Whooping It Up (With Drug and Alcohol References) at the 2009 Golden Globes
Did anyone else notice there were quite a few more drug and alcohol references at Sunday night’s Golden Globes than in years past? Here are a few I picked up on:
* Former party boy Colin Farrell while presenting an award, sniffed a few times and said, “I have a cold. It’s not the other thing. It used to be.”
* Ricky Gervais from “The Office” drank a beer on stage while presenting “Happy-Go-Lucky.”
* Presenter Sandra Bullock, when listing James Franco for his performance in “Pineapple Express” as a nominee for Best Actor in a Musical/Comedy, mentioned how fun it must have been to rehearse for this stoner film.
* While presenting, “Pineapple Express” star Seth Rogen continued with the drug references by commenting, “I wish I got to do this a long time ago, in a different era in Hollywood. Maybe in the ’80s. That way instead of being drunk with Mickey Rourke tonight I’d be doing cocaine with Mickey Rourke tonight.”
* In the acceptance speech for best picture for “Slumdog Millionaire,” Producer Christian Colson mentioned he’d drunk three martinis.
* And it doesn’t stop there. From stumbling over lines, slurred speech and wobbly walking, many of the night’s presenters looked like they had knocked back a few too many.
* Heath Ledger won Best Supporting Actor in a Film for his role as The Joker in “The Dark Knight” — the year’s biggest success at the box office. And while it wasn’t said outright, it is important to remember that Heath Ledger died just about a year ago from overdosing on a mix of prescription drugs.
As parents, how do you feel about the way these celebrities handled themselves at this year’s award ceremony?
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I was shocked at the abundance of drug references made during the show. I am sure many kids were watching, many who look up to these celebrities as role models.
As a doting aunt, I kept thinking how inappropriate Seth Rogan’s comments were and how crucial it is for parents and caregivers to have an open dialogue about drug/alcohol use with the kids in their lives. Hollywood seems to condone this issue, parents and caregivers shouldn’t. I am sure I am not the only one who felt this way, am I?
I think it’s irresponsible and glorifies the notion that drug and alcohol abuse are okay and behaviors while drunk or drugged are excusable because, well…they were drunk or drugged.
I don’t see the problem really. These were lighthearted jokes and simple honesty. There’s a great difference between drug use and abuse - people blur those lines far too often.
Are you suggesting people’s personal life should affect their eligibility for awards (re. the Heath Ledger comment)?
More honesty about these subjects is needed - making them a taboo or something to be ashamed of only leads to disillusionment when people realise these to be false.
Not surprised. You would think some discretion would be used considering show business is so perception oriented, but it’s a reflection of our society really. We often scapegoat kids when talking about chemical use by saying - “the kids today” or “I just don’t understand this or that” - these are valid concerns which should continue to get the attention of adults who work with teens to increase their well-being. Yet, the harms associated with teen alcohol and other drug use will not abate until adults in our country grapple with their own relationship with chemicals whether it be alcohol, other drugs, caffeine, or sugar. There is a lot of conversation about teens and prescription drug use - but does anyone discuss the connection between increases in teen prescription drug use and the more substantial increases in adult abuse of prescription drugs? As long as we focus on teens, the heat of the spotlight can stay far away from us.
The Golden Globes have always been fairly boozey. In some ways it is the least guarded of the awards shows. And while the glamorous ones were all too happy to toast to themselves they were also quick to boo Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat) when he made jokes about Hollywood (facelifts!). Ha. But when you add them up, it is pretty interesting how many drug and alcohol references they did make. Is this the age of celebrity rehab? Could this actually be a good thing? The big story this year is Mickey Rourke. Does the big comeback jusitfy the fall? It seems almost like a right of passage for young Hollywood these days (I’m taking 28). Actors and athletes are quick to forgive their own for making mistakes more so that businesses, banks, law firms etc. We all know the story by now that with fame comes these new pressures, the money, the sex, the drugs. But regular Joes are equally exposed to drugs and alcohol and the pressures of life, just maybe on a different scale. Perhaps addiction grows more gradually outside of Hollywood, with people coping with their 9 to 5 responsibilities, and the lack of structure in an actor/rock star/athelete’s day to day is a contributing factor. But one thing is clear. Hollywood is more open and advanced about getting treatment than the general population. So while Hollywood can be guilty of glamourizing “the life” maybe they are also doing their part in demystifying “the cure” (treatment and recovery).
Like Jeffrey mentioned — not surprising at all.
I did notice the Colin Farrell comment, as well as Pineapple Express comments.
TV is in the gutters. When celebrities poke fun at serious issues, it can easily give young viewers the wrong impression. I have to say that the show was not appropriate for young ears and eyes.
