Can Everyone Please Stop Faking Cancer?
Seriously, what is the deal?
This week I watched Apple Cider Vinegar, Netflix’s new halfway decent show about Belle Gibson, the notorious Australian scammer who pretended she had brain cancer while building a significant wellness empire. This, of course, is on the heels of Scamanda, and half a dozen other stories of people who fake cancer, tragic pregnancies, or *insert extremely dramatic made up illness here*. One of the things that Vinegar did well was show how much online attention serves as a replacement for fulfilling personal relationships. This is encapsulated in a new term “Munchausen by internet (MBI)” and I think we’re seeing it a lot right now. The slightest scan of TikTok will reveal an unending feed of people talking about their illnesses, and there is really no way to verify if they’re true or not. But it is a great way to get those coveted likes and comments.
It’s really not a surprise that some people have taken this MBI to extreme lengths, nor is it a surprise that it exists at all. Better writers than I have opined on the social media to loneliness pipeline and post-lockdown that pipeline has become a superhighway. Add to that the lack of free third spaces and a reduction in membership in religious or community organizations and it’s no surprise that people are seeking attention online in whatever way they can. This is also why I think cult membership is increasing significantly, a phenomenon that I am considering becoming red string obsessed with.
Anyways, I guess my point is we need more parties. Someone get the kids outside, give them a hug and a g&t, and make them talk to each other. Then maybe they’ll stop pretending they have cancer.
Choose the Bear
Today’s episode is with Kerry Graham, a writer who wrote a viral HuffPost article about being childfree. We talk about the response to the article, what she’s learned since then, and how she is living her best single, childfree life. I loved Kerry and loved having this conversation and I hope you like it too! Find it wherever you find your pods.
What to do with yourself
Watch
The Rig (Prime)- The Rig season 2 is out! This season is more of a tense interpersonal drama than the first season but still just as interesting.
The Fall Guy (Paramount +)- I heard a lot of good things about this Gosling/Blunt flick and it’s actually really fun. I am also team #givestuntperformersanoscar and I love that this film is all about recognizing how hard they work!
Muslim Matchmaking (Hulu)- Clearly picking up the reins from Indian Matchmaking on Flix, I actually really enjoyed this version. It’s dramatic, the matchmakers are young and vibrant, and several of the people are very clearly single for a reason. I’m interested to see what the response is, I will definitely be checking the subreddits.
Read
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