Profile in Focus | Roseanne Barr’s Political History (1991 - 2012)
Russia Is A Terrorist State: Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Profile in Focus | Roseanne Barr’s Political History (1991 - 2012)
“Roseanne Barr - Utah Pride Festival Grand Marshall June 4 2011 Salt Lake City Utah USA” by Jonathan Mauer under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Roseanne Barr, a name that echoed across American households in the late 1980s and early 1990s, was much more than just a stand-up comedian and actress. Born on November 3, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Roseanne Cherrie Barr had humble beginnings but quickly rose to fame with her unique brand of no-nonsense comedy and witty observations about family life.
In the early 1990s, Roseanne Barr became a household name with the debut of her hit sitcom, "Roseanne." The show was groundbreaking for its time, as it portrayed a working-class family dealing with real-life issues like unemployment, domestic struggles, and teenage rebellion. It struck a chord with viewers and earned Barr widespread recognition, earning her four Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for Best Actress.
In a Los Angeles Times article dated October 3, 1991, the focus was on a growing phenomenon of individuals, now adults, who were coming forward with memories of severe childhood abuse that had long been buried in their consciousness. These victims recounted harrowing stories of physical and psychological torture inflicted upon them as young children, some even claiming involvement in satanic cults and murder. These memories only resurfaced with the help of therapists. This surge in repressed memory accounts was no longer considered unusual, and court cases were beginning to hinge on these recollections, while support groups for victims were also emerging.
One particularly notable case was that of comedian Roseanne Barr Arnold, who revealed that she had suffered abuse from both her parents, but these memories had remained dormant for three decades. Similar stories were being shared by others, including former Miss America Marilyn Van Derbur Atler, and Carolivia Herron, a professor at Mount Holyoke College, who disclosed autobiographical elements in her latest novel, revealing horrific abuse she experienced as a child. Through therapy, Herron claimed to have recalled memories of 83 rapes.
However, experts were urging caution, emphasizing that repressed memories could sometimes be a mixture of truth, fantasy, or distortion. Dr. Mark J. Mills, a specialist in psychiatry and law, emphasized that in most cases, people remembered events too well, rather than being unable to recall them. While the repression of memories was generally accepted as a defense mechanism against trauma, the exact mechanisms behind this phenomenon remained largely unknown.
Accounts of memory loss, similar to repression, were observed in various traumatic situations, such as battle, accidents, torture, and childhood abuse. This phenomenon was categorized under "dissociative disorders," a range of memory-related psychological issues. Multiple personality disorder, an extreme form of dissociation, involved memories of traumatic experiences being locked away in separate identities.
Nonetheless, experts expressed concerns over the surge in newly remembered incidents, particularly those involving claims of satanic cult abuse. Dr. George K. Ganaway, a specialist in psychiatric aberrations of memory, stated that such claims had reached "epidemic" proportions, but often lacked independent verification. He argued that many claiming to be victims may have been persuaded, consciously or subconsciously, to adopt a plausible explanation for their emotional pain.
Cases were emerging where newly remembered incidents were being used as evidence in trials. For example, George T. Franklin was sentenced to life in prison for a crime committed in 1969, based on the testimony of his daughter, Eileen Franklin-Lipsker, who had repressed her memories of the event for nearly two decades.
While some researchers believed in the validity of repressed memories, others raised concerns about the potential for false memories to be planted, especially by inadequately trained therapists. They argued that suggestible individuals could easily develop vivid memories of events that never occurred.
In conclusion, the article highlighted the complexities and controversies surrounding repressed memories. While some argued for their validity, others cautioned against relying solely on such memories as evidence, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation in legal and therapeutic contexts.
COLUMN ONE : Unlocking the Secrets of Memory : Recent tales of child abuse have a twist-- victims, now adults, say their memories of the horrors were repressed for decades. Critics speak of fantasy and distortion. - Los Angeles Times October 3, 1991
The article titled "Roseanne details abuse by parents; levels new accusation" was published by United Press International (UPI) on October 8, 1991.
Comedian Roseanne Barr Arnold, who was entangled in a contentious dispute with her parents regarding her claims of childhood sexual abuse, stated on Tuesday that her father had molested her daughter on the day of the comedian's wedding.
