Comments On "Wonderland"
Note: These comments have been edited by the Guide for spelling and grammar, space and clarity. They are a representative sample of all comments received.
CON:
eggnurse: I am a rapid-cycling RN with Bipolar Affective Disorder ... I literally could not handle this show - nothing at all about it, the methods used to film it, the portrayals of the characters - nothing. And I usually LOVE these kinds of shows. I was really looking forward to seeing it. I turned it off after 10 minutes. I can't remember when I have ever given up on a show that quickly. It was offensive to me, it left a bad taste in my mouth, it totally panicked me. Strong reaction. Thanks for letting me sound off.
KathyM: I was livid after watching the show. It did nothing but perpetuate the negative and violent stereotypes of mentally ill people ... I do not think I am overreacting. Yes, it was accurate in many places. However, the general public has minimal insight and all this does is reinforce their fears ... They attempted to show how sensitive the doctors could be and how chaotic their lives are but I think that got lost because the focus was on the violence and on people being psychotic. Oh, I am still so angry at how irresponsible they have been. It has taken so long to get rid of the 'snake pit' and 'cuckoo's nest' mentality and now this!!!
CathySue: I was diagnosed a year ago with bipolar and spent a week in the hospital. All I can say is if I had seen this show first I probably would have not gone to get help. I think this show will scare some people from getting the help they need. The hospital I was at was nothing like the one protrayed in this show. There was not people talking to themselves or hurting others. Most of the people were there because of depression. I hope in further episodes that they also protray the benefits of getting help and that not all people with mental illness walk around homeless and hurting other people.
PRO:
Brain21: ... Bellevue does exist and the patients there are much like those on Wonderland. I think what Peter Berg and the others involved with the show are trying to give us is a look at the end result of untreated mental illness. I also believe they are trying to show our society what happens when they turn their backs on the most ill among them ... The show is on your side. It is not there to further stigmatize our plight, but rather to show Americans that they need to wake up, open their hearts and pocketbooks to help stop the pain of untreated mental illness. You can certainly write to ABC and voice your concerns and hopes for topics on other episodes. However, to actually believe that this show is so damaging as to request that it be taken off the air is a little over the top. Give it a chance. Wonderland could become one of our clearest voices and biggest advocates for sweeping change in the area of mental health.
Tristan: I watched Wonderland and was not offended. I volunteer with people who are part of the bleak medical and social system that the people in the show are part of, government funded (federal money does not exist, state, county, city funds which are decreasing all the time). I am glad that this show is there. I don't think that the show or the media does all the harm to people with mental illnesses, I think some harm is done by our silence. (Yes I too am bipolar, and I am just as guilty of silence as others.) I think that having a voice on television is something that is a long time coming and I am glad it's there.
Ezeree: I thought the show was excellent ... It is time "NORMAL" society got a look at some of the deep dark secrets that "WE" the Shadow people have to deal with every day. Maybe some of us would get the help that we really need!
