"Listen" Without Prejudice - Part III
"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 past 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.
A Personal Note:
"People want to see me as tragic with all the cottaging and drug taking ...
those things are not what most people aspire to and I think it removes people's
envy to see your weaknesses. I don't even see them as weaknesses anymore.
It's just who I am." - George Michael
The article provides its reader with some valuable insight into how George Michael felt about people's intrusion into his personal affairs as he expressed some fairly strong views on the topic. What struck me was Michael's authenticity, transparency and desire to "own" who and what he was ... the captain of his vessel ... good, bad or indifferent ... wherever the journey took him ... he made no excuses ... he blamed nobody for his mistakes. In a perfect world we'd all follow his lead instead of attacking his partners, family, friends as well each other.
This blog writer encourages its readership to read Mr. Hattenstone's article as some of the topics discussed in his article will be revisited in a future blog post.
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/dec/05/george-michael-interview-music-sex-drugs
This blog writer encourages its readership to read Mr. Hattenstone's article as some of the topics discussed in his article will be revisited in a future blog post.
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/dec/05/george-michael-interview-music-sex-drugs
Lovelies Speak Up & Out!
I'd like to introduce you all to: Bettina, Ally and Denise three Lovelies who were gracious enough to take the time out of their busy schedules to offer their responses to my questions.
I'd like to introduce you all to: Bettina, Ally and Denise three Lovelies who were gracious enough to take the time out of their busy schedules to offer their responses to my questions.
Bettina: I’m a huge George Michael fan since 1988 when he started his solo career.
Ally: 1982, so I've been a George Michael fan for 35 years.
Denise: I have been a George Michael Fan since 1984 when I first heard "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go!" at a club.
Blog Writer: Where do you call home?
(Country)
Bettina: I’m
from Munich, Germany.
Ally: I'm from the United Kingdom.
Denise: I'm from the United States.
Ally: I'm from the United Kingdom.
Denise: I'm from the United States.
Blog Writer: What’s your favorite song or album?
Bettina: That’s a difficult question. There are so many songs I adore. My favorite songs over the years are “Amazing”, “My Mother Had A Brother”, “Flawless” and “Star People”. My favorite albums are “Twenty Five", “Older” and “Symphonica”.
Bettina: That’s a difficult question. There are so many songs I adore. My favorite songs over the years are “Amazing”, “My Mother Had A Brother”, “Flawless” and “Star People”. My favorite albums are “Twenty Five", “Older” and “Symphonica”.
Ally: My favorite song is "Careless Whisper".
Denise: My favorite song is "I'm Your Man".
Denise: My favorite song is "I'm Your Man".
Blog Writer: Have you ever seen George Michael live in concert? If so, please describe your experience.
Bettina: I saw him three times on stage. First time 1988 - Faith Tour, 2006 - “25 Live” Tour and 2011 - “Symphonica” Tour. All concerts in the Olympiahalle, Munich.
Bettina: I saw him three times on stage. First time 1988 - Faith Tour, 2006 - “25 Live” Tour and 2011 - “Symphonica” Tour. All concerts in the Olympiahalle, Munich.
I
think it’s not necessary to reemphasize that George was one of the greatest
songwriters, singers, musicians and performers ever. But in my opinion there is
something that makes him absolutely unique. Even though he didn’t feel very
comfortable in public (we all know why) – when he appeared on stage in an instant
there was a mystic bond between him and his fans. It’s not for nothing that he
called us Lovelies. He made thousands of people feel like a big family singing, dancing, laughing and crying with him.
Ally: Sadly, no.
Denise: I have never been to a concert but since I have been traveling abroad and watched Symphonica a dozen or so times; I would say it's one of my biggest regrets in life.
Ally: Sadly, no.
Denise: I have never been to a concert but since I have been traveling abroad and watched Symphonica a dozen or so times; I would say it's one of my biggest regrets in life.
