By
Chris Heide,
Matthew Jackson
January 24, 2008
THIS ISN’T YOUR TRAGEDY
Heath Ledger is dead. He was found Tuesday afternoon in a SoHo apartment, dead from apparant drug-related causes.
I am not a Heath Ledger fan. He wasn’t an amazing actor, I don’t understand his status as a ‘hunk’ and he mumbled far too much. I only watched his movies when more fascinating celebrities were involved — like Jake Gyllenhaal and Shannyn Sossamon.
Buying beef jerky and tea at the HUB on Tuesday, I wondered why everyone was talking about Ledger. As soon as I went online, I figured it out. People have had an idol taken from them.
I get it — I follow celebrity news and sport a huge crush on Natalie Portman. I’m addicted to the film industry. But really, these are people we never knew. We never spoke to Heath Ledger. We never exchanged cards or presents with him, and we never hung out with him at a bar.
“Celebrity” is strange — we feel like we know these people through movies, gossip blogs and magazines. Our reactions to their life issues are intense. They’re strong enough to inspire Team Aniston vs. Team Pitt debates. We all listened to the Anna Nicole Smith story; Heath Ledger isn’t different.
But why does it matter?
We expect celebrities to be like diamonds: beautiful, shiny and last forever. Obviously this is ridiculous, but we look to celebrities for a lot.
They represent the epitome of “unattainable,” but we still use them as a ruler to judge whether we are beautiful or happy enough. They show us how to dress, and it gives us pleasure to see them hook up and engage in romances and relationships, even when we’re aware that they were scripted, directed and edited for relevance and artistic impact.
When idols die young — like James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Jim Morrison or Kurt Cobain — it freaks us out. These perfect, ideal people actually die. They aren’t supposed to die; they show what our lives should be like. Look at the irony — how happy can this possibly make us?
It’s sick how we lament over these tragedies. Women committed suicide when Rudolph Valentino died in 1926. It’s tragic when Owen Wilson attempts to take his life, when a stunning starlet makes self-destructive choices and when Heath Ledger is found dead. But why are we mourning so passionately?
Yes, he was a part of our lives, but in a very superficial way. The part of Heath Ledger we share is still alive — pop in a DVD of A Knight’s Tale or Brokeback Mountain whenever you want. Be disappointed that there won’t be new Heath Ledger movies after The Dark Knight — maybe even cry, but keep our perspective. This is happening to other people.
His death doesn’t affect you. It really doesn’t. It’s sad when anybody loses his or her life, and my heart goes out to Heath Ledger’s parents, sisters, Michelle Williams, his young daughter and those who knew him personally.
While his family and friends deal with their loss, I hope his fans maintain perspective. It’s sad, but don’t get carried away.
[Reach columnist Matthew Jackson at opinion@thedaily.washington.edu.]
LEDGER’S DEATH ILLUSTRATES SOCIETY’S FEAR OF EXPRESSING EMOTION
As many of you already know, Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday. Given the recent tabloid obsessions with certain other celebrities, it’s truly disheartening and surprising to see his life cut short.
Although Ledger’s autopsy was inconclusive, it appears that Ledger’s death may be related to several medications that were found near his body. His untimely death should serve as an allegory for a growing epidemic within American culture — the masking of personal pain until it’s too much to deal with.
Despite his seemingly shy, dark demeanor, Ledger is one of the last celebrities I would have expected to die at such a young age. Given that he stays mostly out of the spotlight, and is actually talented, it’s hard for the public to know what led to his untimely demise. His sense of normalcy appeared to be stronger than other media-centric celebrities, such as Britney Spears.
But appearances can be deceiving.
More often than not, people bury their personal pain, issues and struggles so deep within themselves that they often wreak irrevocable havoc when they finally erupt. Although Americans are more open with their feelings today than they were 50 years ago, it’s blatantly apparent that we still have a long way to go in the expression of our emotions. People still don’t know how to express their personal pain to others without feeling like a burden.
As with many people, it seems that Ledger was trying to find his place both in life and within his industry. Ledger didn’t feel a sense of accomplishment until his Oscar nomination for Brokeback Mountain.
