I’m inspired by madness. Its special allure lies in the fact that a madman is free. He thinks and does however he likes and never cares what anyone thinks. Sometimes when I’m struggling creatively, I like to imagine that I’m simply crazy — before I know it, all kinds of “outside the box” ideas start popping up in my head.
Insanity, being typically a rare occurrence, has an extraordinary number of references in our culture. Think about how many expressions we use daily to describe it. “That’s crazy”, “You’re nuts!”, “He is off his rocker”. It’s a dark fascination to the point of us almost inviting more insanity into our lives. I enjoy and collect images of all things wonky, wacky and oddball — for nothing else but a glimpse of inspiration. Below are some of my favorites.
If you find yourself dancing on air like Lydia from Beetlejuice, you’re probably mad.
If you see double, chances are you’re bonkers.
If you’re inspired by this poster to no end, you’re probably mad.
If you’re Courtney Love, you’re bat sh*t crazy and proud of it.
If you’ve watched every single Johnny Depp movie, including Sweeney Todd, you’re probably mad.
Veils, flowers and glitter… If you’re John Galliano, you’re mad (talented).
And if you know the name of this instrument, you’re most definitely mad!!!
Deerlings: What are some of your favorite movies/images depicting madness? Do you find them inspiring or alluring in any way?
1951 version of Alice in Wonderland. The tea party scene. :)
I don’t want to come off as rude, but as someone who deals with actual, honest to goodess, madness inside their own mind, I have slight problems with it being taken lightly simply to give frame of reference to creativity.
That said, you’re absolutely correct, the best art is often made by those who are a touch (or a lot ;P) eccentric. The first part is mostly just me being over-sensitive, so pay no mind <3
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Cassandra, I’m not talking about clinical insanity and certainly don’t take human mental illness lightly. It’s merely about the depictions of the odd in art, which I find quite inspiring. It’s not aimed to disrespect.
Cassandra Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 6:12 pm
I figured as much, hence the no worry comment.
This was also the first thing I happened to read in the morning – before my proper perception of humanity stepped into place ;P
Jacobs Ladder. His post traumatic stress visions.
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Sounds fascinating. Will have to check it out!
Madness is having to deal with your own inner demons, imagery may play a role in it. Having to deal with schizophrenia helps though…
I have to mention I am a Cyborg, but that’s ok it’s such a beautiful and funny movie set in an insane asylum. I saw it a while back on late night TV, fell in love with it and instantly bought the DVD! It’s such a touching story, the characters are great and I love the cinematography if you get a chance you must watch it, it’s not all bad being mad!
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Just watched a trailer, brilliant! Thanks for introducing me to it!
Misa Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 1:28 am
I love that movie!!
I’m dying to see your new hair!!
I cannot even think about a answer for your question…
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Haha, don’t worry, tomorrow’s post will show the hair. :) Thanks for the enthusiasm. <3
I love the first picture. Wow.
And helloo, I’m dying of curiosity, how does your hair look now? I’ve been excited for this ever since you posted your first blog entry about it! From eight to sevent grade I coloured my hair rainbow-coloured and pink and well, all colours. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/helh/3287937965/in/set-72157621927891279/) I miss it so much, so when my hair has grown a bit more I shall do it all over again!
So, I’ve been waiting for two days now, because I know that once you’ve posted pictures of your hair I’ll look forward to it even more. Oh, you are going to look fantastic in your blue hair!
(Sorry for the sometimes bad grammatics, I’m from Sweden.)
Hanna Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 1:23 pm
It shall be *eight to ninth, of course.
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Posting about the hair tomorrow :)
I think insanity is good to get outside the box in terms of creativity. Tim Burton is a great example of creative insanity.
By the way, Doe, you should do another Digital Consulation. So many of your customers and could-be customers probably would love it. Only when you aren’t busy, though!
Lena Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 5:04 pm
My name’s Lena too and I agree with you!
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Wow, two Lenas and both asking for the same thing? I’m gonna have to listen. ;)
P.S. My mom’s name is Lena as well.
Lena Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Thats awesome. My name is actually Rachel. My middle name is Lena, but I love that name so much, I use it on blog sites. It’s so unique, especially nowadays. I’m named after my great-grandma Lena.
Lena Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Rachel is so average. Lena is, as I said, unique. I probably would use Lena instead of Rachel.
