We've been conditioned to look at the MSM narrative of troubling and/or 'thug' behavior through a cyclical lens, rather than the prism of mental illness- now that certainly doesn't excuse poor behavior, however when we start to realize that no matter the level of 'fame', income, socioeconomic situation, etc., and view the person as a person, rather than placing ridiculous expectations onto someone who is incapable of living up to said expectations, we might begin to see those struggling be able to seek out help, and grow into their capabilities.
Ron Artest is a perfect study of the effects of the psyche being directly related to a world view that's self-destructive, self-loathing and completely destroys any future their talents may escalate them to.
This man's struggles and his subsequent rise to success are the epitome of the absolute power to overcome inner demons and become the person you are meant to be.
I'm a Bulls fan by nature, but having watched Artest from his St Johns days, I've never been so happy to see someone win a championship as I have when he finally was able to see that psychological and psychiatric help CAN work, and does work, if you're willing to put the work into it.
Thanking his psychiatrist and psychologist was the epitome of seeing someone finally being happy in the skin he's in, he acknowledged his failures regarding the Pacers, because he realized he made poor choices, and was able to rise above.
I'm so pleased with this documentary and the raw truth this lays open- mental illness affects many people, and it's up to us to try to understand and extend some empathy for others, rather than castigate someone for behavior we know nothing about, other than the short sound byte the media wishes to drive- pushing a false narrative that only pushes others into a deeper hole.
It's not hard to root for his continued success, and this film is a wonderful example of having courage to talk about this still stigmatized illness and I will be recommending this to others enthusiastically.
Well done. Continued success to Mr Artest, and I'm happy to see him not only thriving but genuinely happy.