“In a way, I was spoon-fed a career,” he told The Glasgow Herald in 2005. “It was fully manufactured by a studio that believed it could put me on their posters and turn me into a product. … I hadn’t figured out properly how to act, and all of a sudden I was being thrown into these lead roles. I felt that choices were being made for me, so I feel this has been my time now to find the good stories and test myself.”
It’s always important that we never compromise our personal integrity or sense of self-worth just to make others happy. If that’s done, the successes that arise will be hollow. It’s unlikely that any person who forces himself or herself into a preordained role will be able to achieve true happiness and contentment with themselves.
Although his death has yet to be ruled a suicide, it seems that Ledger was attempting to mask his pain last year. He eerily told In Touch Weekly that he was ready to die because he could live on in his child.
Apparently, Ledger was also having trouble sleeping in recent months, hence the prescription pills.
It comes down to this: there are always signs of an individual’s pain. While it seems easier to deal with your own pain, a sense of empathy for one’s fellow man should drive you to reach out to another person who’s suffering. All that’s needed is for people to be aware of those around them. In an age where it’s still “unmanly” for men to express their feelings, Ledger was clearly making his pain known in the only way he knew how. More often than not, by the time people reach out to help those in pain, it’s too late.
This unforeseen ending to Ledger’s life should serve as a lesson to all: It’s time to express your feelings and recognize those of others. I’m not suggesting that we become a “touchy-feely” nation; rather, we need to increase our sense of empathy in order to prevent ourselves from becoming hardened, uncaring automatons.
[Reach columnist Chris Heide at opinion@thedaily.washington.edu.]
30 Comments
#1 peace
on January 23, 2008 at 9:47 p.m.(New Orleans, LA | Unverified Name)
Mathew Jackson is truly an a88whol. It is one thing to not care. Fine, don't care. But to instill that others shouldn't care because you don't is just an a88hwol. An opinion is an opinion, but have some respect. It is called humanity. Did you say that when people died during 9-11? Did you write a column and tell the world that if you didn't know anyone personally then why should it effect us? I cant believe the University of Washington would allow someone with your ignorance to 1. claim you as a columnist and 2. want you as a columnist. On top of it, I get an error message telling me to "watch my mouth" because I called you an a88whol. Unbelievable. If you have the freedom of speech to post what you did about another human being, then I should have those same rights.
#2 Chris
on January 23, 2008 at 10:18 p.m.(Los Angeles, CA | Unverified Name)
Awwww, you're so cool Mathew, so detached, I'm all hard reading how realistic you are about Heath, so full of opinions on how we should feel and respond. Get over yourself. Sometimes being contrary is such a bore.
#3 SophiaV
on January 23, 2008 at 10:20 p.m.(Niles, IL | Unverified Name)
Any death is tragic. Especially the death of one's family member or friend. Heath Ledger was not a family member of mine nor a friend. But it should be understood by most that when someone is of celebrity status, a death will "mean" more in the sense of being covered by media and being bombarded with gossip or facts. Either way, people pay attention to it and to disregard him and his death is not ethical.
Personally, I wasn't the biggest fan of Heath Ledger. I thought his work was very good. He took roles that were not easy. He reminded me of the type of actor that could be the next Johnny Depp. His acting was deep and personal, and he did not take mediocre roles given to most young up and coming stars. Nevertheless, to just say that he is a celebrity and these things happen, makes me feel a different kind of sadness. I didn't know Heath Ledger, but from what sources say and from what pictures show, he was not the typical Hollywood star. He had class, talent, and poise. No matter how he died, he should not be compared to an Anna Nicole Smith. She was an interesting and captivating person, but to do that to Heath, whose autopsy has not been confirmed yet, would be truly unfair. No matter how Heath Ledger died, he was a gifted actor, who took the challenge and met it. I wish the best to his family and friends.
