I am sure we have all heard about the Beebs latest stunt. He was recently arrested for a DUI in Miami and on top of that he is underage. And yes it's easy to make fun of him, he is kind of a big dummy sometimes... but let's try something else instead.
I found this article on NPR yesterday and it really hit home for me. Why is our first move to automatically make fun of celebrities that are struggling and are in trouble instead of our first thought be to help them? In the NPR article they show this clip of Craig Ferguson from a few years ago when Britney Spears was going through all her crap. (The clip is about 13 mins long, but it's interesting and it is good.)
Now, I am not trying to make people feel guilty for drinking or feel guilty for making fun of celebrities when they do dumb things. For me this isn't even really an issue of JBeebs, he is just the latest celeb to do something dumb with alcohol... it's more the issue of how we deal with alcohol and alcoholism as a society that bothers me. We make jokes about alcohol and treat it so carelessly; but then we shun alcoholics and make people feel embarrassed when it does actually become a problem for them. Alcohol and addiction is a serious thing - so let's treat it like one. It is an illness, not something to laugh at. I am not an alcoholic myself, but it runs in my family and it is something that hits very close to home. Alcoholism not only affects the person struggling with it, but all of the people involved in an alcoholic's life. I think maybe it's time for us to all start taking it more seriously...but what do I know?
PS. If you ever want to read a beautiful book on addiction pick up Beautiful Boy by David Sheff or Tweak by David's son Nic Sheff.
And since I don't want to get too serious on this post today, I still want to leave you with a #backthatazzup song. Obviously, we have to go with the Beebs.
23 comments
To be honest, I think it all depends on who the celebrity is. I feel like in some cases people feel bad for them because the celebrity seems so kind and genuine and you can relate to them. Justin Bieber is just a fucking assclown. Does it make it "better". Not at all. I honestly hope he does get the help he needs though... I actually used to like him but he's turned into a MAJOR DOUCHE!
LOVE that acoustic version! And J. Biebs doesn't annoy me as much as his fans annoy me. Justin clearly needs some help and guidance from someone, but his loyal fans need to cool their jets.
I realize that Bieber is 19 and fully capable of making his own decisions and understanding that his actions have consequences but at the same time, we all did stupid shit when we were 19. we just didn't have cameras following us 24/7. yes he should set a better example but i also feel like his parents should step in and be PARENTS but they just use his fame for their own gain. it's really sad. he clearly needs guidance.
Let me just say, I feel horrible for people like Justin and Britney. Love them both (and not even sorry about it). Granted they chose this life BUT be all go a little crazy from time to time but fortunately for us, we don't have cameras following us around and papers reporting about our every move. They are humans and I am assuming fame is not easy, especially when so young. I will def check out that video at some point though.
And of course I chose a Biebs song too:)
Cheers,
Alyson
I don't think I'm laughing at him so much as thinking he got what he deserved. He does have a problem that I am familiar with as it runs in my family too. He's not relatable for me though, he's a spoiled asshat who is still young enough to have his parents giving him direction not blocking off the street to help him race. That's enabling and no wonder he's a freaking asshat.
I actually felt sorry for Britney and am so glad she's turned her life around with the help of her family. Her I relate to and empathize with.
go you for defending them! seems like more often than not celebrities live reckless lifestyles. i mean, it must suck having papparazzi following you all the time
You know what, you're right. I never thought about it like that. Although I'm not an alcoholic, my mom was. That's the reason she isn't here anymore. But yet, just last night, I was commenting on how "stupid" Justin is for being so careless. When I read that he had also been "high" on anti-depressants, that's when it hit me: he's drinking and acting careless most likely because his fame has made him depressed. When I see celebrities getting in trouble for drinking though, I'm quick to shove it aside and respond with, "That's just a celebrity being a celebrity." I've never thought to think of the problems they probably have that surrounds their drinking.
My dad is a recovering Alcoholic and Meth addict. I have a soft spot in my heart for people who struggle with this. Even though Bieber drives me nuts, I hope he takes care of himself.
Alcoholism runs in my family, so I'm not one to make light of issues like this. However, I think what irks me about the Biebs is that he is so very irresponsible - acting as though his fame is a burden. In all reality, he's probably depressed and going through a horrible time, too, but his scoffing at repercussions angers me because I hate the cycle of alcoholism.
i think I agree with amanda. it's true we shouldn't make fun of them but depending on who it is that could change. i am angry with the enablers that he is surrounded with. they are really the problem.
i think I agree with amanda. it's true we shouldn't make fun of them but depending on who it is that could change. i am angry with the enablers that he is surrounded with. they are really the problem.
I think Justin Beiber is just a dumb kid doing dumb kid things. If we were all under a microscope I am sure a vast majority of us would look pretty foolish. I saw that book the other day, Beautiful Boy, and was about to buy it and didn't. Definitely want to read it.
I don't know what I would be doing if I was his age with all of that money!
Oh, the cons of being famous....he's probably going through a lot right now, but it's his own responsibility to get help for himself. It doesn't seem like he wants it by the way he keeps acting. But, he's also young and stupid, so he probably wouldn't choose to do the right thing right now. I hope he gets the help that he needs.
When I got around to reading the article I was like the team he has around him are morons and enablers...closing off the street by blocking it with their SUV's??? Did they just think Miami PD was going to be like....oh okay you got this under control??? It shows when they don't have a strong support system in their family and they surround themselves with "yes" people....it is sad because he is talented but with too much money and no limits.
I hate hate hate that addiction has become such a major joke. It isn't a joke, it's an actual struggle. And while I can't say I feel genuinely sorry for the biebs, I can say that I feel bad for many child stars and the pressure that is put on them. They don't live in the "real world", they've grown up with spotlight and pressure...it's why SO many of them are screwed up.
I'm a belieber. I love his perfume. Hopefully, he learns from this and doesn't keep getting in trouble.
Amen, sister. I need to read this books. Now.
Random thought, though: most people (especially girls, but it goes both ways) I know who are overweight or even full-on fat have said they wish their drug of choice was not food, but alcohol, that instead of reaching for Ben & Jerry's, we'd reach for the Jack Daniels, because being alcoholic or having a drug addiction IS significantly more socially acceptable than being fat. So there's that.
I'm not a Justin fan one way or the other. It is sad though to see young people like that mess there life up. When you really think about what he is doing to himself its not funny. Hope he gets his life back together and can get better! Don't want to see anyone hurting themselves. I also see why people do make fun though bc he is a celeb.
-Jennie
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i'm not surprised this happened to him. i think it shows they are people. sure they have a different life, but some people can't handle pressure and deal with it using alcohol. on the other hand, many celebs are surrounded by "yes" people, friends and family wanting some of the limelight, when they need to have those that keep them grounded.
I actually just wrote a post about books I want to read... You've convinced me to add Beautiful Boy to my list!
I think you make a really good point. However, I think some of the ridicule with celebrities is that they could have it all and they choose to waste it away. They can invite any entertainment they would ever want into their homes, travel anywhere, hire any car to take them to any club, and yet they make awful decisions. I think it goes beyond alcoholism and onto the entitlement of celebrities, especially those without a real childhood, and how they can't handle the fame and spotlight these days. Either way, it's really sad, but in some ways, some of them did it to themselves. (Basically I just want to shake Justin Bieber and say "MAKE BETTER CHOICES!")
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