I have
always felt like an old soul in a young body. More specifically an honest, old
soul, or at least that’s my excuse. It turns out when people ask you a
question, whether as a child or an adult, they don’t necessarily want the
truth. Jack Nicholson hit the reason on the head: “You can’t handle the truth!”
As far back as I can remember people have had to continue to be reminded of
this after a conversation with me. A case in point is what happened on my
elementary school class trip with my teacher while we were in Philadelphia at
Betsy Ross’s house (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2015/09/for-city-of-brotherly-love-benjamin.html).
Leah
Remini, like myself, was born and raised Brooklyn proud, and we have many
famous allies out there in Hollywoodland. My favorite Brooklynite, who I still
miss dearly, is Joan Rivers (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2013/06/for-learning-to-laugh-out-loud-at-all.html).
There will certainly never be another like her. Other so called “big mouths”
from Brooklyn that have taken over our world are the “Notorious R.B.G.” a.k.a.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2014/10/for-notorious-rbg-justice-ruth-bader.html),
and last but not least presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.
Thinking back, I first watched Leah on TV on “Who’s the
Boss?” and “Saved by the Bell”. But I am the biggest fan of “King of Queens”
and watch the repeats on numerous channels daily. It is pure magic each and
every time. However I do like how she is currently mixing it up on “The Exes”.
Leah has
been getting a lot of press over the last few months as she has left Scientology
and been pretty vocal about why. As if staring on a reality show wasn’t sharing
enough, she has authored her first book appropriately titled “Troublemaker”.
Once I
found out about the books release this week I sort of got swept up into the
perfect storm. I went from reading about it, to learning about her book tour,
and lastly finding out (via social media) she would be doing a reading/ signing
at the Barnes and Noble nearest me all within a few minutes. It was almost too
much for my brain to handle but luckily my stars were all aligned. Leah and I
were destined to meet.
This past
March I attempted to learn about Scientology through the HBO documentary by
Lawrence Wright called “Going Clear”. It was a big deal that someone was
finally going to “break in” their world so to speak, and share it with us
outsiders. But after a few minutes I had to shut it off. It was triggering a
migraine as I tried to follow the complicated language and path. No matter how
much I tried to go back and start it again, I was never entirely clear (no pun
intended) on what Scientology was/is. All I know now is what I knew before
which is that Tom Cruise is the biggest supporter of this made up religion. I
also thought why didn’t I make up something bat-shit crazy and make millions
off it? Turns out I don’t have the dedication that it takes.
As I sat
in the very crowded bookstore awaiting the beginning of the talk, I looked
around the shelves surrounding me. The first book to catch my eye was one by
Stephen Hawking. How ironic it seemed to me that I was in the presence of
greatness trying to comprehend utter nonsense. I could really have used
Scientology for dummies book, but it was nowhere to be found.
As Leah
talked to Paul Haggis, an Emmy winning film director and ex-Scientologist, I
sat in awe. What I heard sounded like cult behavior that an intelligent person
couldn’t possibly fall for. But as I heard the story of how they each joined
and eventually left it seemed like some appalling experiment that threatened your
livelihood, family, and self-worth. Leaving required sending a resignation
letter to the church and meant you were subject to public scrutiny especially
for the very famous members. The only other situations I can imagine close to
this is the hysteria that occurred during the Salem Witch Trials or during
McCarthyism in the 1950s.
There are
so many things that now rush through my head trying to absorb this “religion”.
On second thought it was more like a cult with a mafia strong arm behind it. I
know of no other religion that threatens your safety, family, or career if you
walk away. I assume I would never fall for this kind of scheme because I am a
tough, smart, New Yorker. But so was Leah. The strategy Scientology used to get
her was a smart one- it was all for a way for higher spirituality as you
supposedly helped the world when in reality the church was raking in millions
from its members. Millions that never made it back out of the church doors.
Despite
my shock I could tell the exchange between Leah and Paul was real. They were
communicating in their own language as survivors who left with a case Post
Traumatic Stress Syndrome. It was fascinating and appalling all at the same
time. I would have gladly sat there for days listening to them. It certainly
was an education even though it only touched the surface I’m sure.
After the
talk, Leah was kind enough to pose for selfies and sign books with our desired
personalization. She was polite, real, and lovely. It was clear she was nervous
but very much grateful for the support. She seemed surprised by the large crowd
and had been in New York City for a few days doing talk shows and the like. I
hear that outside of several tapings there were crowds of Scientologists and/or
their supporters trying to intimate and humiliate her. I think after thirty
years as a parishioner there was nothing new they could throw at her. As Leah
moves on and continues to share her story the large prison like walls
Scientology built will begin to come down around her.
Watching
Leah’s interview on 20/20 was akin to watching “Blackfish” of religion. You
could have guessed something wasn’t quite right but you had no idea the extent
to which corruption went on.
The only
other place I have heard such unfounded loyalty was on the Discovery ID’s show
“Deadly Devotions”. It comes down to the difference between lying to followers
and actually doing harm. Staying in a religion after the fact should be
impossible. As I have heard many times “once you know better you do better”. Or
at least should try to do better.
“Well behaved women seldom make
history.”
This is
one of my all time favorite quotes.
This is a
very powerful statement considering I first learned about it after reading it
on a coffee mug in the gift shop of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis
(http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2011/06/for-rock-n-roll-ribs-and-reflection_02.html).
I have since learned of its rich
history (see link below). I immediately associated myself with it and I liked
that.
I am sure
that for most this phrase implies exactly the behavior Leah and I share. They
do not want women who do not stay in their lane and keep their composure no
matter what injustices they see. I think our world is a much better place
because of this kind of behavior no matter if it is history making or not. I
hope others will be inspired by her bravery.
But upon
a second glance it can apply to many women in pop culture and in history that I
admire, Leah Remini included. Sitting quietly, holding back your truths does
not help advance society or oneself. It turns out being a troublemaker means
you are also a truth teller. At least I am in good company.
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