Blog Writer: What does George Michael bring as an artist that sets him
apart from other artists?
Bettina: Everything that I've just stated in my responses to your previous question.
Ally: His songs tell the story of his life in a way. He opened his heart to all through his music.
Denise: George could do it all: sing, dance, a sense of humor, wrote and produced most of his music and easy one the eyes.
Bettina: Everything that I've just stated in my responses to your previous question.
Ally: His songs tell the story of his life in a way. He opened his heart to all through his music.
Denise: George could do it all: sing, dance, a sense of humor, wrote and produced most of his music and easy one the eyes.
Blog Writer: How have George Michael’s personal struggles influenced you
personally when facing adversities of your own?
Bettina: They haven’t. But his music and lyrics played a decisive and comforting role in the darker hours of my life. For me especially his personal struggles made the person behind the icon human and lovable.
Ally: To be honest I wasn't as aware of his personal struggles as I am now! Yes, I knew about him being "outed" in the states and his illness a couple of years ago; however I did not know that fans waited outside his house all the time! He did came to mind when a story made the papers.
Denise: His struggles with addiction have cast a spotlight on the fact that addiction is an illness and that there is no and should be no shame in seeking help.
Bettina: They haven’t. But his music and lyrics played a decisive and comforting role in the darker hours of my life. For me especially his personal struggles made the person behind the icon human and lovable.
Ally: To be honest I wasn't as aware of his personal struggles as I am now! Yes, I knew about him being "outed" in the states and his illness a couple of years ago; however I did not know that fans waited outside his house all the time! He did came to mind when a story made the papers.
Denise: His struggles with addiction have cast a spotlight on the fact that addiction is an illness and that there is no and should be no shame in seeking help.
Blog Writer: What do you see as the issues that have divided the fans
since George Michael’s passing?
Bettina: Honestly, I think that there was a kind of breaking-apart long before George died. It
wasn’t as ugly as now of course but I remember many critical, even snarky
comments when George presented his new boyfriend Fadi. (Fawaz) I don’t believe he
appreciated this unquestioned interference of his fans. It wasn’t and isn’t our
business, anyway! The silence and lack of information after his unexpected
passing gave room for suspicions and rumours. Maybe some people can bare misery
more easily blaming a culprit. The awful British gutter press fueled by the
disgusting “cousin” Andros and others compounded the situation.
Ally: Well in my opinion, I think it was the not knowing why/how he died in the beginning. Fans were devastated and angry that he died alone. Where was his boyfriend at that time? Why was he in his car while George died alone? Fans see it as a sad ending to the life of a gentle, gorgeous soul who deserved a better ending at least. There are those who can't let go of the fact that Fadi wasn't with him and those who are sad but see it wasn't his fault either. Many older fans remember George with Kenny (Goss) who apparently was a lovely friendly guy who had time for GM's fans. He seemed to make George happy; whereas Fadi was an unknown to most fans as George kept a very low profile in recent years that hasn't helped Fadi case, shall we say.
Denise: Most of the fights and the drama between the fans has been about Fadi Fawaz: the most recent and ongoing "discussion" surrounds Fawaz's reaction to the things that"haters" say about him.
Ally: Well in my opinion, I think it was the not knowing why/how he died in the beginning. Fans were devastated and angry that he died alone. Where was his boyfriend at that time? Why was he in his car while George died alone? Fans see it as a sad ending to the life of a gentle, gorgeous soul who deserved a better ending at least. There are those who can't let go of the fact that Fadi wasn't with him and those who are sad but see it wasn't his fault either. Many older fans remember George with Kenny (Goss) who apparently was a lovely friendly guy who had time for GM's fans. He seemed to make George happy; whereas Fadi was an unknown to most fans as George kept a very low profile in recent years that hasn't helped Fadi case, shall we say.
Denise: Most of the fights and the drama between the fans has been about Fadi Fawaz: the most recent and ongoing "discussion" surrounds Fawaz's reaction to the things that"haters" say about him.