#4 Karen
on January 24, 2008 at 7:35 a.m.(Atlanta, GA | Unverified Name)
You sound like a bitter, jealous man. Why do you care if people thought he was a "hunk" or not? Your first comment was about his looks. Sounds like the guy in highschool that couldnt get a date. I hope for your sake, people still read the garbage you write. You were not a big fan of Heath Ledger, I bet he never anything you ever wrote, I am sorry I stumbled upon it myself. The University of Washington calls you a journalist, be glad, no one else does. You are a pathetic , ignorant, moron. You dont have anything more productive to write about the pain, any person feels when someone dies. You are a sad egomaniac. What a shame the people who entertain us and make us happy die, and , well , people who write garbage, keep on writing garbage.!!!! Get over your self.
#5 Avery
on January 24, 2008 at 8:15 a.m.(Akron, OH | Unverified Name)
I'm glad you had this epiphany Chris! Now you can sleep at night. It's called "relating". For instance, I could relate with his acting. I really have to disagree on your idea of Heath Ledger not being an amazing actor. You mentioned Jake Gyllenhaal as a fascinating actor. He's good yes, but fascinating? Jake hasn't the stretch in his acting abilty that Heath did. Jakes like a singer that has one good note they hit all the time. I'm a big Heath Ledger fan but, I didn't cry over his death. I mourn his passing, and will miss his acting abilty on the screen. As far as people over reacting over the death of someone they never met? I would have to question the person that minimalizes the passing of a person before one that might inflate it.
#6 ColoradoGirl
on January 24, 2008 at 9:20 a.m.(Denver, CO | Unverified Name)
Matthew, you are an insensitive jerk.
#7 Scott
on January 24, 2008 at 12:03 p.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
Wow. I wonder...if all the stories and reports had been about how terrible an actor Ledger was or if no one had really shown any emotion at his passing, would you have changed your article into one of praise and mourning, just so you could say something different? Don't try to criticize others for having feelings you don't share. If you have nothing good to say, just keep quiet.
#8 LoveThatDoll
on January 24, 2008 at 12:06 p.m.(None, None | Unverified Name)
I don't usually blog, but couldn't help myself with this one. You're an idiot! I'm not a huge Heath Ledger fan, but I couldn't help feeling sad at his death, so young with so much potential, and leaving behind a little girl who will never know her father. BTW - that's Team Aniston vs. Team Jolie (NOT Pitt)... Aren't "journalists" supposed to know their facts?
#9 Jon
on January 24, 2008 at 1 p.m.(El Paso, TX | Unverified Name)
One thing. Chris, you look like such a hypocrite. You wrote a column on how people are unreasonably effected by Heath Ledger's death and how we let celebrities impact our lives as far as to make teams and whatnot debate on such subjects. Ha, and here you are writing a column! Looks like you have been effected more than most of us fans who think its sad and tragic for such a talented person's life to be cut short. Are you not unlike those "Aniston vs. Pitt" teams? Well, if you could respond to the readers comments, i think we would have a debate here. So the only thing that i gather from your ignorant column is that you are a hypocrite and not a fan of Heath Ledger. It's so funny because you realy look stupid now...
#10 Michelle
on January 24, 2008 at 1:15 p.m.(Mystic, CT | Unverified Name)
Matthew whatever the hell your name is. you are an assshole
#11 Matilda
on January 24, 2008 at 1:22 p.m.(Mystic, CT | Unverified Name)
WHY WOULD ANYONE TAKE THE TIME TO WRITE SOMETHING OFFENSIVE ABOUT SOMEONE THAT DIED. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT. IF SOMEONE ISN'T A FAN OF SOMEONE THATS ONE THING, BUT YOU DON'T WRITE SOMETHING LIKE THIS.
YOU ARE AN IGNOARANT BASTARD THAT NEEDS TO GO GET A FEW THINGS STRAIGHT.
#12 Amazed...
on January 24, 2008 at 3:08 p.m.(Dartmouth, Canada | Unverified Name)
I am truly amazed that the death of someone, be it anyone doesn't make you feel even the slightest bit of sympathy. Are you human? Unfortunately for you, you are an empty "person" who has no consideration or feelings for other people. I hope that Heath's family stumbles upon this ad, accidently as I did to let you know what a shallow piece of sh*t you are. Maybe if something had happened to you at a young age, some other piece of sh*t might talk about how much they don't give a crap. Too bad at that time you wouldn't be around to see it. I am sure you'd have something to say then now wouldn't you. What a jerk!