Arnold, at 38 years old, renowned for her role in the popular ABC-TV sitcom 'Roseanne,' had initially made her allegations of molestation by her father public last month, in front of a gathering of incest survivors and therapists in Denver.
During the recording of the 'Sally Jesse Raphael Show' on Tuesday, Arnold revealed another shocking revelation, accusing her father of molesting her daughter during her wedding in 1990. She mentioned, 'It was at my wedding in 1990 that my father molested my daughter, Jessica. She didn't tell me for six months that he had done that at my wedding, which is why Tom and I got remarried,' referring to her and Tom Arnold's decision to renew their marriage vows.
Arnold explained that her recollections of the childhood incidents began in 1980 when her sister disclosed her own childhood abuse. However, it was only two years ago, while her husband was attending a drug rehabilitation program and discussed his own childhood abuse, that her traumatic memories began to resurface.
Recently, she wrote to her parents, Jerome and Heidi Barr of Salt Lake City, informing them of her intention to disclose her childhood trauma. They did not respond.
Since Arnold's public revelations, her parents vehemently denied the allegations and announced their intention to sue People magazine for publishing an article quoting Arnold about the purported abuse.
Jerome Barr stated last month, 'We're totally upset... I never touched my daughter... I never had any incestual relationships with her.'
The Barrs also underwent lie detector tests, confirmed their attorney Melvin Belli, and both passed.
Arnold asserted,
'They are not going to shut me up and I'm not going to stop... Their lawyer said they took lie detector tests, which really cracks me up because everybody knows you have got to have a conscience and feel some guilt to fail one, and they've never had either or they wouldn't have done any of it.'
Arnold recalled that as a teenager, her father would intrude into the bathroom while she bathed to film her with his movie camera. She also recounted an incident on her 17th birthday when her mother violently grabbed her hair, expressing a wish that she had died in a car accident the year before.
Arnold revealed that she had spent her adult life concealing her childhood trauma, a burden that propelled her to engage in self-destructive behaviors involving drugs, alcohol, and food. She stated, 'Keeping that secret is what my whole life has been about for 38 years... I did such a thorough job of keeping the secret that I didn't even know it myself until two years ago.'
She further disclosed that her self-destructive tendencies led her to smoke five packs of cigarettes daily, oscillate between overeating and dieting, and abuse drugs.
Tom Arnold, appearing alongside his wife on the program, also disclosed that he had been sexually abused as a child. He recounted, 'I was 7 and he was 18... He used to babysit me and it happened a lot. I was thinking -- being a guy, you always wonder, you don't want to tell anybody this happend to you. It did happen, and I want to confront the guy.'
Roseanne details abuse by parents; levels new accusation - United Press International (UPI) October 8, 1991
On October 13, 1991, the Chicago Tribune reported that numerous individuals in the Colorado area had begun experiencing disturbing memories of childhood incest. This phenomenon was attributed to a series of revelations by public figures who disclosed that they had been sexually abused as children. The Kempe National Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect reported that over 3,000 people had contacted the center in recent weeks to share their recollections of enduring incest during childhood.
The surge in reports began after Miss America of 1958, Marilyn Van Derbur Atler, came forward in May to disclose her memories of childhood sexual assaults by her late father. Comedian Roseanne Arnold also sought counseling from a Kempe team and publicly alleged sexual trauma at the hands of her father. Since then, several other celebrities, including LaToya Jackson, Sinead O'Connor, and Brian Wilson, revealed their own stories of sexual or physical abuse by parents.
Dr. Thomas Roesler, the clinical director of Kempe and head of its Adult Survivors program, expressed the center's intention to gather data about the prevalence and nature of incest by studying those who had recently come forward with suppressed memories. Many victims had hidden their abuse memories until well into their adulthood, sometimes not recalling them until they were in their 20s, 30s, 40s, or later.
Roesler likened the sudden resurfacing of these repressed memories to flashbacks observed in post-traumatic stress disorder among Vietnam War veterans. Among the thousands who contacted the center, approximately half described experiencing unexpected recollections they had concealed from themselves through various coping mechanisms, ranging from suppression to developing multiple personalities.
