I originally wrote this in response to a TV News website's article, but after submitting it I got a notice that all responses must be approved by a moderator. That'd probably explain why there were zero comments on the piece.
For reference, search the web for "Miley Cyrus Salvia".
My comment follows:
For this drug to suddenly come into the US media this way, and immediately be demonized in any (semi-verifiable) way possible, is pretty pathetic. If the problem is that the video shows that girl enjoying herself on a legal drug, it's pretty stupid as news and journalism. If the problem is that the girl is famous here, fame brought about by being a former child star with a lot of child fans, and her influence makes potentially dangerous drug use look fun to those who cannot yet think carefully for themselves, the problem is not the drug. The problem is expecting and allowing children to believe in actors as a replacement for real heroes.
I used Salvia once when I was 15 years old over ten years ago. It was not on video, I have no influence, I did not cause or get into any trouble. I knew many other individuals over the internet who'd used it which is how I knew about it. I think it's just wrong to portray this particular drug as a problem like illegal hallucinogens, or huffing which is practically unstoppable without a strong parent, mentor, or counselor. It's worse that this is now being shown all over the news media this way, exposing the children who did, for some reason, still idolize her, to the video, in the context that the drug is dangerous. (As if there aren't plenty of non-drug causes of permanent psychoses as well. I knew more girls with eating disorders than drug problems in the areas where I grew up.)
Make this what it is: Kids, you will look like a complete moron and not even care, if this is the path you choose. I chose not to continue that way in my youth, good luck with your own children.
For reference, search the web for "Miley Cyrus Salvia".
My comment follows:
For this drug to suddenly come into the US media this way, and immediately be demonized in any (semi-verifiable) way possible, is pretty pathetic. If the problem is that the video shows that girl enjoying herself on a legal drug, it's pretty stupid as news and journalism. If the problem is that the girl is famous here, fame brought about by being a former child star with a lot of child fans, and her influence makes potentially dangerous drug use look fun to those who cannot yet think carefully for themselves, the problem is not the drug. The problem is expecting and allowing children to believe in actors as a replacement for real heroes.
I used Salvia once when I was 15 years old over ten years ago. It was not on video, I have no influence, I did not cause or get into any trouble. I knew many other individuals over the internet who'd used it which is how I knew about it. I think it's just wrong to portray this particular drug as a problem like illegal hallucinogens, or huffing which is practically unstoppable without a strong parent, mentor, or counselor. It's worse that this is now being shown all over the news media this way, exposing the children who did, for some reason, still idolize her, to the video, in the context that the drug is dangerous. (As if there aren't plenty of non-drug causes of permanent psychoses as well. I knew more girls with eating disorders than drug problems in the areas where I grew up.)
Make this what it is: Kids, you will look like a complete moron and not even care, if this is the path you choose. I chose not to continue that way in my youth, good luck with your own children.