#13 ...
on January 24, 2008 at 4:42 p.m.(Hinesburg, VT | Unverified Name)
the reason it matters is because for some of us like myself grew up with heath as our own heros. No i never met him but the first movie i ever truly remember was the patriot and him playing in it, that movie changed my life and i thought that heath was amazing, ive seen most of his films, but im not a huge huge fan but i still thought he was amazing and i feel like ive lost a close friend rather then just another celebrity. and they havent said it was drug related yet
#14 Shepherd from Germany
on January 24, 2008 at 4:54 p.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
Being from Germany and all I feel as if everyone who has commented thus far doesn't realize that THEY ARE READING THE OPINION PAGE! DANKE everyone! Auf wiedersehen!
By the way I believe young Matthew has addressed a very good point about how our society works.
#15 ChefBryan
on January 24, 2008 at 8:38 p.m.(Saint Louis, MO | Unverified Name)
Before we get too worked up over the "journalistic merits" of these two, everyone needs to step back and remember a few things:
1) They're just expressing an opinion. Sure, a moderately well-articulated opinion, but still just an opinion;
2) They're not real journalists - just a couple of fratboy journalism students who shmoozed a college prof into letting them write for the campus website. And like most college writers, they're simply exploiting this event to pseudointellectualize on whatever dots they can connect to the topic. It's not writing from the heart - it's juvenile showing off, a couple of schoolboys whipping out their mental penises in a vain effort to show everyone how creatively hung like a horse they think they are; and
3) Can we really take any opinion they express here seriously when they name SHANNYN SOSSAMON as a more fascinating celebrity? SHANNYN SOSSAMON?!?!? Is she even a CELEBRITY? If anything drives home Karen's remark about high school losers who couldn't get dates, this is it. I saw "Knight's Tale," and the only thing in it more annoying than the anachronistic music was her (who only mangaged to be out-acted by Heath, Paul Bettany, Rufus Sewell, Mark Addy, Alan Tudyk, and Heath Ledger's horse). You're in college now, boys - leave the geek-child "she's so hot" opinions for the fanboy sites, ya little dorklings.
As for my serious opinion on the subject, Heath's passing is a loss I'll mourn, and rightly so. His performance as Ennis in "Brokeback" showed master-class acting chops, and his role in "Dark Knight" looks to be the performance everyone will be talking about long after the film has left multiplexes (even without the shadow that has now been cast over it). This isn't about putting an idol on a pedestal, or failing to express our emotions, or any other pseudointellectual horsesh*t - it's simply about a guy who proved he can act his heart out, and about the people who will never get to see him do it again. Thanks for the great performances, Heath - you will be missed.
#16 somebody
on January 25, 2008 at 11:14 a.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
You, the poster above, are an idiot. You don't schmooze with a professor to write for the daily, you... Get hired. Dumbass. We'll see how far you'll make it in life.
#17 Chester the Molester
on January 25, 2008 at 11:54 a.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
I believe that it is a very commonly unknown fact that The Daily is in fact run solely by students to keep the publication as a true student voice. Students manage, organize and hire and fire other students. I know this because I stalk the lovely ladies at the Daily every night and masturbate in the bushes.
#18 Amy
on January 25, 2008 at 12:41 p.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
C'mon everyone, think about it. The point he is trying to make is that we are mourning a concept, a type of fabricated icon; we didn't actually know the real Heath Ledger. While in fact it is ok to mourn what Hollywood created for us, try to keep it in perspective that we have no idea what the real Heath was like... and please don't devote your life to being a nun/monk now that he's passed.
The people that did know the real him- his family, friends, etc., will have a much different time of it. For them, he was more than HEATH LEDGER. He was a son, a father, a friend, who just so happened to be an actor.
With all the rest of the media devoting their time to dragging Heath's story on as long as profitably possible, Matthew's perspective is refreshing. If anything, we should be angered by the news feeds that keep dragging this on; his family can't appreciate it, and neither shout we. Let him, the real Heath, rest in peace for god's sake.