The Kempe project aimed to assist numerous adults in confronting their deeply distressing memories. It was initiated with financial support from the Van Derbur family and aimed to reach survivors who had suppressed their traumatic experiences for years.
The accuracy of these recollections and the extent of child sexual abuse were subjects of debate, but there was growing consensus that a substantial number of individuals had been victims. Statistics suggested that a significant portion of women and men had experienced some form of sexual abuse as children.
Despite debates regarding the validity of such estimates, Dr. Roesler was convinced that many childhood sexual abuse survivors were also victims of incest. He cited a 1989 book by Dr. John Briere, "Therapy for Adults Molested as Children," which reported that a notable portion of female sexual abuse survivors encountered sexual contact from either a parent or a step-parent.
The Kempe center, founded by C. Henry Kempe, aimed not only to help adult incest survivors cope with their guilt and shame but also to learn about the coping mechanisms they had used during the abuse. These insights might eventually be employed to assist children currently experiencing similar nightmares.
Overall, the project sought to glean valuable lessons from the survivors of these harrowing experiences, with the hope of preventing and addressing child abuse more effectively.
CELEBRITY TALES OF CHILDHOOD ABUSE JAR SIMILAR MEMORIES FOR MANY - Chicago Tribune October 13, 1991
On October 19, 1991, the Greensboro News and Record reported on the increasing prevalence of repressed memories of childhood abuse. This phenomenon was exemplified by three women who shared horrifying accounts of sexual and psychological torture they endured as children on the "Geraldo" show in September. These women claimed to have recently recollected these traumatic events with the help of therapists. Such stories were becoming more common, leading to court cases relying on these recollections and the emergence of support groups for victims.
Notably, comedian Roseanne Barr Arnold disclosed her own experiences of abuse, stating that both of her parents had mistreated her. These memories had remained buried for three decades. Similarly, former Miss America Marilyn Van Derbur Atler revealed repressed memories of sexual abuse by her father in May.
While these memories were vivid, questions arose about their accuracy and the possibility of distortion or fabrication over time. Scientists urged caution, emphasizing that repressed memories could sometimes be a blend of truth and imagination. Some critics argued that repressed memory had become a popular but potentially misused diagnosis, employed to explain a wide range of psychological distress.
Repression of memories was generally accepted in the scientific community as a defense mechanism against trauma. However, the exact mechanisms of how the mind buries memories and why certain individuals are more susceptible to this phenomenon remained largely unknown.
Experts acknowledged that memory suppression could occur, particularly in cases of severe trauma, such as in victims of childhood abuse. This amnesia was categorized as part of a broader set of memory issues known as "dissociative disorders."
However, concerns were raised about a surge in newly recalled incidents without independent verification. Dr. George K. Ganaway, a specialist in psychiatric memory aberrations, noted a rise in memories of satanic cult abuse lacking substantial corroboration. Some individuals, he argued, may adopt plausible explanations for their emotional pain based on suggestions from others or exposure to media portrayals.
The debate around repressed memories extended to the legal arena. In a significant criminal case in January, George T. Franklin was convicted of raping and murdering 8-year-old Susan Nason, a crime that occurred in 1969. The case largely relied on the testimony of Franklin's daughter, Eileen Franklin-Lipsker, who did not recall witnessing the crime for nearly two decades.
Experts like Ganaway and David Spiegel, a psychiatry professor, suggested that poorly trained therapists might have contributed to the proliferation of satanic-abuse claims and could potentially lead patients to believe they had been abused when they were not. They emphasized the vulnerability of patients with memory lapses or multiple personality disorder to suggestion.
While Sigmund Freud initially accepted accounts of adult patients claiming childhood sexual abuse, he later changed his stance, attributing these stories to fantasies stemming from taboo desires. This skepticism persisted in psychiatric circles for decades, but contemporary studies have since revealed the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of memory and trauma.
ABUSE VICTIMS WHO KEEP THEIR SECRET - FROM THEMSELVES - Greensboro News and Record October 19, 1991
In an article titled "DEALING WITH ROSEANNE" published by The New Yorker on July 9, 1995, the author recounted the rise of Roseanne Barr, a trailblazing comic figure known for her bold, unfiltered humor. In 1985, Roseanne made her debut on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show," instantly captivating the audience with her witty, irreverent monologue. Her act cleverly blended humor with social commentary, earning her both laughter and applause. Roseanne's distinctive style and willingness to tackle taboo subjects set her apart, making her a controversial yet influential figure in American entertainment.
