"Listen" Without Prejudice - Part I
"Listen" Without Prejudice -
Part One
"Listen" Without Prejudice, is a multi part blog series intended for taking an in depth look into what your peers believe are the issues which continue to divide pop music icon George Michael's fans since his death. It is important to listen to others in order to access where we stand as a collective fan base if unity is to ever be attained. In the past six articles, you've been given some insight into what this blog writer's views are on various issues; however my views are just that and to acquire additional insight I've called upon a group of fellow Lovelies to weigh in on the issues as they perceive them.
Before I introduce you to Violet, our first Lovely, I'd like to offer a more in depth response to this direct message from a follower which I received earlier this week:
As this blog writer previously stated in the blog post Rivalry & Unity she is neither pro / anti Fadi Fawaz or Kenny Goss but rather pro decency. Through this journey I've been guided by my strong, moral compass which leads me in a manner consistent with my core values and beliefs. My posts have been honest as I have examined various issues from a stance of objectivity. My arguments are based on the facts, logic and subjectivity. Being a fan of George Michael does not mean that I am a fan of either of his former partners but rather that I accept Michael's choices: good, bad and indifferent.
"This blog writer has been even handed while recounting her story, thus far,
but other people have to do their part as well."
In recent weeks, there have been a series of attacks on Alex Georgiou, cousin of George Michael, character which have heightened tension between Michael's fans. Following an extended period of silence after the pop icon's death, Georgiou spoke out against Fawaz in a series of Tweets brought on by deep hurt and grief. To reiterate what this blog writer has previously stated, the public should not be involved in Michael's private affairs: which includes any acrimony between these two gentlemen. Attacking a family member who is in the throws of grief and despair is utterly reprehensible to me.
In the blog post, To Tweet or Not To Tweet this blog writer touched upon the subject of cyber bullying. Choosing to defend someone against cyber abuse is a noble gesture but if in one's "defense" of a party they use equally or more offensive tactics than the initial perpetrator then they in turn are no better. Hypocrisy is defined a practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform; pretense. Rest assured that hate does not run rampant among the majority of Michael's fans: looking at the bigger picture there remains a relatively small faction of pot stirrers.
"Hypocrisy runs rampant on social media not hate."
As result of this blog writer's last two articles, alone, a number of our followers have thanked me for giving them a different way to process the topics presented in each blog post. The manner in which things are broken down and patiently explained sometimes open closed minds to new ideas and thought processes. Many followers have also indicated that their opinion of Fawaz have softened in the weeks since this blog was launched. I cannot state that my views will always be favorable with Fawaz's supporters but hopefully on those issues we can respectfully agree to disagree.
Lovelies Speak Up & Out!
Violet: 1984
Blog Writer: What Country do you live in?
Violet: United States
Blog Writer: What’s your
favorite song or album?
Violet: Equal favorites Faith, Older, Patience & Symphonica
Violet: Equal favorites Faith, Older, Patience & Symphonica
Blog Writer: Have you ever
seen George Michael live in concert? If so, please describe your experience.
Violet: I have never seen GM in concert and really regret it.
Violet: I have never seen GM in concert and really regret it.
Blog Writer: What did George
Michael bring as an artist that set him apart from other performers?
Violet: He was a brilliant singer/singer. Genius, humanitarian,genuine and a true gentleman. Truly one of a kind!
Blog Writer: How have George Michael’s personal struggles influenced you personally when facing adversities of your own?
Violet: It lets me know that you cannot let other people dictate your life. With all of his talent and successes, he still had issues.
Blog Writer: Do you think that GM's family should use his celebrity status and passing to cast a spotlight on mental health, substance abuse issues?
Violet: No, being as private as they are they probably won't want to do so in that regard. I did read that Kenny Goss was talking about something like that and I guess as long as he doesn't reveal personal details and just gives an overview I don't think it's a problem.
Violet: It lets me know that you cannot let other people dictate your life. With all of his talent and successes, he still had issues.
Blog Writer: Do you think that GM's family should use his celebrity status and passing to cast a spotlight on mental health, substance abuse issues?
Violet: No, being as private as they are they probably won't want to do so in that regard. I did read that Kenny Goss was talking about something like that and I guess as long as he doesn't reveal personal details and just gives an overview I don't think it's a problem.