We can hold onto Hollywood Heath for forever. That is the point of Hollywood. All we need to do is pop in a DVD, and sit back. Celebrate the contributions he made to the film industry, instead of blasting this poor writer. It's not going to bring Heath back, no matter how angry you are. We are college students, let's be mature enough to act like it. If you disagree, fine. Post a reasonable response, but stop the personal jabs to Matt and this paper. It just solidifies his point and makes you look like an idiot, anyway... Which I'm sure is not what you all are going for.
Matt: way to put it in perspective. Think about all of the people that read this and agreed with you; they are the other hundreds that put down the paper and moved on.
#19 Beth
on January 25, 2008 at 1:10 p.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
Ok, so lets pay atttention to who wrote what. The 1st article was written by Matthew and the second by Chris. Those of you who insulted Chris owe him an apology. You are yelling at him for what Matthew wrote! YES I'M TALKING TO AVERY AND JON IN CASE YOU COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT!!! Bet you feel like a couple of a88whols. And Jon - you're the one that looks stupid now!
#20 AngryinMiami
on January 25, 2008 at 2:37 p.m.(Saint Louis, MO | Unverified Name)
Dear Somebody:
ChefBryan may have been a little rough on the college writers out there but he was right about one thing. Writing for college publications is a lot more about shmoozing the faculty than you know, and as someone who worked on 2 college newspapers in Michigan and Florida, I can tell you that you were far more off-base than he was. Yeah, the students always run the operation to an extent, but it's the faculty advisors that make the important calls. Now cowboy up and apologize for the name-calling.
p.s. It was good to see Amy be a voice of reason, even if I don't agree with her support of what Matthew wrote. To ChefBryan: Whatever your beef with college writers is, you did make two points about Ledger that I totally agree with...People WILL be talking about his Joker for a long time, and he will be missed.
Now let us all try to be nice here!
#21 LB
on January 25, 2008 at 7:37 p.m.(Surrey, Canada | Unverified Name)
-Ask not who the bell tolls for; it tolls for thee
#22 ChefBryan
on January 25, 2008 at 9:16 p.m.(Saint Louis, MO | Unverified Name)
Wow, you can cut the drama with an 8" santoku knife here. Firstly, to AngryinMiami, thanks for the support about my shmoozing comment. For the curious, I'm speaking from my experiences going back to my english major days (wasn't always a chef). I wasn't trying to offend any actual writers out there - it's just that I'd had my fill of pretentiously pointless babble, and reading these two and their prattle reminded me of why I walked away from my degree for other pursuits: because too many writers want to believe that they have all the answers. Why should someone "put down the paper and walk away," just because someone else told them it was the sensible thing to do? Let the masses mourn Heath in whatever way they want. Matt is acting like this happened a month ago and that we're all freaks for still crying. This JUST HAPPENED. Society is still in the knee-jerk phase of raw sadness, grief and loss. In five or six weeks, if the media still insists on deluging us with 24-7 of Heath and why we should still be mourning him, then Matt's article might resonate a little. But right now, in this moment in time, so soon after he left us, Mr. Jackson is just being a prick (sorry, Amy).
And to the "somebody" who questioned how far I'd make it in life, I'm a CHEF! In a AAA 4-diamond hotel! I plan and execute banquets for 50-1000 people. I have a staff of cooks at my beckon call. I participated in the opening of a Ritz-Carlton and a Harrah's from the ground up. I go to work everyday and create exciting, new epicurean delights that dazzle my guests in an environment that is both creatively stimulating and emotionally rewarding, and I get paid a decent salary to do it! I think I've managed to get pretty far in life, thank you very much!
Well, I'm done. Peace, love, good eats, and all my best wishes and good thoughts to Matilda.
#23 ChefBryan
on January 25, 2008 at 9:36 p.m.(Saint Louis, MO | Unverified Name)
Oh, and let me just say it one more time. SHANNYN SOSSAMON?!?!? Jesus.
#24 Avery
on January 27, 2008 at 5:32 a.m.(Akron, OH | Unverified Name)
Thanks for pointing that out Beth. I mistakingly looked at the bottom of the last article thinking that was the author. My comments are for Matthew Jackson. Sorry for my mix-up Chris, my bad.
