famous people, and Russians everywhere had a laugh at his expense. But the pranks' creators soon realised Tatarenkov had cerebral palsy, and sought to help him.

It was an unscheduled appearance in a regional TV report four years ago, that quickly grabbed the attention of internet users.

Tatarenkov became a global internet sensation, although he was only known by his anonymous name of Chumazik or Smudgy boy. Internet surfers soon created his very own life story.

His grubby face appears on pictures together with anyone from Pope Benedict XVI to a Russian football team coach. He reportedly died from cirrhosis.

But journalists tracked down the real-life Chumazik.

He turned out to be a resident of Russia's western city of Kursk, and his real name was revealed as Yury Tatarenkov. The 38-year-old suffers from cerebral palsy, which means he has difficultly walking and speaking.

Yury lives with his mother Nina. She says her son knows about his popularity on the Net and doesn't resent the joking. But those behind the fictional Chumazik feel remorse.

"We just thought that guy was drunk. Now I feel my personal responsibility for his case, that's why I decided to gather some money to help him. Many answered my appeal. Including people from the countries I've never heard about. Chumazik is a worldwide celebrity," says Sergey Tarakanov from photozhaba.ru, which first published collages with Chumazik and the world's celebrities.

22-year old photographer Masha from Moscow is just one of thousands taking part in operation "Saving Chumazik!"

"He gave us the opportunity to laugh. He brought lots of happiness to us. The time has come to thank him. He and his mother need money," says Masha.

And they really do.

"I will buy him a new coat and some pants. The ones he has are too old... We also want to repair our house," Yury's mother says.

Journalists have brought gifts and food, including some delights he'd never eaten before.

All the attention has touched his mother deeply.

"He's never received any help, no one has given him money neither for New Year, nor for his birthday - never in his life".

http://youtube.com/watch?v=GsfciiNU11g

[Kaapeli]

I remember laughing at the original video...
I feel awful now.

[Susumu]

wow sad story - at least people try to help him now.

[Stealthy Sloth]

very sad story indeed, I like their dart board at around 1:40.

[PanzerMaster]

I am very moved by this story.

[Moose]

The sad thing was that he was working in a cole mine... That country should invest in its social welfarenet instead of putting so much money in to it military. They have kids living on the streerts, a problem which could be dealt with with the proper alocation of resources, resources that are plentifull in that country.

[Kaapeli]

The sad thing was that he was working in a cole mine... That country should invest in its social welfarenet instead of putting so much money in to it military. They have kids living on the streerts, a problem which could be dealt with with the proper alocation of resources, resources that are plentifull in that country.

Actually here in Finland there is a campaign going on to encourage hiring disabled people so that they too could live "normal" lives and become productive members of the society. Most disabled people want to work but they are either discriminated against or considered unable to do even menial work.

[Moose]

I also think it is inportant to give people with disabilities jobs. This lets them have a greater deal of social interaktion with other people it also makes them feel more part of society which inevitebly will raise their self esteem. Its important that people with disabilities are wisual in society so that they dont get shunned and hiden away in institutions.
However a person with cerebral palsy should not be working in a russian cole mine, end of story.

[Kaapeli]

I doubt he was given any dangerous tasks or went down to the mine shafts. He would clearly be a risk to everyone given the level of his disability.
If he even was working there at all.

[Paddy51]

Touching story.

I agree about the dart board!

[Moose]

Kaapeli i understand why you would think that, personally i dont think he should be in such a dangerous enviroment. In places of poverty and lack of social welfare people with dissabilities survive by working like any other human being. That means being exposed to the same risks and demands as the other worker.

I have a feeling you are more of a National Coalition type of person rather than for example Centre Party, am i correct?

[PanzerMaster]

Actually here in Finland there is a campaign going on to encourage hiring disabled people so that they too could live "normal" lives and become productive members of the society. Most disabled people want to work but they are either discriminated against or considered unable to do even menial work.

In Italy, if you are an employer with 25 or more personnels, you are required by law to hire at least 1 disable for each 25 (maybe I am wrong with precise numbers but the ballpark it is here).

Plus there are social programs and "social companies" that employ persons with disabilities and/or social problems (such ex-inmates) doing menial jobs like guarding parking slots, street cleaning or also office jobs.

Disabled people, when applicable, should work. It ease the strain on families and society but, most importantly, has a good psychological effects for them.

My 2 cent

[AlexMartin]

In USSR there were a lot of special manufactures, where disabled people works. Unfortunately, after USSR fall, most of these manufactures goes bancrupt.
Today goverment spend more and more money for disabled people, but it is not enough so far. Hope it will change soon.

PS. And, please, stop repeating stupid propaganda BS about kids living on the steets. It was untrue even in disastrous 199x.

[Moose]

AlexMartin
Interesting that you say kids living on the streets in the 90s to be propaganda. I dont understand, is this a controversial subject i thought it was well established. I dont understand why some one would falsely spread that as propagandaafter the fall of the ussr. It would be nice if you could give some further info regarding me spreading Propaganda.

[Alexandr]

AlexMartin
Interesting that you say kids living on the streets in the 90s to be propaganda. I dont understand, is this a controversial subject i thought it was well established. I dont understand why some one would falsely spread that as propagandaafter the fall of the ussr. It would be nice if you could give some further info regarding me spreading Propaganda.

There was problem in 90s,problem solved now.But it wasnt so disastrous - like "many-many kids the streets",some of them - yes,and now most of them sucsefull busnessmans with shapr teeths.Not some woosies who comfortably living on welfaire in West,waisting they lifes doing nothing.
And Youry worked on coal mines becouse he wanted to work.