Interesting...

Once again, what a cool Chapter! I really enjoyed reading about the similarities and differences between Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana. Marilyn Monroe as "the consummate sex doll" (144). And Princess Diana as "a creature of pop modernity abd solemn tradition, uniquely stylish abd yet Ms. Everywoman, and in the last year or two, a woman both utterly broken and surpemely powerful... Death was the logical, operatic end to Diana's story"(145).

I think that society really felt for the hardships in which these women experienced because they were understandable. Many people could relate to their troubles. "It seems we like out female icons best when they are in distress" (145).

As we discussed in class, I totally agree with the idea that artists are driven to depression or other mental illness because they are openeded to a different state of consciousness or have an imagination so strong that it overwhelms them. For Marilyn Monroe, she died from an overdose of sleeping pills and it is suggested that she had been seriously depressed. The pressure of performing and constantly needing to do better or produce more, can overwhelm anyone, especially someone who is trying to grip or control a strong imagination.

I think being in the spotlight constantly and the scrutinization of everything you do takes away pieces of your personality. We discussed in class how we tend to act differently in different situation, maybe more controlled at work and calm and relaxed at home. I cannot imagine not being able to relax, anywhere. I think this pressure really forces a lot of famous people into depression.

Also interesting, was the section on the identification process. The male needs to form a relationship with his mother, then separate in order to find his own identity. The female on the other hand, needs to form a relationship with her mother, but does not need to separate herself because they are of the same sex. It is interesting to see how this identification process plays a role in developing the "sexual appetite" so to speak.