Kalila Reply:
October 22, 2010 at 4:11 am
I’ve always loved the name Lena. (:
I’m only fifteen, but if I ever have a daughter, I’m pretty sure her name will be Lena. :D
I’m with Cassandra, Doe. I find this post rather disrespectful and offensive.
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 9:48 pm
I’m sorry Carmel, I hope you understand that it wasn’t intended that way…
“There is no great genius without a touch of madness.” :)
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Love it!
About insanity:
I remember when I, together with a whole bunch of other people, joined a World of Darkness LARP-group… almost everyone wanted to be a Malkavian so that they could play “insane” characters. Ultimately, most of their requests were denied by the leaders because everyone had the same concept of insanity: “schizophrenia” (more like a hollywood kind of multiple personality disorder). I talked to one of the group founders, and she told me that very few people actually research and pull off playing a Malkavian.
As a person with mental problems and on anti-psycotics, I agree with Cassandra; but Doe, I realize that you didn’t mean any harm with your post, it was just constucted in such a way that it wasn’t really clear if you meant being eccentric or being clinically insane (or rather the hollywood-bastardised version at least…), therefore I can understand the mistake being made. :)
About being eccentric:
I think the concept of insanity is both frightening and intriguing to many people who don’t have any real knowledge about the subject, and there is a definitive allure about not being responsible for your own actions and to dare to do all those things you’re usually not allowed to do (by actual restrictions or own inhibitions/fear/shame/other). In a world where there’s too much you’re “supposed to be” to fit in with the norm, the the need to be different can be overwhelming… and so there’s “controlled crazy” (the “but not too foreign”-concept) which is approved of in smaller doses.
Then we discover those people in the world who express themselves in a truly unique way, and we find ourselves wishing that we, even just for one day, could see the world as they see it. Everyone has their own vision, though, and coloured by differences and experiences through life each set of eyes look upon the world in a different way. It’s wondrous how some people can reach out to others and touch them with a glimpse of the same, yet another, world.
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 9:56 pm
That’s very interesting about Malkavians. I just read a Wiki entry, didn’t know who they were. :)
I’m not exactly stranger to mental instability either, so no need to worry about that. In fact, my life lately seems to be surrounded by actual insanity – a lot of heavy stuff that I won’t go into. Perhaps that’s the reason I’m drawn to its ‘Hollywood depictions’, as you put, at this time in my life.
FYI that photo is from John Galliano for Christian Dior… John Galliano is the designer…
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Thank you, fixed!
I kind of secretly hope that I end up like Miss Havisham, from Great Expectations. Sure, she might be absolutely nuts, perpetually dressed for the wedding that never happened, walled up in a house filled with spider webs and rotting cake…but her positive influence on an otherwise unfortunate child is utterly inspiring! The scenes featuring her or her house in the 1989 film are haunting.
And my all-time favourite love story is the one of Catherine and Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. Sure, they’re both insane, but what a furious and passionate affair it was!
To be frank I find your exoticising of mental illness pretty patronising and damned offensive. It might be all fun and games to you but this is my life.
Madness intrigues me. It holds such a dark, twisted allure; i can’t help but to be sucked in by it.
And anyway, all the best people are mad ;]
I’m totally mad then Cuz I love Johnny Depp because he is one of the few actors I can watch and forget he is a star, I get lost in his performances.
My favorite thing to do (my hobby I guess) is to take things just ordinary things and turn it into something completely different. Especially broken things! If I can take something broken and make it useful and pretty again it just makes my whole day:) Down side is people think I’m crazy for not throwing things away things that are broken,used,faded,old, I keep them because I think I can make them new again and most of the time I do^_^
The entity of madness, Delerium, from the Sandman series is a perfect example of what you are talking about. :)
Love Love Love this post! Tweeting!
On that note of insanity.. I have almost no perception of passing time. Apparently this is a trait of insanity, which, at best allows my work shifts to fly by and at the worst, tends to make me late!
For me mad = cheshire cat.
Also I’ve seen all J. Depp movies!!!!
I’m sure I’m totally mad. =)
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Yeah, mad for Johnny Depp ;)
Aaaaah when will we see your hair????
I adore Muppets. As we all know they are quite mad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfIHkwSzayE
Salvador Dali’s paintings and all the surrealist movement are pure mad inspiration for me!
