Hollywood and our Youth

The passing of Heath Ledger was a shock for fans and most of all, his family. It is possibly concerned that his latest rolls were more of a strain on him than any other roles that he has played and that it lead to many sleepless nights. Ledger was still young, and at his prime. Perhaps the stress of role playing in the movies finally took a toll on a bright and delightful young man's life.

Hollywood is much more of a struggle with its acting careers and roles than it was more than 50 years ago. Of course, every decade seems to have its Marilyn Monroe, or James Dean. If you were to ask any current actor or actress, Hollywood just isn't easy. Paparazzi follow around these workers like they are mice in a cage being observed. Actors and actresses are working at their jobs just like the average worker in our every day life.

While they are being paid more, and live in more posh lifestyles, their only goal is to live and of course, put food in their mouths too. Hollywood stars have family and children to take care of, and to bring into this society. Others may report and believe that they ask to be followed around with cameras and that this lifestyle comes with the territory. But no actor should have to fall into depression or die over the stress of the evil that Hollywood brings.

The media, and people are hard on these people. The public is watching as Britney Spears falls deeper and deeper into the black hole. While some may be tired of hearing of this once bright starlight's life, it's also saddening to watch. She has no privacy anymore, and its almost no wonder that she stepped into a salon and cut her hair off. Perhaps she was just shouting out for help since she knew everybody in the world was watching her. And now her sister, pregnant at 16, has more troubles to deal with and will be dealing with life, just like any other ordinary pregnant 16 year old who isn't famous. Hollywood's people have lives, and Hollywood is destroying them.

There is pressure to be thin. Pressure to be beautiful, rich, own fancy homes, and to be popular and on top. Hollywood's youth is falling into these extremes, and are killing themselves to be the best. And when they fail, everybody is there to see it happen and laugh. And then the media wonders why this actor or actress committed suicide or basically went into a drinking binge, started a drug addiction, or just went mentally ill. While everybody has the power of choice, and makes their own decisions, Hollywood is still responsible for killing some of our youth's charm and innocence.

The public watched the cute Lindsey Lohan grow into a talented actress and starlet. Her roles in the movie "The Parent Trap," made us grow fond of her persona and she was someone our children could admire. And then Lindsey grew into a teenager, and began her rebellious stage for everybody to view. The roles became more intense for Lindsey that she chose to play, and the stress of work to survive was just too much for her at a young age. Then she began getting into trouble, drinking, and too much partying. Perhaps she was just trying to escape from it all, but just didn't have the correct knowledge on how to deal with it all.

While we are not asking everybody to feel sorry for these actors or the ones who have fallen to the stress of Hollywood, it's just easy to ask ourselves-What is the roles of movie playing doing to some of our best and most talented entertainers? Children are starting out way too early and parents are pushing their children for more and more. Even for average families, there are families pushing their children to be the best. Those who participate in sports,
cheerleading, and just trying to get an education in itself, are stressing. Children are losing out on childhood. Children are just losing out on having fun. Society has stopped learning how to have fun, and there is just too much pressure to be the best.

Hollywood may be at the top of the chain where we can see all the youth crushing to the floor, but it can be an eye opener to look into our own lives and our own family. Everybody needs to learn their limits and not to push so hard. While we want the best, there's no reason to feel like it's not enough. And there certainly isn't any reason for a sleepless night for anybody. While Heath Ledger may have just tried too hard because he enjoyed what he did, the acting finally killed him.

The best thing that you enjoy, can harm you, if you don't know how to handle the life that comes with it. Do only what you feel your best is, and don't let anybody or anything push you to the extremes.