The Real Life Case Of Sybil

The theory of multiple personality disorder is not a recent discovery, this theory has gained much recognition in the past decades. Throughout history cases of demonic possession have been reported and since the beginning of the eighteenth century there was a rise of complex medical conditions.
"the most important clinical case of multiple personality in the twentieth century”

The case of Sybil Isabel Dorsett is amongst one of the most famous dissociative identity disorder cases. This case gained recognition after the publication of the book ‘Sybil’ based on a true life story of a young woman who exhibited approximately sixteen distinct personalities. ‘Sybil’ written by Rheta Schreiber was a bestselling book and equally was the film starring Sally Field.

John Bowlby, a psychoanalysist like Freud, believed that psychological problems could be a result of maternal deprivation, stating that the first six years of a child’s life are the critical point of their socialisation. The consequence of this could be long term and may result in a number of issues such as reduced intelligence, increased aggression, depression and affectionless psychopathy.

This appears to be the case of Sybil as she was a victim of horrific abuse inflicted by her mother. As a result of this she developed an alter ego which embodied feelings that she could not deal with. Sybil suffered countless memory lapses and blackouts.

Dr. Wilbur, a neurologist came across Sybil and helped her integrate her personas after sixteen years of therapy. After great research, interviews, hypnosis and other therapeutic interventions Dr. Wilbur was able to get to the source of Sybil’s anguish.

The Academy Award Winning Film Sybil was recommended to me by many people. I had not had the chance to see the film myself til a while ago. The role of Sybil which is interpreted by Sally Field is vividly portrayed. From the beginning to the end it is extremely engaging, heartbreaking tale. It’s impossible not soften hearts. 

                       

   

Shi Tao, A Prisoner Of Conscience

 A Writer, A Poet, A Journalist

In April 2004, a Chinese Journalist Shi Tao sent an email to the U.S Based pro-democracy website using his Yahoo! Account. In the email sent he shared information of a government order directing media organizations in China concerning the upcoming 15th anniversary of the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy activists. 

However, this email did not end here; later that year in November he was arrested for illegally providing state secrets to foreign entitles consequently being sentenced to ten years imprisonment and two years deprivation of political rights. Appeals were filed by both his lawyer and mother, which were constantly rejected. Part of the information which was lead to Shi Taos incarceration was supplied by Yahoo! in court, stating that they were simply following local laws. As china operates under an internet censorship policy which filters specific works and sensitive subjects. 

In March 2005, Shi Tao's lawyer Guo Guoting's license was suspended by Shanghai Department of Justice. Three years later in 2007, Yahoo! Co-founder Jerry Yang expressed remorse for the company's actions, offering an apology to Shi Tao's mother and family who were also victims of injustice. As they were harassed by members of the authority at work as well as at home. Also, constantly pressurizing Shi Tao's wife to demand a divorce which she eventually did!

Due to the recognition of this case, Shi Tao was honoured with the committee to Protect Journalists International Press Freedom Award in 2005. This was due to his bravery and courage in this situation, putting his life at risk. Drawing the world’s attention to the Chinese firewall system. Later in 2007, in the 18^th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre Shi Tao received a Golden Pen Of Freedom Award, which his mother accepted on his behalf.

Shi Tao continues imprisoned til this day!