And “Mulholland Drive” and “Un Chien Andalou” are great ‘mad’ films!
Emilie Autumn, enough said :)
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Love that girl!
Kristie Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Mmm agreed!
She is like a real life tim burton character, love her.
Camila Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Good music + Great character = Totaly Awesome!!
Adore her!
Heathre Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Love her look, but had a hard time getting into her music.
Flip Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Her music is wonderful! Try her album Enchant.
Flip Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 11:47 pm
To the Readers of this blog who are Insulted.
I feel the need to point out the fact that this is not in anyway disrespectful. It is entirely inspirational.
For those offended by it, you are being over sensitive.
Do throw your self pity and troubles upon others who are looking to inspire and open others eyes to the beauty in the odd. I won’t say its a shame or a tragic happenstance that you happen to be ‘mad’. I happen to be diagnosed with several things. A good majority of people have something wrong with them. What makes you any different? What makes this post which looks to the strange and troubled works of art and calls them beautiful insulting? Pray tell what?
Madness is inspiring. It has inspired so many. True madness. Would have Poe have written the romantique and horrifying works like Angel of the Odd and A Mesmeric Revelation if he had not been the mad hatter that he was. Would we have had Alice’s travels in Wonderland so elegantly penned for us by Mr. Carrol if he had not had his own substance induced madness?
So you’re depressed, so you’re troubled. Oh Boo hoo. There are people in mad houses who would take this post as a compliment. Which for all intensive purposes it is. So tell the voices in your head to shush, and stop arguing with your clock, which I doubt you do, as I am sure your madness is of the Bipolar, borderline personality type, so even if you have the urge to shave your head and speak in tongues to your tea cozy, pray leave the people who mean no harm and purely wish to inspire those alone.
And madness is beautiful, have you ever looked at the portraits that they paint in an institution? Or read the poetry they pour out when they have no idea no one is reading?
For a simple reminder, take a look at Van Gogh’s works. He himself was a mad man. A brilliant and talented one at that.
Thank you and have a lovely day. And please, be offended by my response, you actually have a reason to.
-Flip
To Xenia,
Thank you for the beautiful post, I adore it!
:)
-F.
Emmeline Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 12:02 am
Flip, I did not find Xenia’s post offensive but you’re right, your response was.
Maja Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 8:47 am
Flip,
I’m really not quite sure you completely understand all aspects of mental illness. Although Doe’s post was in innocence and intended to inspire, your post was not very positive at all.
I don’t think it was a nice thing to say. My mother suffered from schizophrenia for a very long time. She did do some lovely artwork in hospital, but she killed herself this summer over a delusion she had that someone was out to get her. So, it’s really a double-edged sword; I guess there are some positives to being mentally ill (perhaps creatively, and in being able to think differently to others), but the negatives outweigh the positives tenfold (in most cases).
I just hope that you can understand that your post was somewhat insensitive, and I’m sure that there are some people in this world who feel their illness to be a curse (such as my mum).
Maja
Flip Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Actually the entire point of my post was to be offensive.
I have a perfect understanding of mental illness being diagnosed with several myself. I know and am aware of the ramifications.
Im sorry about your mother, but I am not sorry for calling out people being offended by Doe’s post at all.
Cause there is no reason for them to be offended by hers, mine however, was meant to be offensive. I stated that in my final line.
-Flip
Chelly Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 11:46 pm
Love EA!
Victoriellah Reply:
May 1, 2011 at 4:38 pm
Emilie is simply as lovely as she is talented. I thought I was like the only person in the world who knows who she was. That’s what I love about Doe’s blog; its almost like a gathering place for insanely creative people who all have some sort of common ground. :)
Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth” is my favorite movie of all time. Everything from the costume ball to the MC Escher staircase scene is so so weird and fantastic. LOVE IT!!
(And who doesn’t love gratuitous David Bowie crotch shots?!)
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Labyrinth is so bizarre and full of inspiration! And omg, I think I need to watch it again because I somehow missed the crotch shots!!! hahaha
Kristie Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 6:08 pm
How could you miss them?
I remember watching it as a child and thinking woah..settle down I don’t need to see David Bowie that closely thank you haha
Kristi Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 6:53 pm
I liked David Bowie in The Man who fell to earth. Didn’t know he was in the Labyrinth too.
Rickey Reply:
October 25, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Hahaha… how can you watch Labyrinth (fabulous film, btw) and not catch the David Bowie crotch shots?