As her popularity soared, Roseanne's impact on the comedy scene became undeniable. Her show, "Roseanne," which debuted in 1988, garnered international attention and was set to enter its eighth season. Roseanne's earnings escalated, with each episode netting her over a million dollars. She parlayed her success into a production company, securing deals with ABC for multiple series. Roseanne anticipated her net worth to reach around a billion dollars by the end of the century. Privately, she considered herself even more influential than Oprah Winfrey in the entertainment industry, citing her unique contracts for solid pay-or-play series. Beyond television, Roseanne expanded her ventures into screenwriting, co-producing adaptations, and launching a chain of diners featuring her signature comfort food recipes. Additionally, she planned to create a clothing line catering to plus-size women, featuring simple and tailored designs.
Roseanne's ascent to success came hand-in-hand with her unapologetic and boundary-pushing comedy. She bared her personal struggles, including divorces, a troubled childhood, and her public missteps. Her willingness to confront uncomfortable truths resonated with audiences. Roseanne's candidness extended beyond the stage, exemplified by her appearance on the David Letterman show, where she proudly displayed the scar from her in-vitro pregnancy. Her humor served as a vessel to expose societal wounds often left unacknowledged. Throughout her career, Roseanne remained unapologetically herself, unafraid to challenge norms and conventions, making her a true renegade in the world of comedy.
Roseanne Barr's comedy is characterized by a reclaiming of phallic aggression typically associated with male humor. She adopts a posture of power on stage, asserting it as "womb power" that men appropriated. She humorously contends that her "psychic penis" surpasses any man's, emphasizing that her strength lies in her femininity. Roseanne's childhood was marked by hardship, growing up in a poor Jewish family surrounded by Mormons in Salt Lake City. She felt a sense of alienation and feared persecution due to her Jewish heritage. Comedy became her coping mechanism, a way to both defend and assert herself.
Roseanne's life has been a tapestry of struggle and resilience. She claims to have multiple personalities and has publicly accused her parents of abuse, which they deny. Her early years were turbulent, marked by self-destructive behavior, including self-harm and erratic eating habits. Yet, she also discovered that humor was her armor. Her father, despite being domineering, responded positively to her comedic efforts, which encouraged her to develop her aggressive comedic style. Laughter, for Roseanne, became a way to both engage and protect herself.
In 1971, Roseanne had a daughter, Brandi, whom she gave up for adoption. Shortly after, she met her first husband, Bill Pentland. By the time she was twenty-six, she was caring for three young children in a small house. Despite her humorous quip about "breeding well in captivity," her reality was a constant struggle. She took on various jobs, from window dressing to prostitution, all while gradually honing her comedic skills. Roseanne's emergence as a comedian was a gradual process, influenced by the likes of Lord Buckley and Lenny Bruce. Working at a restaurant called Bennigan's provided her with a platform to showcase her sharp wit and engage with patrons. This experience, coupled with discovering the Comedy Works club, solidified her belief that she was destined for comedic stardom. Her ex-husband Bill Pentland, while initially skeptical, now acknowledges her exceptional sense of purpose and the impact she has had as a comedian.
Roseanne's career took off when she decided to be brutally honest about her life, using comedy as a means to express her rebellion. She felt liberated and empowered by her decision to "Stand Up" on stage. She ventured into unconventional comedy gigs, including working as an MC at a strip club, where she and a partner playfully impersonated the strippers, creating comedic scenes. Roseanne also became actively involved in feminist activism, lecturing on feminist ethics and even facing opposition within the feminist movement itself for her outspoken views.
Throughout her journey in comedy and activism, Roseanne confronted various challenges and conflicts. She learned to be unapologetically herself and rejected the academic feminist language, preferring to speak her truth in a relatable, straightforward manner. Roseanne's comedy challenged patriarchal norms and decorum, advocating for women's empowerment and authenticity.
Her transition to mainstream success came when she joined the cast of her hit sitcom "Roseanne," but this newfound fame was accompanied by conflicts with producers, particularly over creative control. Roseanne's determination and insistence on being the driving force behind her show ultimately led to her gaining control and shaping the series in her image.
