Robin Williams 'Mask In Through The Facade'

Through the Facade Many believe that one should refrain from judging a book by its cover. As blatant or dull as it may seem, what lies inside may be capable of ambushing one’s thoughts with facts one would never think possible. This concept also applies not only to books, but to people as well. One might believe that someone would have a cover, or in this case, a mask, to conceal their true purpose. A famous actor and comedian, Robin Williams, can be suspected of wearing a mask to camouflage his depression. In the NBA, Donald Sterling, can also be suspected of wearing a mask to camouflage his racism. A well known singer, R. Kelly, would leave one to question if he was wearing a mask to harbor his vulgar character. All of these men can perhaps …show more content…
Masks are strategically used to shield a trait that may not be considered as part of the societal norm. Robin Williams perhaps was capable of wearing a mask to conceal his depression. One reason Williams may have wanted to camouflage his depression may have been because he did not want to ruin his image as a role model. This is supported in an interview with Kellan Lutz in the Washington Times. Lutz states: “I want to be that dad to my kids. I want to be the ‘Patch Adams,’ the ‘Jumanji,’ the ‘Mrs. Doubtfire,’ ‘Good Will Hunting’” (Lutz). Based on this, one can infer that Lutz grew up watching shows and films that Robin Williams were in and admired how Williams presented himself. It seems as if Lutz does not see that Williams is battling a war within himself. Another reason Williams may have worn a mask is because he may not have wanted to worry his friends and family. This is supported when his son, Zak, makes a reference to how Williams …show more content…
Kelly is a talented artist, but one would argue that his actions say otherwise. One would argue that he wore a mask to shield his crime of being sexually involved with underaged females. One reason Kelly may have wanted to mask this obscenity is because he had a successful music career. This is supported when an article on MTV’s website makes a reference to Kelly’s success. It states: “The results are in from the other election - the one determined not by paper, electronic or provisional ballots but by record sales - and R. Kelly and Jay-Z are the new leaders of the pop nation” (http://www.mtv.com). Based on this, one can infer that Kelly is doing extremely well in the music business and would not want the truth about him to get out, as he might have rather been known as a leader of a pop nation than a pervert. It seems as if Kelly’s image is overlooking possible boundaries. Another reason why Kelly may have wanted to camouflage his true identity is because he knew he would be shunned. This is supported in an interview on Spin’s website when Jim DeRogatis makes a reference to how Kelly’s actions made him feel. The website states: “DeRogatis recalls one lawsuit filed against Kelly, a case he describes as “stomach-churning” (DeRogatis). What DeRogatis suggests is that Kelly’s actions horrified DeRogatis and felt damaged knowing what Kelly had done. One might wonder why Kelly went on to commit these crimes knowing the consequences. Another reason Kelly may have wanted to