You could have worded this better. I know you didn’t mean it in an offensive way, but using the word “madness” was just stupid.
the cabinet of doctor caligari!
Tanya Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 11:28 am
YESSSSSS!!! xD
i love this post. beetlejuice was my favorite movie as a child.. =]
I love the picture of Christian Dior’s faboo makeup! Its so spring-y…
I’m pretty sure that she wasn’t saying its glamorous to have an actual mental disorder…keyword here is ECCENTRICITY. To anyone who feels that their existence is deeply rooted in creativity and art, the term ‘madness’ does not imply that you are depressed or a schizophrenic. It means that you enjoy the things that are antithesis of ‘normal’.
So don’t be offended by someone who is glamorizing artistic madness and inflammation of the heart by beautiful things…go be offended by the people who came up with the dumb t-shirts that say things like ‘the voices told me to do it!’that you see teenyboppers wearing, who clearly think that mental illness is a cool thing to advertise.
Mandy Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Oh and I forgot! Rocky Horror Picture Show! I want to be Magenta for a day…
Heathre Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Dude… RHPS is so where it’s at!
Rickey Reply:
October 25, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Hehehe… I went to school one day as Magenta… epically fun. Big tall wig and everything. :D
http://brilliantmindbrokenbody.wordpress.com/2010/10/17/i-am-not-your-metaphor/
My favourite bizarre movie would be “Tideland”, not a wellknown film, but I just love it! ;)
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 9:47 pm
I loved that movie! I know lots of people who hated it but I thought it was beautiful in a bizarre kind of way…
Camila Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 8:04 am
I know! I recommended it once, and they said I was completely out of my mind for thinking it was good!
But it’s just amazing!
;)
Being an artist inspired by science and “classified” science (anti-gravity, hyper-dimensional physics, UFO propulsion, esoteric science, etc) I’m inspired by anything “mad scientist” related. I hope to one day own a(n) science/art lab filled and decorated with all sorts of stuff. When you did that “mad scientist” photoshoot and shared it on twitter.. I got really excited. :)
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Yay! I love the whole ‘Mad Scientist’ concept and the pictures turned out amazing! I’ll be sharing them soon :)
Rien Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 11:23 am
Like Dr. Steel! I love him :)
http://worlddominationtoys.com/drsteel/enter.html
Here’s a picture from the movie:
http://img5.allocine.fr/acmedia/medias/nmedia/18/35/86/81/18645021.jpg
Just one more thing; I wouldn’t recommend it for the faint of heart!
Haha! This is a super cute post. I kept finding myself saying after each line you wrote, “Or Goth!” because a lot of the images are what Goths love!
All those people who find this post offensive need to get themselves to the hospital to remove the poles up their asses! They are the kinds of Americans that made me move to Australia, where nothing is taken seriously and everyone is happier for it!
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Hehe, a lot of the Goth aesthetic is inspired by madness, very true. Part of the reason I love it so much. :)
The elephants on parade scene in Dumbo! seen it? I know you’ll love it! it’s pretty mad
Oh and my friend showed me this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHqjMhD04uA
I love creative madness like that!
Alice in Wonderland of course. Picasso, oh wow I could go on!!
One of my faves, though, would have to be the Arch Bug from Earthworm Jim! he’s an AWESOME madman!
One flew over the cuckoos nest is great for something a bit more serious
Lost Highway by David Lynch
……
“If you’ve watched every single Johnny Depp movie, including Sweeney Todd, you’re probably mad.”
Well, I do it! all the time! I sing the Sweeney Todd’s songs, I quote phrases of From Hell… I think I always knew this, but I’m completely MAD!
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 10:03 pm
I’m totally obsessed with everything Johnny Depp did! He is truly a one of a kind actor and we are so fortunate to have him.
If you’re seeing double, chances are you’re looking at twins. Or have been knocked on the head. Or are drunk. Not mad. Watching Johnny Depp play a madman does not make you mad. Dior is dead, not mad. Knowing the name of an instrument (that looks like an organ) does not make you mad.
I get where you’re coming from aesthetics-wise, but none of these things are symptoms or causes of madness. Fact-checking is always a good idea!
