Travolta Sounds Off on Psychiatry

by Libby Pelham | More from this Blogger

20 Jun 2007 10:39 AM

Do you remember two years ago when Tom Cruise had his psychiatry rant with Matt Lauer? Tom said, "Psychiatry is a pseudo science" and argued with Matt, saying, "You don't know the history of psychiatry. I do." Cruise, a Scientologist, felt that post-partum depression should not be treated with medication - he used Brooke Shields as an example - but with "vitamins and through exercise and various things." If you missed the interview, you can still read the entire transcript at the MSNBC web page.

Now, almost two years to the day after that interview, John Travolta is coming out saying that he feels the same way about psychiatry. John, also a Scientologist, said that Scientology has a stance against psychiatry and the use of drugs to cure mental illnesses. Travolta goes on to say he might have presented his opinions in a different manner than Tom did, but that he feels that such things as school shootings are a result of psychotropic drugs given to children.

He defended his right to state his opinions, saying that "I don't want to create controversy; I just have an opinion on things, and there is nothing wrong with stating your opinion if you are asked" and "Everyone wants that right, and because you are famous doesn't mean you have less of a right."

That is true, but I wonder if John realizes just how little an impact his opinions on psychiatry have on me. If I want opinions on acting, I would truly take John's thoughts into consideration. After all, I think he is a great actor and have always loved him. If I wanted to know about flying and being a pilot, I would also listen to John. He has been flying for years and has a lot of experience. But, there is nothing in John's repertoire of experience that I feel qualifies him to have a valid and useful opinion on psychiatry or pharmaceutical drug usage. John has also been embroiled in another controversy recently. He plays Ms. Edna Turnblad in the upcoming film "Hairspray." The fact that he is impersonating a female in this movie has once again raised questions about Travolta's sexuality. While he may be eager to give his opinions on psychiatry, John hushes up when the question of his sexuality arises, only saying, "Everyone has a right to privacy, so I have never felt - even though I am famous - that I had to share that with anybody." What do you think about this? Is this a double standard? Tom has also been under fire over the years for his sexuality. Does it irritate you if stars freely give opinions on everything BUT certain topics such as their sexuality?

Learn more about Libby Pelham

Libby Pelham is a work-at-home mom located in Jacksonville, NC. She has a beautiful little boy, Will, born in July of 2004.

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