Which came first, the weakness or the talent? Many famous artists i.e. painters, authors, actors, musicians, were/are substance abusers and/or insane. If they had not been insane or addicted, would they have done even more or would they have been less successful?
What do we say to our children and our grandchildren about the whole world mourning the loss of celebrities who had questionable lifestyles? Does the result truly justify the trail of anguish and controversy left in their wake?
Very sad that the famous get so hooked on drugs. MJ is an excellent example for my kids of why not to do drugs. I am always pointing out the famous who fall due to drugs/bad choices to my boys.
ReplyDeleteI tell them the best thing to do is just not to try the drugs. Recovering from drug/ alcohol addiction is only maybe 15% successful from the articles that I have read.
as someone who is artistically gifted, i can say with certainty that the world as i perceive it is clearly a very different place from the one more concrete types do. personally i think the supertalented turn to drugs not because of weakness but in an attempt to deal with those differences, to create a buffer or a mediator.
ReplyDeleteVery good questions and few answers it seems.
ReplyDeleteThis is my take on the situation.........I see ALL talents as gifts from God and problems arise when people get the idea they invented them and then have all the pressure to try to continue to do so. In comes drugs to try to relieve the pressure and eventurally destroys the talent. Interesting that only a couple of weeks ago no one even wanted to interview MJ and now the media just can't get enough of all of it and by the way has anyone considered it may have been a suicide situation? He knew his drugs and I think he saw his limitations to perform like he use to....none of us are or were the same at 50 as we were at 20 and for most of us, our livlihood didn't depend on it. Very sad and I think the best thing to tell our kids is that they should strive to grow up before they grow old.
Many famous and talented people do well and lead somewhat normal lives. Many talented and famous people handle frightening challenges quite well. But many of those who are famous, talented and shown to be fragile and weak seem to have had an empty well to draw upon when one looks at their parents or guardians or mentors.
ReplyDeleteHit 40 -- You are so right about MJ bein a perfect example for not doing drugs. We can add Elvis to that mix and Janis Joplin and Jimmie Hendrix, etc. But they all remain popular. I don't get it. And they continue to avoid prosecution.
ReplyDeleteAnnie -- Many are artistically gifted and don't see the need for a buffer or mediator.
Changes -- you have hit a bright shiny nail on the head! We all need to grow up first and that seems to be getting more and more difficult for our young people as we have taken away their ability to think by sprinkling rose petals at their feet instead of reprimands and consequences.
Tabor -- you are so right and offered some more good food for thought.
ReplyDeleteI think the creativity comes first, speaking from personal and family experience. That said, I think a lot of creative people are "normal," but just don't get a lot of press. I think you have to be sort of out there to want fame.
ReplyDeleteVery thought provoking, we all have talents of one thing or another but it is how we choose to use it. Many get over paid and having too much money can lead a downward spiral to drink and drugs.
ReplyDeleteOthers use their money wisely and get along fine, It seems fame has a price...... is it worth it.
Yvonne,
I don't think that talent is the reason that famous people turn to drugs or act weird. I believe it's the adulation of the fans, the pressure of always having to do better, and too much money. A troubled childhood certainly can contribute to drug abuse, but that it true for everyone. Native ability has little to do with it.
ReplyDeleteRK -- Good comment "I think a lot of creative people are "normal," but just don't get a lot of press." And so many seek fame so desperately they pay for their demands with early graves.
ReplyDeleteYvonne -- We have always heard that "money is the root of all evil" but I don't think it's money as much as greed. A lot of people have money and are responsible with it. Others can never get enough and have no idea what to do with it. Yep you said it, "fame has a price -- is it worth it?"
Darlene -- you are so right about the adulation of fans. We have to blame ourselves for directing money and attention to their personal causes of selfishness.
Talent always has to come first if you're a true entertainer. If you're an overnight celebrity, then I suppose drugs and insanity could make you more famous...but no one will take you seriously.
ReplyDeleteThere's a huge difference between Michael Jackson and someone like Paris Hilton. A huge difference!
Rabies the monkey is the perfect example. He is charming, well read, interesting and eats Cheezits in bed.
ReplyDeleteYet you'll never see him on "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous" because he's just a regular old talented and creative monkey. Just like RK said.