Last week on YouTube, I stumbled on a clip from the 70s where Phil Donahue was interviewing the daughter of late Hollywood actress Joan Crawford.
Christina Crawford's haunting memoir, Mommie Dearest, had just been released. On the show, she told an unbelievable story that was recounted in the book, but not in the movie.
When Joan was on her deathbed, two attendants were sitting with her. One of them, sensing the end was near, started to pray out loud. Joan raised her head and said, "Damnit, don't you dare ask God to help me!" Those were her last coherent words. Minutes later, she was dead.
Can you believe that? She remained true to her evilness until the very end.
This re-sparked my interest in this dark and menacing woman. As a kid, I watched the movie Mommie Dearest at least 20 times. I can remember "faking sick" from school so I wouldn't miss the re-run on HBO.
Even though Joan Crawford allegedly beat her children, obsessed over cleanliness, drank herself into oblivion, and fought ruthlessly for her career, I still felt intrigued and wanted to understand her. Also, I knew there had to be more to this story.
As an adult, it's no wonder that I hosted a TV show called Reveal What's Real and that I launched my first business under the name Marketing Your Truth. Opening conversations about delicate issues still means everything to me, and Christina Crawford did just that.
Her book (and later, the 1981 movie) served as a mirror for society. It prompted the masses to examine their family secrets and to see how damaging silence can be. It also planted a seed in women to get honest about why (and if) they wanted to have children.
Even though we saw only two in the movie, Joan adopted four children. Allegedly, each one was purchased when she needed a publicity boost in her acting career. New family photos made her relevant and likable again in the eyes of film studios and fans.
Furthermore, if Joan could portray herself as a good mother, no one would question her erratic behavior.
Her children were expected to be obedient and to become her biggest fans, but Joan had no ability to feel empathy or to return their love. She was an unfit mother who bought children as props because we, as a society, told her that she would be nothing without kids.
In the Donahue interview, Christina said that her mother's peers and helpers knew about the abuse, but they kept quiet out of fear of losing their jobs or their standing with Joan. Her fans didn't help either. Many of them were angry at Christina for exposing Joan's private life.
This situation leads me to ask, "What is our role today in perpetuating child abuse? Are we still pressuring women to be mothers so they can be accepted?"
Christina Crawford gave us a GIFT in writing her book. It opened infected wounds so healing could occur for millions of people. Because of the book, campaigns to stop child abuse grew exponentially, and regulations in the adoption process were strengthened. She also revealed the delusional and damaging ways in which we view the rich and famous.
This Mother's Day, I'd like to say THANKS to this iconic mother-daughter team for the contribution of their story. Perhaps the collective good that has occurred since Joan's death released her soul into a more peaceful place. Heck, maybe it sent her deeper into a personal hell!
In any case, Christina's influence is the one I carry with me today. Her truth sparked global change and opened crucial conversations. Perhaps most notably, we will never be able to look at a wire hanger the same way again. Ever!!!
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.