Fox's mega-hit drama House has taken up residence with the National Alliance of Mental Illness to address the stigma of mental illness. The show is selling t-shirts with the slogan Normal's Overrated - with all benefits going NAMI. I believe, if my Internet researching is correct, that the House T-Shirt Project has netted over $300,000.000 so far.
Laurie, a truly dynamic individual, has been quite open about his clinical depression. It's always great when a high profile person can help educate and debunk mental health issues. So, kudos to Mr. Laurie, everyone at Fox and N.A.M.I.
And while we're on the topic, "What is normal anyway?"
32 comments:
I often ask myself that very question. I have no answer though.
I suspect there is no answer.
Who gets to decide what normal is
and why do they get to choose? What makes them the authority in
my(or anyone's) life?
I love the idea of those shirts,
I'd wear one with pride. What a
great idea!
It's cool,the older I get the less
I care about the things society thinks are normal. I've always been quirky,now I'm embracing that more and more and I tell you,I'm having way more fun in my life.
Also,it's helped me be less judgmental of other people:)
Very good question!
When you find the answer to that question let me know.
Normal is a cycle on the washing machine
I love Raine's answer. :-)
Thanks for the info about the shirt. I'm a huge Hugh Laurie fan. When I learned of Laurie's clinical depression, it made sense as to why he nails the portrayal Gregory House. I, too, commend NAMI and Fox.
Yes, I agree. Raine's comment would make a great t-shirt, too!
Normal is when people don't stop talking when you walk into the room.
I hadn't heard about this. How great is it that they are involved in this!
The show always entertains me too :)
I'm watching House right now... it definitely makes sense why his character is so enigmatic and real, because he can pull from real life experience. House also shows you how NOT to do things, so if anything I've learned how to not deal with my depression. Hah.
Well I sure as heck don't know what normal is especially now :( I closed down my blog so I am not sure if you got to read about my son and his drug addiction....but life will never be the same. I think depression has played a big role in his drug use.
Normal is a setting on the dryer.
I drink red wine at "Normal" room temperature.
NAMI is such a great group. I'm glad they are getting the support.
I knew about Laurie donating to NAMI, but I love the T-shirts! As a House fan, it makes complete sense!
As for normal, I think it's all individual really. What one person's "normal" is another person's "abnormal."
"normal" has always eluded me
Raine beat me here! I had the same answer as her. I've ordered my shirt and will wear it proudly to school.
Is there such a thing as "normal"? I don't think so!
Donna
oh now come on deb we all know normal is........ regular income nice house nice car nice money nice friends nice life no mental illness no one associated with mental illness no one knowing anything about anything bad see normal is just plain nice............sorry scuse me whilst i vomit ;)
That's cool! Let's bring depression out of the closet.
What is normal? Well, I was going to ask you the same question. ;)
Right on. I just love Monk, and most people agree he would not be nearly as adorable without his OCD.
On the other hand, to say that it's fun to be Monk wouldn't be right, either.
Now I have another reason to love that show!
The more we share with society that "normal" is just a setting on the washing me, the better off we will all be.
It's a setting on the washing machine.
I ordered my shirt too! Great cause. Great show. And imo, there is no such thing as "normal".
Normal is the absolute absence of extraordinary conditions.
Frost,
Now that is a great definition.
There is no such thing as normal. So, none of us have to aspire to be it. Whew! What a relief!
Good question Deb and one I often contemplate. I'm sure if you found the answer it would make you a fortune :).
Hope all is well with you.
credit where it is due... "Normal Is Just a Setting on the Dryer", is the title of a short, but very fun/humorous book by Erma Bombeck. Covers life and being a mother with inspiration, and great wit and humor.
For me, normal only applies to body temperature. All the rest I call my Life. :) The good, the bad and the ugly. (another good movie.)
I *hate* House. As I whine to my wife, who likes the show, "It's like he just tortures people, and why would women go for him like that?" I find myself liking it much better now, though--and I want one of those T-shirts! Thanks for publicizing it!
Oh boy, now I can feel good about all the hours I've spent watching House. I was hooked right from the beginning. I'm going to order one of the shirts today! (CrackerLilo - the attraction has to do with the "bad boy" syndrome, and those blue eyes.) Oh my.
Anon,
Thanks for the Erma B. reference. You are right, authorship should always be recognized. I miss Erma and her witty writing.
Cracker,
The character definitley has interpersonal issues, but with his interventions resulting in the saving of life, the audience can overlook it.
Spynster,
Yes, his blue eyes are rather dreamy.
And everyone else,
Thanks for sharing your comments.
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