Doe Deere Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 10:05 pm
“Mad” is a metaphor. I think it’s pretty clear I wasn’t diagnosing anybody’s medical condition there. ;)
Karen Reply:
October 27, 2010 at 2:02 pm
the instrument IS an organ. Just wanted to say.
oh the reference for your ‘mad’, Doe, is the one and only Emilie Autumn, a wonderful creative lady to all victorian standards.
It really upsets me that you had the nerve to post this. Whether you were talking about mental illness or not, this post still uses the term ‘madness’, which only perpetuates the stigma. The things you are talking about in this post are just gothic or eccentric. Please stop using jargon that perpetuates the notion that mental illness or, more offensively worded, ‘madness’ is a fashionable and quirky trait that makes you a modern day Wednesday Addams.
vampy Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 11:24 pm
there is nothing offensive in this post. embrace the madness, sweets.
Rickey Reply:
October 25, 2010 at 11:25 pm
“It really upsets me that you had the nerve to post this.”
1. There’s nothing in here that would require nerve to post.
2. Nerve is what Doe is ABOUT! Doe makes a living off her nerve, and that’s why you read this blog!
Rickey <3
Wow, some people are just a tad too uptight. Get your panties out of a wad, people, there is nothing offensive about this post.
Two of the most inspiring movies I’ve ever seen are Pan’s Labyrinth (an obvious choice: brilliant music, a stunning story, beautiful tragedy) and Paprika (an extremely bizarre Japanese anime movie about dreams). I love things that defy the norm and make me think and even have the possibility change my beliefs. :)
Also, just for the record, about the offense that some took from this post, if you read Doe’s other posts, it’s obvious that she’s not insensitive. Generally speaking, the word “mad” in modern usage is usually referring to eccentricity rather than clinical insanity. For example, we don’t get offended by the usage of the word “mad” in the Mad Hatter.
Emilie “Mad Fingers” Autumn!!!! seriously.
I don’t know what the big deal is about, you can tell be the quote this isn’t meant to be taken seriously. People need to lighten up. I suffer from a mental illness and i don’t find it offensive, if anything I find it funny.
vampy Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 11:29 pm
as do I, and I so agree! If you can’t laugh about it you’re screwed.
Clara Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 12:13 pm
It is nice to know that your interpretation gets to dictate how I feel about the post. Saying you are mentally ill but don’t find this offensive, and therefore no one will, is like saying something racist and then hastily adding “But I have black friends, and they don’t mind.” Your reality =/= my reality
I think everyone has a little mad side! I know I am not the most normal person, not because I look mad, or I dress weird. It´s because I am in the outside what I am in the inside.
And I just love things involving the human brain, I think that is the most inspiring thing about madness.
No one can really understand the perfection of the brain! And at the same time, it is so fragile, that anything can change wen you damage it.
Pan’s Labyrinth, and Mirrormask are both movies with strong visuals, both about girls in bad situations who turn to madness (or magic, but the lines are often blurred) to resolve them, with opposite results, but both are poignant, and very beautiful.
There’s another movie, too, Cassandra Cat, a (possibly) ukrainian film from the 60′s (i think) that, while it doesn’t really deal with madness or retreat from reality as such, shows a generalized madness with people’s perceptions of what is ‘normal’ and ‘acceptable’.
Which brings me to my next point. What is ‘normal’ and ‘acceptable’ is not usually what is creative, or new. Things that are outside the norm, or outside the comfort zone are often seen as mad, or crazy. This causes revulsion in some people, while being a great force of attraction in others.
Terminology is important, yes, but come on, folks. The poeple here posting about how it’s ‘offensive’ or ‘how dare you’, i’ll bet have said things like ‘omg, that’s crazy!’, or ‘you’re nuts” or “that’s insane”. And haven’t thought anything of it. So don’t get all faux-defensive.
Another point to bear in mind, is that a lot of people with actual mental illnesses use the label as a positive thing, a way of taking the label and absorbing it, in order to help themselves deal with the repercussions of their illness. realizing who you are, your weaknesses and the strengths that can arise from them is an effective coping mechanism.
I’ve been institutionalized, and the girls i met at the mental institute were divided into 2 groups, that i noticed. the ones who refused their ‘madness’, ignoring it and insisting that it didn’t exist were the ones who did not improve significantly. the ones who suffered just as much, but accepted or even embraced it, and channeled it towards creativity of any kind were the ones who were managed it, and could control it the best. They were also the ones who bragged about how ‘crazy’ they were, and joked about it. Of course i’m not including the people who suffer from the more debilitating mental diseases, who are not lucid or aware. I’m talking about the most common mental illnesses, eating disorders, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.
