Kiya,
This is a beautiful and moving tribute to a man...a legend...and an icon. Despite whatever he may or may not have done, he was a human being, and one who gave many positive contributions to the world. Anyone in Generation X would be hard ressed to say they did not hear or listen to his music growing up, they we were not awed by this larger than life persona and the creative genius he showed. Yes, the world lost a tremendous artist, his family lost a loved one, and his children, their father.
You point out his childhood, and I am glad. Growing up under those conditions, with that amount of pressure, had to take its toll. It does on everyone. I'm hard pressed to think of any child stars that grew up "normal" and free of problems or issues. Heck, I grew up under ideal circumstances and still have to wonder really, which one of us can even claim such perfection?
Despite the surgeries, I will never think of Michael as "white." He was an incredibly talented African American performer and I think given a lot of circumstances opened many, many doors where some prejudices may still have lingered. I'm not sure what prompted those decisions, but find it so sad. He went from beging handsome and healthy to having to wear things on his face to hide disfigurements....That is a mystery I will never understand.
Anyway, you wrote a beautiful, deep, and proud tribute to a man we all felt we "knew." When talking with my mother about his passing this morning, there was a long pause of reflection, and she said something that made me smile. As a huge fan of his, I am sure you will know and understand the setiment here. "It is sad. But at least now he may find some peace, and he is with Bubbles again."
R.I.P Michael, and thank you, Kiya, for sharing what he meant to you, and reminding us to remember the person, not just the performer. |
|