I don’t care what Hollywooders do in their homes and their parties, as long as they don’t drive home drunk or high. But their double standard is not amusing., They think that their celebrity makes them experts on what our government does. They certainly can make a public stand, whether or not they know what they’re talking about. However, the Golden Globes antics are irresponsible. They ignore that impressionable kids and teens — who view them as role models to emulate — will think that drinking and doing drugs is cool. Is that they want for their own children?
I whole-heartedly agree with “Bassbloke” on his several wonderful points. Is the author of the article suggesting that simply because of the details surrounding the death of Heath Ledger, he and others with similar circumstances that should remain PRIVATE and not publicized, do not deserve to be awarded (even though it is probably the reason for his GG snatch) for their talent? IT’S HOLLYWOOD - these references should be expected from such fools. If you don’t like it, don’t allow your kids to watch it. It’s very simple.
This is what I’ve been talking about!
-Dr. Michael Osit
Psychologist/Author: Generation Text: Raising Well Adjusted Kids In An Age Of Instant Everything
I’m sorry, what kid watches the Golden Globes? Heck, who, of any age, watches the Golden Globes?
OF COURSE THE STARS WERE DRUNK! That’s the only appeal of the show. The hilarity of their drunken antics. But you know that going in. It’s not like it’s a surprise. And I don’t see why it would be “bad” for a kid to see that. I mean, these are all (semi)responsible adults with careers. So what if they knock a few back? Especially on a night when we all know they have a limo home. You could even make an argument that the drinking sends a good message to kids as they might see their heroes make complete fools of themselves and learn from the folly.
I’m having a hard time trying to figure out if your post in genuine, did you really sit down to watch the show with the intent of weeding (pun intended) out all references to drug use, if so you must have an absurdly boring life and I sympathize.
Drug use in Culture is not going anywhere – EVER, humans evolved alongside ethnogenic compounds and weather you care to believe it or not –most are totally harmless. Lying to your children about drugs is the worst thing you can do, worse than minimizing their effects.
Keeping Americans in prison for consumption of anything (drugs or not) is not the type of society I want my children and grandchildren growing up in.
(My wife and I are frequent drug users, in fact daily – sometimes even our kids use drugs too… of course we limit intake to the ethnogens that are currently regulated by the government – namely caffeine, and nicotine)
I agree with the people who are saying not to take this so seriously. Be more worried about the friend down the street doing drugs than a celeb making a joke about doing drugs. Be real. Kids are gonna be exposed to drugs, probably even try them. Hopefully, the kid is well adjusted enough not to get hooked or go overboard. And, com’on…who cares about marijuana comments? Sorry. The only people who talk about marijuana’s harm don’t know anything about it. I personally don’t smoke (though I used to), but have never seen it hinder someone in achieving their goals.
Look, if you’re saying that by celebrities mentioning drug use (illegal or legal) is going to make kids more apt to use, then you’re just another one of “those people” who can find a reason for every negative in their life being someone else’s fault. If your kid watches the GG’s and runs out and has a martini, then your parenting failed long before. There is a lot more to life than what celebrities do (or say) on television, and you should have taught your child that a long time ago. And personally, I don’t appreciate your reference to Heath Ledger. It’s not up to you to decide who’s worthy of receiving that award. His performance in Dark Knight was very good…and he deserved that award. His personal life (or death) has nothing to do with his career. Perhaps you’ve done something in your past that you’re not proud of? Should you be deemed inable to function as the executive director of Digital Product Development? Didn’t think so. The point is, kids will be kids and adults will be adults. It’s your job as a parent to teach your child what he/she needs to know and hope that it sticks with them. Even the kid with the perfect parents will probably try drugs or drink alcohol at some point. It’s unavoidable, and blame cannot be placed on any one person or group of people.
This is why I don’t watch the awards shows or much of what is on TV or at the movies.
We can look at the past and see that this public drug culture opened up after the Vietnam conflict, either because of warfare to destroy the American mind or due to the corruption of trust in authority. The golden globes is one example of a wide range of the results that we now have to confront. For my own children, they are learning classical grammar and number even at a very young age. They will naturally value their mind if it is, in fact, valuable. They will also be learning the old trades so that when they reach the teen years they will have a constructive place to direct frustration and aggression. They will learn accounting, marketing and financial management so that the modern business world will not overwhelm and confuse them. But in order for any of their up-bringing to be successful, they will require a safe and loving environment with plenty of support for the growth of their God-given self. Publicly, the golden globe example should probably be combated with their own tactic, but in the extreme, with actual video of real drug-dens, real heroin halls, real parents with real children in drug-infested apartments and rentals or alcohol and cocaine infested late-night fighting in high-class homes.