Now in some little way Chris has learned what bad press can do to an individual, passed or present, and Beth now has some idea of what Matthew's comments have on Heath Ledgers family, friends, and fans.
This is a learning environment, so I hope we all learn something from this little piece of life from the web.
#25 Avery
on January 27, 2008 at 5:38 a.m.(Akron, OH | Unverified Name)
" Bet you feel like a couple of a88whols. " Such strong language from someone with such a pretty name.
#26 Liam
on January 28, 2008 at 1:21 a.m.(Los Angeles, CA | Unverified Name)
I am a personal friend and colleuge of Heathcliff Ledger and yes I am mourning quietly.. we knew each other before his public fame and I really have been excited for his career and publicty over the last few years...Heathcliff was a truly down to earth person who loved being a Mr. Mom and doting dad and mate...I do appreciate your statement that your heart goes out to people like me.. He was a very good friend and I miss him very much.. not to mention all the great work as an artist he would have contributed and good friendly advice he would have continued to contribute to my life...
On the one hand I agree with your article that fans who don't know him should "get over it" but I can not help to sense some underlying animosity toward him... ie commenting on his physical appearance... the truth is that Heathcliff being a public figure represents a lot for people who have never met him something dear to them if nothing but the character he played in A Knight's Tale which teaches others to keep hope alive and that they too can "Change their Stars"..his death does hurt in that it could possibly cause some to doubt that...
I understand that you may have good intentions to keep people from mourning too much who have never met Heathcliff.. however, being a journalist..therefore a wordsmith.. your article showe neither love, wisdom, nor comfort... it comes across bitter , jealous, and I had to say it but that of an ingnorant unhappy person... I truly hope your heart is not as black as your article makes you to appear to be..
#27 Avery
on January 28, 2008 at 12:01 p.m.(Akron, OH | Unverified Name)
Liam, this is where I get confused. "get over it", are you and the people who agree with it saying that because I never met Heath Ledger I shouldn't feel sorry for his passing? I feel bad that he died, I feel bad for his family, I feel bad for his friends. Are you saying I shouldn't feel this way. Maybe I shouldn't care? If that's what is being said, I now feel bad for all of us. We should feel sorrow over a person passing on, even if you don't know them. They were someones sibling, child, friend, partner or in this case icon. It's human nature to feel bad over something like this. Now if it interfers with ones everyday life, yes there's a problem. Heath Ledgers passing touched more people than you Liam, and that's something to be said for Heath. Because as you said "get over it" is what a lot of people do. They just don't care. I keep coming to this post not because I can't "get over it"(even though I do feel bad for his friends, family, and fans) but because I can't believe how unfeeling people can be. Also to stand-up for the fans that may feel they've lost someone important also.
#28 Liam
on January 29, 2008 at 2:50 a.m.(Los Angeles, CA | Unverified Name)
Avery, Thanks for the comment I agree with you how unfeeling people can be.. Especially Journalist whose motives sometimes can not be know for sure...we attended a small memorial service for Jake on Saturday which was very helpful..My point is that fans mourning is absolutely normal because public figures touches lives of everyone and may be of significance and should not be made to feel badly as the above written article seems to do as I read it.
#29 Ky
on January 31, 2008 at 7:29 p.m.(Brookline, MA | Unverified Name)
I get it, your girlfriend probably had a crush on him. Taking out your jeasouly and frustation are we?
Loser
#30 Veronica
on February 3, 2008 at 6:42 p.m.(Sydney, Australia | Unverified Name)
Matthew Jackson,
Your opinion is not worth a mouthful of spit, your journalistic talents are worth even less. If you can't say anything even remotely intelligent kindly keep your big trap shut. I understand you are too blind/stupid to see Heath Ledgers talent or charismatic charm, and judging from you photo I can understand your envy at his good looks and your- well just look in the mirror. The rest of the world however loves Heath and your pathetic attempt at "shock factor" or "sensationalism" just makes you look like fool, Heath's fans will always love Heath. You however not being a fan "shut up" you speak of what you do not know.
Veronica
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