One of my favorite Onion headlines from Our Dumb Century, a look back at the 20th century through fake front pages of The Onion, was from 1963: “Boy Bitten by Radioactive Spider Dies of Leukemia.”
We pretend the obviously fatal accidents in comic books turn certain people into magical beings with god-like abilities. But it could never happen, could it?
Sometimes it seems like it’s not just fiction. In real life, Tyler Perry suffered horrific childhood abuse. And instead of being an unresponsive mental patient for the rest of his life—or killing himself as a teen—he became a billionaire creator and media mogul.
Comedians like Chevy Chase, Norm MacDonald, and Roseanne Barr were victims of terrible childhood abuse. They turned their pain into success, too, just like dozens—if not hundreds—of other top movie stars, musicians, and writers.
Is trauma like a radioactive spider bite that turns regular people into entertainment super stars? Do they harness tragedy in their lives to become more likable, funnier, more emotive, or more ambitious?
No.
To say certain people heroically overcome their abuse and somehow use it as fuel to become rich and famous implies that regular victims are losers for having complex PTSD and failing to turn their childhood trauma into a superpower. The vast majority of abuse victims grow up out of the spotlight, suffering in silence.
The number of stars who endured childhood abuse is no different than the general population: one in seven. The ratio is certainly higher. Statistics represent only those who report. Most victims are too afraid or ashamed to report.
Whatever the case, there are far too many monsters out there abusing kids. It’s an epidemic. Not nearly enough is done to protect them. Not nearly enough is done to educate the rest of us to spot warning signs and help caregivers intervene on kids’ behalf.
I’m happy for all the success these big stars have enjoyed, and maybe their trauma fueled it, but they’re the exception. I’d trade it all in tomorrow to save just one kid from abuse.
I had written a play for my 9th grade drama class to perform for the school. My mom was full of rage and violence. One day, I was walking down the school hallway in front of two teachers when one of them said to the other, “Someday I’ll be able to tell people that I knew Kenny Gullette before he was famous.” That one comment lifted me. I remember it now 57 years later. It’s one reason I am drawn to Scott. He encourages, uplifts, and yet offers helpful critique. Not only is it helpful to learn from his coaching, I also learn from his coaching method.
This is a timely read for me. I was just about to randomly scream at my 5 month old to try and encourage artistic growth. I might just try and nurture her lovingly instead. It seems like a lot more work though