I believe that the author’s intent on writing this article was mearly an observation on how casually drugs and alcohol are mentioned in our culture. Not just in regards to the Golden Globes, but in general. The question is not whether we allow our kids to watch the Golden Globes or not, but that the people that are influencing our culture (that most teens are immersed in) are so extremely casual and upfront with their personal lives to the rest of the world. You can call that “honesty” if you desire, but either way it has an affect on our teens. As a person that works with teenagers I see it every day reflected in the way they live their lives. I am worried about “the friend down the street doing drugs”, but we see very little help from those that have such a huge impact on culture convincing people that choosing to abuse drugs and alcohol is not the best choice for their life. The celebrities that do stand for good choices in soceity are usually deemed as idiots or lame - why is that? The celebs that are drug and alcohol abusers are usually the ones that receieve the praise and awards. What standards and expectation are we setting for the generations behind us when the bad choices in life are constantly receiving the accolades?
Unfortunately adults, whether it is in LA or down home suburbia, forget children are watching when they say and do stupid things.
Teens look up to these stars and definitely try to emulate their behaviors. Its been this way since movies first came out in the theatres and now with TV, MTV, and Youtube the influence is even greater.
Can we fault these stars for behaving the way they do, of course we can. However will it change their behavior, will it make us watch them any less, will it make them any less attractive for teens to emulate? Unfortunately the answer is no to each question.
Our society is becoming more and more liberal, and until we adults say enough is enough, this behavior will continue to be more the norm than the exception.
I mean seriously folks, with groups trying to legalize marijuana use under the guise of medicine, and unfortunately winning that battle in 13 states, where do you think society is going?
When held in view of many people there comes a degree of responsibility to others. Words and actions set the tone of modeling to others. Just as it is simple to change the culture by setting a trend so can some of these actors can make an impact by setting examples of true success which includes making the right choices and doing the right thing to improve one’s health and well-being. Doing drugs and misuse of alcohol only cause destruction of self and others who are connected. How sad.
I learned many years ago to not be concerned with what these so called Hollywood Elite do with their lives. Better we set examples for our children and friends by ignoring their attempts at grabbing attention by making utter fools of themselves. If only the schools, churches and media would not tout their actions to the extent that they do and parents took control of what their children are exposed to and told is acceptible early in their development when it matters. We were all exposed to the Hollywood message and some chose to ignore it and others used it as an excuse to explain why they are losers, achieving nothing. My condolense to the families and friends of those weak minded who by their contributions made by going to see the brain dead idiots on the screen and giving credence to the prattle that flows from their mouths on MSNBC, CNN, etc,allow them to live the life of luxury while the contributors are flushing their lives down the tubes.
Heath Ledger didn’t die from the use of alcohol or marijuana. He died from a lethal combination of psychiatric drugs. I don’t know how he obtained them, but I do know that iatrogenic addiction is a serious problem the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and government agencies are afraid to take on. I was 14 when I was iatrogenically addicted to a dosage of 4 mg of ativan given me to take on a daily basis by a psychiatrist. You think there is help for coming off something like that? Look. There isn’t. I knew how to say no to everyone but a doctor at age 14. I would give anything to have been prescribed pot instead.
Maybe this is why the drug problem in this country just continues to get worse, instead of doing something to really help, you guys are on here complaining about something on TV, if a kid was influenced by this show they definitely would have done drugs one way or the other. Also maybe, just maybe, stop lumping pot in with heroin and crack/cocaine or meth - it is not a gateway drug, if anything, alcohol is. I bet if you ask anyone what was the first substance they ever tried it was alcohol.
Many of the people in Hollywood either never knew or have forgotten what “real life” is like. They don’t think or care about this country or the people in it, least of all what their actions or comments say to our youth. They seem to only look for the next check and the next party. There are plenty of actors that I like in their roles, and that’s it, their roles. Their political and moral views are of no interest or concern to me and I truly wish they would get off of their platforms and use the talent God gave them to entertain and leave the rest of it up to people who know what they are talking about. We as parents need to make sure our kids know the difference between the glossed over Hollywood perspective of drugs and alcohol and real life, where drug addiction isn’t glamorous or fun; it doesn’t make you happy or pretty; it makes you sick and often times puts you on a quick path to losing your soul. Think about it….
I think it is important to explain and show kids this is not how they should want to act. I want my kids to say,”wow i dont want to be like that person”. i dont watch alot of things with my kids, but it really upsets me when this attitude floats into kids movies, like using Dam refrences in Ice Age and haveing stoner turtles in Nemo. Dang how fast are our kids supposed to grow up?
I am finding it more and more important for those of us who are familiar with drug users and substance abuse to talk about it in terms where people can understand. If everyone just sees examples like these where people who we look up to are talking about it like its fantastic then we just complain we aren’t getting anywhere. This non-profit offers free training for people who want to address the drug problem but actually convey a message which people understand. http://www.u-sara.org
I grow weary of those that make money from half truths and innuendos. Shame on your for your Keith Ledger slash.
If fear of drugs is wrecking your home, your not taking your kid fishing, sailing, or hiking enough. Learn a skill together and do something. Some idiot on the TV is not any match for a loving, supporting, quality family relationship.