Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Health and Wellness

How Celebrities Act On TV Isn't An Accurate Depiction Of Their Lives Offscreen

Eventually, we fall into the trap of believing that "they have it all," so they shouldn't have any reason to be upset.

Shumaila Ahmed

Jun 25, 2018

Rutgers University

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjQNT3MHbjk/?taken-by=anthonybourdain

Anthony Bourdain's "Parts Unknown" defined my family's Sunday dinner. What attracted us the most was how genuine, kind-hearted, and selfless his personality was in every single episode. Exploring the mysterious and extraordinary boundaries of the world, he was able to bring together families like mine simply by being himself. Which makes us wonder, with all of his success, fame, money, and fortune, what could have possibly led him to his demise?

I believe, as viewers, we have a narrow-minded depiction of fame and fortune. Through the lens we see public figures, we cannot identify the difference between a performance and real life. We continuously see famous people as vibrant, full of life people and we assume they have no bad days.

Eventually, we fall into the trap of believing that "they have it all," so they shouldn't have any reason to be upset. However, sometimes this happiness we see is less authentic and more of a show. Many of Bourdain's friends stated that towards the end of career he simply filmed then went straight into his room.

The happiness projected to his viewers became scripted over time.

Everyone, including public figures, experience internal demons. And I am sure the ones Bourdain was battling could not have been solved with money or fame.

"It's good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven't lost the things that money can't buy."

Anthony Bourdain's death was a travesty to people around the world due to all of the lives he influenced. But it's quite the juxtaposition that we are so heartbroken when a public figure commits suicide, when people under our roof are experiencing the same darkness.

The fact that so much attention is being drawn to suicide and mental health now that people like Anthony Bourdain have exposed their personal struggles is quizzical.

A step towards helping something as serious as suicide starts with our own family and friends. And I can assure you reaching out and being a compassionate friend, sibling, daughter or son is way more valuable than a cliche, millennial tweet. On that note, don't forget to take care of your loved ones every day, because you never know what internal battle they may be fighting.

television

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Lifestyle

10 Truths About Being In A Sorority

(For Girls Who Are Interested In Greek Life)

LaGrange College

303

Rebekah Lee

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less

sorority life

Entertainment

10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break

You've gotta do something.

Grand Canyon University

Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less

must watch

Adulting

The Struggles of Being A Last Semester Senior, As Told By Michael Scott

25 reasons your last semester in college is the best and worst time of your life

Truman State University

1233

The day you walked onto your school's campus for the first time you were scared, excited, and unsure of how the next four years of your life were going to turn out. You doubted it would go fast and even though you weren't positive about what your future plans would hold, you had plenty of time. You figured out your major, added a minor or two, joined a handful of organizations and all of the sudden you're here. Your final semester of undergrad. Now you've got 25 problems and graduation is only one.

Keep Reading...Show less

last semester

Student Life

Syllabus Week At UD Explained By "The Office"

"The Office" understands the struggle of the first week back from winter break.

University of Dayton

1023

January 19th is the first day of the second semester at the University of Dayton, and students couldn't be more excited. However, the excitement that students are experiencing may be short-lived once they see what this semester's courses will entail. Although students will be happy to be back at Dayton, they may realize this semester will be more difficult than they predicted. Here are some things that happen during syllabus week explained by " The Office."