If Heath Ledger was such a "genius" (todays newspaper), why didn't he manage his drug addiction better?

Question

This "genius", who now, naturally, is being compared to James Dean (another druggie), didn't even make it to 30 before he killed himself with drugs. Shouldn't the message be: don't do drugs,they are killers, and that the "it won't happen to me" attitude shows anything but genius.......instead of these tired post-mortem characterizations of the lost genius? The list of these dead drug genuises gets longer all the time. Billie Holiday, Montgomery Clift, Lenny Bruce, Judy Garland, Elvis Presley, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, John Belushi, Richard Pryor, River Phoenix, Heath Ledger. Who's next? Amy Winehouse would be a reasonable guess. Then we'll read that she was a genius as great as Billie Holiday, an incomparable talent (except little talent for remaining among the living)......the only trouble was that she was such a pathetic addict that was so far gone that she needed cocaine while she was on stage, performing. Real genius there.

Answer 1

Have you never been told not to speak ill of the dead? God forbid you should ever have a problem like theirs.  Hopefully if you ever do, people will be more understanding than you are being.

I am not a particular fan of any of those you named but no-one deserves to die because of their inability to help themselves out of an addiction which, after all, is just an illness like any other.  A little tolerance would not go amiss.

Shame on you!

Answer 2

I hope you're not trying to imply that somebody cannot be a genius just because they made mistakes? Last I checked, genius was not an all or nothing thing!

Researchers have found traces of hallucinogenic compounds and clay pipes inside William Shakespeare's home.  If it is true that he used, would you say that he is not a genius?

What about Ludwig van Beethoven, a manic depressive and raging alcoholic? You thin Britney's life is a train wreck, read about him!

Were these people idiots too?

Heath may have used recreational drugs for enjoyment, but what killed him was an overdose on sleeping pills that he was taking because his depression kept him up at night.

You need to remember that nobody is perfect.

Answer 3

It just comes down to the fact that he was another poor little rich guy who couldn't handle life.  And there is nothing "genius" about that.

Answer 4

It is obvious none of you have ever been prescribed sleeping pills.  Well  I have.  It felt like I was dying the first time I took it.  Some things you can't take back.

Answer 5

Good question.  I don't see any genius there.  I doesn't take genius to see the danger of falling into the same old entertainer as addict trap.  "It will never happen to me."

Janet:  You are absolutely correct about the depth of addiction.  And this is no secret to anyone capable of rational thought.  Was Ledger somehow unaware of this? These people who are supposed to be so terribly bright and talented (and I assume who would like to stay alive, and use their talents) should be capable of deciding not to start down that slippery slope to begin with.  They are aware of how many people have died because of a drug habit, but they all share the same smug, arrogant attitude that "It might have killed Elvis, but it won't kill me.  No never.  Not me."   He was wrong.

To all of the drug addict sympathizers below:   How do you get addicted if you never start in the first place?   The geniuses are the ones who refuse to start with drugs.   I get tired of hearing how hard it is to fight addiction.   How about saying "no" from the start??????

Answer 6

I don't believe you understand the depth of addiction.  It is not a simple matter of managing a problem - addiction is an all-consuming, brain-altering phenomenon that overtakes common sense and rational thought.

Yes, it does appear "pathetic," but try to have a little compassion for those whose lives have been lost to addiction.

Answer 7

I have to agree with you.  It is disgusting how the media portray these stupid drug addicts who play music or who are actors.  Even their own community holds them in high regard and for what really, did they come up with medical cures, create technology that actually helps people, build communities for the homeless.  I mean really if we did not have these musicians and or actors in our lives, would life cease to progress?  But, if we did not have progress in the medical and technology communities, air and space, architectural, and mathematical community we are in serious trouble.  Do we hear about the scientist or doctor who died of an overdose? NO!  Lets stop glorifying these individuals who should have no influence in our lives.

Answer 8

everyone who dies because amazing and a hero

even if they are scum of the earth

if something tragic happen to george bush

he will be seen as the best president ever

Answer 9

I agree totally with Raen. You go girl!