Green Room - Week 10 - Day 3

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I was trying to think about "What could I say in the new Green Room?" and reading Facebook at the same time. That's always a good idea, right?

Before I get to that, I'll also let you know that someone is coming back into the game today, and you can help decide who that is: http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/896220.html

and of course the main competition itself has a topic due tomorrow: http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/895399.html

Anyway, I was reading facebook and this is just someone I vaguely know, and not an Idol contestant past, present, or future. More of a "friend of a friend". But one thing she talks about openly is her "struggles with mental illness". (direct quote for those who want to word it differently).

A few days before, she had also said that someone was treating her poorly (a common theme in her posts) and said that they "ranting like a crazy person" at her. (again, direct quote).

This got me thinking, and as someone who rides the bus I've probably encountered "both groups" (if there are indeed two or more... perhaps it's a spectrum):

What is the difference between someone who has mental illness and a "crazy person"?

I imagine that there are a LOT of people reading this who have difficulties in certain areas and have (to borrow the phrase) "struggles with mental illness". But who would, in everyday life be *far* from a "crazy person"... then again, they are also here, reading this. Which means they participate in Idol - Which is kind of the definition of a "OMG, that person is crazypants!!!"

Is the latter just a horrible label that shouldn't be used any more. Or is it a distinction that even people who have certain things that they deal with on a daily basis feel they can use as a "Damn, well at least I'm not having squirrels crawl over me in the park while I scream about Obama"?

Is it all just a generally dehumanizing thing that helps people pretend that all of us aren't ALL "a little messed up"?

Second Chance Gauntlet - Results

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

Congratulations to mac_arthur_park who will be moving into this week's main competition poll! Better get your entry ready!

As for the rest of you - and by that I mean everyone who wants another shot to get into the fray, get ready for next week! (and tell your friends)