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So I have to admit, I could not stop watching Orange Is The New Black (OITNB) on Netflix. The characters and plot are so intriguing, and some of the content made me think of mental health stigma or diagnosis.
Mainly, The character Suzanne Warren, aka Crazy Eyes. She was often ridiculed among her peers for talking to herself, and displaying behavior that was not commonly accepted. Although the show does not disclose a formal diagnosis, I was moved by the authenticity of the characters.
It was great to see at a later point, that Crazy Eyes had a gift for writing and poetry. The other inmates came to realize her gifts and appreciate her for who she was as a person.
Beyond Crazy Eyes, a lot of the characters are shown as a complete picture, and it makes me pause to remember what people may have gone through in their own life. I applaud the show for “going there” and in some ways, bringing awareness about topics in relevant, modern media. Even though the show may not always have inclusive language or depictions, I still award this my BEST for bringing various topics and situations to life!
Does anyone else have an opinion about the show?
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Hi Michael, I agree – OITNB is one of the best shows out there! I binge-watched all 3 seasons. But I miss Vee! She was so scary and totally changed the dynamic of the prison (and the show), but always fascinating to watch. Since we’re already talking abut bullying, Vee personifies what I think is the worst kind of bullying, where the person acts like they’re your friend and is completely manipulative and untrustworthy.
I feel so bad for you, Sundancer. I was bullied last year and what helped was when other people who were seeing it happen told me they were on my side. (Even though none of them dared say anything to the bully.) Plus I knew that I wasn’t going to see her any more after the end of the school year. Do you have a chance of moving out of your group home?
Mega, Vee is so scary!! The way she smiled and glared at people was enough to make you cry. I agree she was totally manipulative and controlling. It reminds me of the way cults can draw people in to coerce them.
BTW… This photo made me laugh. Just wanted to throw that out there!
OMG, I can’t believe how similar they look!!! That’s wild! This just proves that Oprah can do anything!