And yes, its always annoying to hear some angsty teenager talk about how crazy and disturbed he or she is, but then again, who’s to say she isn’t? puberty wreaks havoc on hormones, and perception, and emotions, and expressing that inner mental turmoil in a creative way, by adopting a persona or embracing a (perceivedly) negative term can really help.
I’ve rambled enough, but the point is, basically, that anything outside the norm is often considered “mad”, and those who suffer from certain forms of actual “madness” often use the term to make themselves feel unique and powerful, which helps ease the suffering quite a lot more than bland, sterilized words and a lot of pity coddling.
Cai Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 11:55 pm
I absolutely agree with your post. :) You made an excellent point.
Also, I had to reply simply because I adore Mirrormask and I’ve never met (even online) someone else who has even heard of it. xD
Jean Marie Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Ha! I just posted about Mirror Mask and scrolled up to see you did as well. I feel the same way about it. It gets far too little attention.
Doe Deere Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 12:04 am
Thanks for a great insight, sweetie! I agree that talking (or joking!) about it can be very therapeutic.
Shybiker Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 8:48 am
There’s a lot of valuable insight in this comment, including mention of the sociology of deviance. Thanks for sharing and helping improve the discussion.
I would definitely classify Terry Gilliam’s “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” as delightfully mad. Here’s the poster: http://bit.ly/aekuto
Doe, and everyone, if you haven’t seen it, please *please* do! Heath Ledger’s very last film. It’s absolutely beautiful.
Oh no, a post I made seems to have merged with my other one :O
MonsterFace Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 11:53 pm
hah! you and i seem to have posted very similar long, rambling posts!
/highfive
Flip Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 1:49 am
*highfive* :3
I find it funny that people are getting mad about madness…
Jenny Sixto Reply:
October 20, 2010 at 11:53 pm
Me too!
I personally love this post and I completely understand you never meant anything hurtful or disrespectful with this post. Sometimes you do have to let your hair down and go crazy to unwind. There’s no point in taking everything so seriously the whole time! Where’s the fun in that!
Beetlejuice is a fav of mine, and on a more serious note I love the film Girl, Interupted!
Candy Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 3:20 am
I lalalove that movie!!!!!!!
Camila Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 8:13 am
I loved Angelina Jolie’s performance in that movie, she realy looked like she lived through something that wasn’t shown. Agreed, one good movies! :)
As someone who is “mad”, I didn’t find your post at all offensive. None of what you posted depicts true madness, just Hollywood’s version of it.
I’m bipolar (among other things), as I know you are, and I’m sure we have similar experiences with mania and hypomania and the crazy things we’ve done during those episodes. To glamorize that would be offensive. This is not.
Embracing the “mad” or eccentric parts of me is fun to do when I can leave the real danger from a real illness up to my psychiatrist to deal with.
Wow. That was actually directed more at the thread of comments following this post, rather than to the actual post itself. Language can hurt, yes. Personally, suffering from a mental illness, I don’t find this post offensive. I find some of the comments in this thread to be so [slightly]. Not the post.
Anyone who has a problem with how this terminology is used colloquially needs to step back for a moment and examine things a little more thoroughly. Primarily, intention. I say this because there are so many terms used in conversation today that can be extremely offensive to some people. For example, the term “gay” being used to denote something negative or bad. I do find this offensive, but when someone uses it, I don’t stand up and say “How dare you use that word in that way! You are completely ignorant”. I try to understand their intention, and help them understand why it hurts me. Snippy remarks and hurtful retaliation only create conflict.
Stigmatizing mental illness in this way is just one of many potentially offensive ways to use language. We have all surely offended someone with [seemingly harmless] language. No, it may not have been the intention, but it has probably happened.
Please, just think about that. Thank you.
Doe, I really do hope anyone who was offended by this post does read your apologies and understand you did not intend this to be offensive in any way.
Clara Reply:
October 21, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Just because she didn’t realize she was being offensive doesn’t give her a carte blanche to ignore the loyal followers who have been hurt by her lack of tact and reflection. Her “apology” was more “I’m sorry you’re so sensitive,” and less “I realize I should think before I post.”