A Mishap Of Epic Proportions

Depression and addiction are forms of disease. This is a fact which seems to have been overlooked by Justin Conforti in his article, “Wurtzel: Crazy and Clean,” which appeared Feb. 28 in the Muse. Symptoms and diagnoses for depression can be learned by reading a medical journal. The nature of depression and addiction is not one that “looks for attention and sympathy.” Depression and addiction are often fueled by self-alienation, not feeling at home in ones own skin, and feeling at odds with the herd.

The full-page spread, which paints those who are depressed or addicted as “addicted to themselves” is nearly ridiculous. People in that state are battling life. Conforti must believe that depression is a state of being sad for no reason. It is more complex than that. It is a state of being sad about everything all at once. It gives way to the sort of odd rambling of Elizabeth Wurtzel’s speech. That is why her books appeal to so many people. She has embraced self-alienation.

She isn’t a Britney Spears. In his article, Conforti suggests Wurtzel is making depression and addiction glamorous. Fans of her books may make her appear glamorous, but it is the fans that do so, not her intention.

Her intention was to tell her story; she writes about herself. However, Conforti’s lack of education about the subject matter effects how he wrote the article. It is largely opinion, not report. In most COM classes that involve reporting of any kind, students are told that opinion has little weight. They are also instructed to educate themselves before attending speeches. Perhaps he should have considered the content of Elizabeth Wurtzel’s three previous books, among which is Prozac Nation, which was a national bestseller and is currently being made into a movie.

Conforti’s article is littered with stereotypes because he does not understand the subject matter.