Blog Writer: What do you see
as the issues that have divided the fans since George Michael’s passing?
Violet: Jealousy for some. Wanting to be "Top Lovely." Some act as if they own him.
Blog Writer: Would you consider these women to have some sort of unhealthy attachment to GM or are they just overzealous fans?
Violet: Yes, from what I have seen on here absolutely! I don't like to judge but for example whenever some of the other lovelies talk about GM, post a picture or talk about visiting London some lovelies will post their pictures up again of them and GM. These lovelies have several pictures of the both of them together ... it becomes a competition who has more,better, etc. These lovelies tend to believe that others are jealous of them and are sometimes difficult to get along with.
Blog Writer: Are there any other issues that you think are causing to the divide between the fans?
Violet: Some fans are upset that Kenny Goss gave interviews most of which was already common knowledge and it was for GM's charity. (The Goss-Michael Foundation)
Violet: Jealousy for some. Wanting to be "Top Lovely." Some act as if they own him.
Blog Writer: Would you consider these women to have some sort of unhealthy attachment to GM or are they just overzealous fans?
Violet: Yes, from what I have seen on here absolutely! I don't like to judge but for example whenever some of the other lovelies talk about GM, post a picture or talk about visiting London some lovelies will post their pictures up again of them and GM. These lovelies have several pictures of the both of them together ... it becomes a competition who has more,better, etc. These lovelies tend to believe that others are jealous of them and are sometimes difficult to get along with.
Blog Writer: Are there any other issues that you think are causing to the divide between the fans?
Violet: Some fans are upset that Kenny Goss gave interviews most of which was already common knowledge and it was for GM's charity. (The Goss-Michael Foundation)
Blog Writer: Have you engaged
in online “debates” regarding the issues you have outlined? If
so, what was the defining point that drew you in and why?
Violet: I found myself explaining that I did not see Kenny Goss as betraying George. Some fans didn't like my position on this matter and blocked me.
Blog Writer: Did you personally find anything offensive about Goss' interview ie. flushing drugs down the toilet, giving out details of the private funeral?
Violet: Kenny Goss said he felt bad about saying he flushed drugs down the toilet. In hindsight, he shouldn't have said it. As far as mentioning the funeral ... I'm torn. I think he caught himself being too honest he mentioned things that happened ie. that the funeral was late because Fadi (Fawaz) was late. Maybe that didn't need to be mentioned. Since George Michael's family are so private maybe he shouldn't have mentioned details of the funeral. I didn't mind him mentioning that there were no songs and it was just a plain funeral.
Violet: I found myself explaining that I did not see Kenny Goss as betraying George. Some fans didn't like my position on this matter and blocked me.
Blog Writer: Did you personally find anything offensive about Goss' interview ie. flushing drugs down the toilet, giving out details of the private funeral?
Violet: Kenny Goss said he felt bad about saying he flushed drugs down the toilet. In hindsight, he shouldn't have said it. As far as mentioning the funeral ... I'm torn. I think he caught himself being too honest he mentioned things that happened ie. that the funeral was late because Fadi (Fawaz) was late. Maybe that didn't need to be mentioned. Since George Michael's family are so private maybe he shouldn't have mentioned details of the funeral. I didn't mind him mentioning that there were no songs and it was just a plain funeral.
Violet: Yes. I think most of the women want to get along. The ones that don't, won't ... we can only control ourselves. They are who they are and until they want to change, there isn't much else to do.
Blog Writer: Has our blog changed your thought process or presented a different point
of view on the topics covered thus far?
Violet: Yes, this blog has offered a refreshing look at everything, including showing empathy and giving people another way to look at a situation. Each topic has made me think and the one from last week made me think twice before tweeting something that could cause an argument. I am really into politics and have had some discussions where I was being called names of course the latter folks I blocked. Point is ... some things are just not worth it!
If you like what you've read please share with your friends and followers. Until the next time please be kind to each other. xx
Violet: Yes, this blog has offered a refreshing look at everything, including showing empathy and giving people another way to look at a situation. Each topic has made me think and the one from last week made me think twice before tweeting something that could cause an argument. I am really into politics and have had some discussions where I was being called names of course the latter folks I blocked. Point is ... some things are just not worth it!
If you like what you've read please share with your friends and followers. Until the next time please be kind to each other. xx
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