I feel a deep connection to the model actress Isabella Rossellini, It was around 1984, and at age 17 I was diagnosed with scoliosis. I happened to come across an old magazine carrying an interview with Isabella Rosellini becoming the face of Lancôme.
In the interview, I read the most inspiring words ‘that she too had suffered from scoliosis’. Those were the pre-internet days when the word ‘scoliosis’ was never heard in my uptight Catholic home.
Learning that the beautiful Isabella Rosellini too had this deforming and debilitating affliction filled me with relief. Knowing that I was not alone. I was no freak like my father said I was. The relief I felt was enormous. Like a weight being released from my heart.
His hateful and vindictive branding of me as ‘the hunchback of Notre Dame’ no longer carried the same sting. I felt liberated. And, strangely, I felt beautiful again. Unlike Isabella, I did not opt for surgery because no one cared to help out. Now, reading about the issues that arise due to spinal surgery, I am glad, I did not push for that option.
Empty Talk
Over the years I have followed Isabella’s moves via the media. Hoping that she would throw some light on this awful condition. But other than just a cursory reference to scoliosis, her condition usually merited a two-line explanation. Isabella did speak of other things though, She highlighted how ageism rife within the film industry is leaving actresses “stuck in limbo” between the ages of 45 and 60 and often struggling to find work. Seriously, isn’t that what the entertainment world is about? The business is about being young and attractive, that’s what brings the audience and money.
Further, she has discussed the travails of being a single mother to two children at the time. Ah, the sad condition of a single mom who was one of the highest-paid models of her time. She says her sacking left her concerned about how she would support her family financially. Reportedly, her contract with Lancome Cosmetics was worth $2 million per year.
Talking Scoliosis
However, when she does talk about her condition, it is about surgery, but plastic surgery. How she is frightened of surgery because she has had two surgeries due to scoliosis. Even if plastic surgery isn’t this bad, just the word “operation” fills her with fear.’
Again, she trivialized the enormity of a serious health condition with superficial preening.
If she could have honestly talked about living with a fused spine.
And spoke about having a baby with her condition.
What an inspiration she could have been.
Finding Realism
With her kind of fame, Isabella Rosellini could have been an inspiration and shone a light on this painful issue. However, over the years I have realized that celebrity life is about image projection that sells. And being picture-perfect is the key, focusing the spotlight on a condition that is deforming does not help the beauty business.
Every one of us wants to be beautiful, but more than pretty we want to be healthy and happy. Unfortunately, that does not come in a bottle. We survivors have to struggle every day to maintain our health and manage our pain. How I wish Lancôme come out with a magic potion that would say goodbye to a twisted spine. And after using the firming potion our bodies will feel straighter, fitter, stronger, and pain-free. And, also younger
I do congratulate Isabella on her good fortune in finding her way back to Lancôme. However, I frankly wouldn’t spend between $30.00 – $225.00 (2275 – 14625 Indian Rupees) when all it will do for me is make me look like a well-maintained grandmother with clearly aging skin. I prefer fresh aloe juice any day, and it’s all I can afford. However, I dread the day when this 65-year-old face is unable to sell age-defying products because women realize that no matter what you cannot defy age.
Image Source:: Wikimedia
Further Reading:
The Psychology of the Body – Elliot Greene & Barbara Goodrich-Dunn
Body Sense: The Science and Practice of Embodied Self-Awareness – Alan Fogel
I can see that my condign retribution for your supercilious sarcasm will not be posted, mai c’est la vie! You do need to realize that access to some wealth is not dispositive with respect to still feeling familial responsibilities, right? That those feelings are in no way directly caused by or connected to material possission or access to personal wealth? That possession of even great wealth is (1) No guarantee of any contentment and happiness, and (2) No guarantee the individual will care at all about supporting their family. Ergo, your weird personal attack on Rossellini just marks you out as petty and vindictive.
Hey Richard, appreciate that you have taken the time to go through my post and share your views. I share my perceptions, remember the right to freedom of speech. That said, this blog has been kinda a catharsis for the trauma I experienced and understanding of scoliosis. Once upon a time I would have been so triggered by a comment like yours but have to tell you that it was like water off a duck’s back. So I guess, it is a good sign. Do share your views on my other posts if you have the time. Hope you enjoy a peaceful life.
This is a condescending, smug, overly judgmental bunch of tripe, thanks for proving yet again that simply suffering from any given medical condition does not automatically confer any compassion, insight, tolerance, or wisdom.