charming maybe
pathetic occasionally
mercurial definitely
tragic always
but not romantic
on some level we know this
we recognize the mundane destruction
of addiction
the disturbing despair
of the disease
but our stories seldom reflect this truth
media props up the tired archetypes
the alluring genius creative (Mank)
the alluring genius creative that love may "fix" (Crazy Heart, A Star Is Born)
the broken man tortured by his past (Manchester By The Sea)
addiction as dominant personality trait (Colossal, Words & Pictures et al.)
on and on
the truth is alcoholism is ugly, messy, sad
foreboding and heartbreaking for those caught within it's wake
terrifying and inexorable for those caught within it's grasp
no more romantic or dramatic than any other wasting disease
it has no preference
creative or comely, rich or rough
it afflicts with one purpose- ruin
there is seldom a narrative about the most interesting aspect of the alcoholic
their opportunity for redemption
their chance to change.
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