While Roseanne found success in her career, there remained a sense of unease and trauma in her personal life, which she masked with her humor and rage. Despite cosmetic changes and achievements, her soul still bore the scars of past abuse and struggles, reflected in her demeanor and outlook.
In her show's production, Roseanne banned several parties, including the network, advertisers, and even her own producers, asserting her dominance and creative control. Her career, marked by defiance and resilience, had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, particularly in giving a voice to working-class women and challenging conventional norms.
The passage discusses the impact of the TV show "Roseanne" in portraying the challenges of a working-class family realistically. It contrasts the show's portrayal of real-life working-class issues, including difficulties with children, emotional and financial problems of parents, and societal promises versus reality, with the consumer-focused image promoted by advertisers who pay a significant amount for ad slots during the show.
Roseanne's perspective emphasizes the strength, values, and community of working-class people compared to the middle class, which is portrayed as being overly focused on materialism and the fear of losing. The passage also highlights how the show has addressed various social issues over the years, using humor to tackle topics like racism, unemployment, and relationships.
The passage describes a script reading session, where the writers eagerly await the audience's laughter and approval of their work. Roseanne is enjoying the session, especially appreciating Ashley Johnson's character, Lisa. The writers cheer for the script's success and find joy in the collective humor.
After the reading, the writers and Roseanne work on a therapy scene, and there's a discussion about the emotions portrayed by the actors in the scene. Ellen DeGeneres mentions mirroring Jackie's emotions in the scene, which Roseanne finds inappropriate for a therapist character. The passage provides insight into the collaborative process of creating the show.
DEALING WITH ROSEANNE - The New Yorker July 9, 1995
On October 19, 1995, the Los Angeles Times reported on the upheaval surrounding the popular TV show "Roseanne." While Roseanne Barr had returned to the set in Studio City, her co-star John Goodman was conspicuously absent. The turmoil had erupted the previous day when Roseanne attempted to dismiss Eric Gilliland, the show's executive producer and head writer. This move had reportedly unsettled Goodman, leading to his absence from work.
ABC President Ted Harbert stated that efforts were underway to resolve the situation. A spokesperson for Goodman declined to comment on the Variety report but confirmed his absence from work. Meanwhile, Roseanne, through her spokesperson Marleah Leslie, expressed enthusiasm for the season, declaring it the best year for "Roseanne." A representative for Carsey-Werner, the show's executive producers, affirmed that Eric Gilliland was still part of the team.
TELEVISION’Roseanne’ Reverberations: Roseanne was back on her... - Los Angeles Times October 19, 1995
WITH RESPECT TO ROSEANNE - The New Yorker February 18, 1996
“Vote Third Party” from Vote Third Party by Ryan Heneise under CC BY-SA 2.0.
“2012 election” under public domain by Google.
"The Recipe," an article published on SLATE on May 26, 2010, explores Roseanne Barr's personal experiences of childhood abuse and how these experiences influenced her transition from a sitcom star to a political candidate. The article delves into Roseanne's disclosure of abuse by her parents and the impact it had on her life. It also discusses her decision to enter the political sphere, running for the Green Party presidential nomination in 2012, and advocating for progressive policies such as healthcare reform, environmental sustainability, and workers' rights. The article highlights how Roseanne's traumatic past played a role in shaping her activism and her commitment to using her platform to address important societal issues.
Throughout her political journey, Barr remained a divisive figure, drawing both support and criticism from various corners. Her ability to spark discussions and push boundaries was evident in her participation in media events, such as her sparring with Ted Nugent over politics and her public disagreements with figures like Monsanto.
In many ways, Roseanne Barr's foray into politics exemplified the complexities of celebrity involvement in the political arena. Her campaigns highlighted the challenges of gaining traction within third-party structures and navigating the nuances of political discourse. Barr's impact extended beyond her candidacy, as her engagement sparked conversations about issues ranging from corporate influence to social justice. While her political pursuits were marked by controversy and skepticism, they also demonstrated her commitment to speaking out about issues she believed in and using her platform to raise awareness.
The Recipe - SLATE May 26, 2010
Written with ChatGPT on September 17, 2023