the social isolation of superstars
Before I describe what had a real impact upon me while watching a recent documentary, I want to provide this framework -
Introduction-
Social isolation comes in many forms.
Today there is a real initiative spanning the past few years in an attempt to really understand what SI is all about.
For purposes of this blog,some information was gleanedwith the benefit from research and podcast information I was fortunate to do during COVID with Nick Nicholson, Ph.D Professor in Nursing, Quinnipiac University in Connecticut.
His expertise in social isolation is well known throughout the country and beyond.
Dr. Nicholson states that, what is critical to understand about social isolation is that it exists because of the situation imposed on them, people perceive themselves as disconnected from meaningful people important to them.
Social Isolation can be defined in a few ways…
A state in which the individual lacks a sense of belonging socially, lacks engagement with others, has a minimal number of social contacts which are deficient in fulfilling, quality relationships
…the distancing of an individual, psychological and/or physically from their network of desired or needed relationships with other persons.
SI can be voluntary or involuntary. It is all inclusive and not only relates to the loss of number of social contacts, but also the perceived quality of the relationships.
The risks, particularly in the elderly, can be devastating. Please read a former blog I wrote- https://donnagore.com/blog/nbspsocial-isolation-the-best-kept-secret-in-healthcare
Superstars and Social Isolation-
Who comes to mind when I think of superstars and social isolation include Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Their talents, passions, lifestyles and stage personas were ‘larger than life’ such that their tremendous fame created very unhealthy lifestyles-
Too much money, material goods, too many commitments, smothering ‘adoring fans,’ no privacy, predatory media, increasing social isolation, health problems such as drugs, alcohol, anorexia, infidelity, and yes, child molestation by MJ.
We can also say definitely that Elvis’ Dr. Feelgood’(i.e Dr. George Constantine Nichopoulos wrote Elvis prescriptions in 1977 alone, for 10000 doses of uppers, downers and assorted narcotics).
He was a contributor to Elvis’ social isolation as well as his demise?
Let us not forget about the greedy, conniving Colonel Parker who used and manipulated Elvis for years.He was also a total impersonator, not a Colonel at all.
Princess Diana was at the mercy of the Royal family for several years, as a naive young wife until she had an epiphany of sorts and very much became her own person 'breaking out of her isolation’, finding love and liberation, however briefly!
Michael Jackson had so many weird predilections and crimes for which he was acquitted. He lived in a total fantasy world of isolation with no true friends.
And then the anesthesiologist - who wasn’t…
Dr. Conrad Murray- He was a cardiologist by training. He was complicit in Michael Jackson’s death -
for having inadvertently overdosed him with the surgical anesthetic propofol, which was being improperly used as a bedtime sleep agent.
Murray was convicted in involuntary manslaughter, serving less than two years of his four year prison sentence.
Yes, these doctors made both Elvis and Jackson slaves to their greed and indifference, ignoring the credo, “Do no harm” with forced medical entrapment - and social isolation.
But, yet another example of severe social isolation of a superstar, caught me off guard and blew my mind as I watched the Netflix documentary-
“Chris and Martina - The Final Set”.
If you haven’t watched this Netflix documentary, it is quite a compelling story that comes full circle as they reunite and become the best of friends as they each experience multiple bouts with cancer.
The most surprising and impactful tragic story in the documentary in my opinion (other than cancer,) occurred after Martina had defected from her home country- Communist Czechoslovakia, leaving her family In 1973, at age 16, she made her debut on the United States Lawn Tennis Association professional tour, but did not turn professional until 1975.
She did not know the English language and tried to learn by watching
“ I Love Lucy “reruns. As she won her first tournament in Orlando in 1974, she had no friends, no family, acquaintances to support or cheer her on. Therefore, in her own words on “X” in October 2020- and in the Netflix documentary, it was revealed that… In her own words- “I remember. My first win on the tour in Orlando in 1974 and there was no one to hug as I was there alone. So I hugged a light pole next to the Umpires chair:). She hugged me back:) “
The epitome of social isolation… My heart was broken for her. I could relate on some level!
The ultimate sacrifices for which both Chris Everett and Martina Navratilova each would pay dearly. The broken relationships, the extreme pursuit of perfection and purposely disconnecting socially to achieve the level of accomplishments they each did as the best female tennis champions of the world and ultimate, cancer multiple times.
Was it worth it? I don’t know. At the expense of one’s health and social connections for years and years…. I would have to say “no” if it was me.
That utility pole thing resonated with me in a frightful way!
I have my moments of social isolation. I try to deal with my situation the best I can. However, to ‘squeeze an inanimate object’ as a source of comfort and celebration is unheard of and very sad, to say the least!
However, I commend Martina’s courage and for including that degree of vulnerability in her story!
The Moral(s) of the Story…
Never resort to hugging a utility pole in desperation.
Make it a priority to have at least a few social connections who you truly care about; They are there… We may have a more difficult time finding them as we age. However, never give up!One person is better than none!
Materiial goods and wealth are never good substitutes for true friends/family;
Read about and encourage senior communities to use the Social Isolation Scale and develop strategies to combat it ( Within the blog above).
Connect with a senior today… You will be amazed at what you will learn!
Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing!
Donna