What a day, huh?
First, Farrah Fawcett died of cancer at age 62. Next, Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest at age 50. One died expectedly (albeit before her time); one died suddenly. Both feel like major losses even though we never really knew these people. But regardless, it feels like a part of our lives and culture is now gone.
In some ways, their deaths remind me of Sally's, but in other ways it seems like a totally separate kind of death. Today I could call or text anyone and say, "Have you heard?" and everyone shared that grief. Bars blasted "Billie Jean" as I walked to the subway. Every news channel and website is investigating and reacting. In this way, death is a universal connector, and there's something very special and humane about that.
Are you bummed out about MJ and FF? How do you think celebrity death differs from personal grief? Share your thoughts here.
Posts
Hi Marisa! I have thoughts on this. I almost wrote my own post about it and then I realized, it wouldn't really fit on my food blog!
ReplyDeleteI think that in the case of MJ, a lot of people are mourning -- not just the fact that he's passed away but that his death is symbolic of the end of an era. It's not that all of us knew and loved him so much but who hasn't driven down the street blasting Billie Jean??
They even used to play "You Are Not Alone" at my school dances. I think people associate his songs, his memory with their own and that is what people yearn for.
And of course there is that realization that we're all mortal, even celebs, which can be shocking and scary.
I left you an award over on my blog! :)
ReplyDelete