When I first planned to write on this subject, it was a bit different. Will Ferrell was set to star in a new comedy as Ronald Reagan. Since then, the movie has sparked controversy, and rightly so. Many have voiced their opinions on the new movie, including Reagan's children. Therefore, Will Ferrell has allegedly backed out of the role.
Speculations are rising around if the movie will go on, and who, if anyone, would sign onto such a role. Still, despite the fact that Ferrell is no longer taking on this role, this is a topic in our culture that needs to be addressed. I honestly feel baffled that I even feel the explain why making mental illness into a comedy is wrong. It seems like this should be common sense. We don't mock cancer. We don't mock heart disease. Why mock Alzheimer's and dementia?
First of all, props to Mr. Ferrell for not signing onto this role. Even so, I can't help but wonder why he would consider it to begin with. President Reagan suffered from a horrible disease that literally consumed him from his mind. I have lost loved ones to Alzheimer's and dementia and have seen them trapped in their own mind with no escape. I have seen the terrified, confused looks on faces of my family when they don't even know who they are anymore. Imagine you have this horrible disease, to which there is no cure. Slowly, you forget everything that makes you, you. Now do you understand why it's no laughing matter? It's terrifying. It's horrific, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Stigmas and stereotypes surrounding mental illness are still a major roadblock to overcoming them. Making depression and anxiety and OCD, among others, into anything from cultural fashion statements is not the way to handle it. This belittles those who actually suffer from them. Mental illness is real. It's not anything to joke about, and it's definitely not anything laugh about.
Forget about your political differences. If you wanted to make a comedy about Reagan as a president, go ahead. That's your personal, God-given right. Personally, I admire the man and what he stood for. But if you want to make a comedy about him, make it about him, and not Alzheimer's. Remember this, there is no cure. Alzheimer's usually leads to dementia or progresses until complications take over that lead to death. It's not that uncommon. It's something that could overcome any one of us, or anyone we love, and thousands of others right now. I'd like to hold Hollywood accountable. Instead of poking fun at Alzheimer's, dementia, and countless other mental illnesses, why don't you use your platform for something good? Raise awareness for mental illness, donate to medical research, do anything to make a difference. Just don't turn Alzheimer's into a joke.