Blog Writer: Have you engaged in online “debates” regarding the issues
you have outlined in the response to the previous question? If so, what was the defining point
that drew you in and why?
Bettina: Very little. I respect everyone’s opinion. But I don’t accept hateful and offensive attacks. We don’t know anything and we don’t have to know because it’s not our business. Let’s mourn his death and celebrate his legacy.
Bettina: Very little. I respect everyone’s opinion. But I don’t accept hateful and offensive attacks. We don’t know anything and we don’t have to know because it’s not our business. Let’s mourn his death and celebrate his legacy.
Ally: Yes, I have engaged in online debates much to my regret: as at times it all left me feeling quite ill and stressed. I always kept an eye on the story as I was interested in the outcome after hearing about George death on Christmas evening ... considering I went off had children etc and forgot my pop star crush for many years ... I felt so sad that he wasn't here anymore. It really surprised me (my reaction) to be honest. I started to defend Fadi Fawaz when a troll told him to go away as, " No one loves you!" I jumped in with, "Yes they do I'm sure." Many weeks later I was still fighting in his corner, the hate thrown at this man appalled me I couldn't get my head around the nasty, cruel comments made to him on a regular basis. I thought of him alone, struggling, grieving and being verbally abused by many: as he is a human being with feelings after all.
Denise: I have debated with one person in particular and told them that their cyberbulling was despicable and disturbing. Who are we to judge? I believe people are set in their ways and believe the hype.
Denise: I have debated with one person in particular and told them that their cyberbulling was despicable and disturbing. Who are we to judge? I believe people are set in their ways and believe the hype.
Blog Writer: In your opinion do you think that the divide between the
fans can be remedied? Please explain
your answer.
Bettina: I don’t think so. Sorry but abysmal depths of humanity have been revealed. Thanks God George didn’t have to read all this. He would have been disgusted.
Ally: No I don't! I think certain fans will always "hate" Fadi and blame him for George dying alone. They will always want to know the "truth" about that night. People are angry and sad at the loss of their idol but I think they may never know what happened unless Fadi Fawaz writes a book and even then some fans retort, "Can we really say it's the "truth"?"
Denise: No, there is too much bias.
Bettina: I don’t think so. Sorry but abysmal depths of humanity have been revealed. Thanks God George didn’t have to read all this. He would have been disgusted.
Ally: No I don't! I think certain fans will always "hate" Fadi and blame him for George dying alone. They will always want to know the "truth" about that night. People are angry and sad at the loss of their idol but I think they may never know what happened unless Fadi Fawaz writes a book and even then some fans retort, "Can we really say it's the "truth"?"
Denise: No, there is too much bias.
Blog Writer: Has our blog changed your thought process or presented a
different point of view on the topics covered thus far?
Bettina: I think our points of view are alike.
Ally: Your blog hasn't changed my thought process: as I have always seen this story from many sides because I choose to. I think you definitely have changed others point of view on Fadi Fawaz as there was a lot that fans didn't understand about determining the time of death or how shock can make you behave for example. Fans were too quick to judge and take sides (hate or defend) against Fadi Fawaz. I think you have helped him a great deal so far ... your reasoning and well thought out neutral answers will hopefully help many fans understand what may have happened, get through this and maybe even move on from hating Fadi Fawaz one day. Thank you. for all the effort and time you are giving this ... at last someone positive and not interested in spreading hate.
Denise: I enjoy this blog because all points of views are respected and the rah rah, drama and chaos are not tolerated.
Wishing you all well ... until the next time. xx
If you enjoyed this article please share with your friends and followers.
Bettina: I think our points of view are alike.
Ally: Your blog hasn't changed my thought process: as I have always seen this story from many sides because I choose to. I think you definitely have changed others point of view on Fadi Fawaz as there was a lot that fans didn't understand about determining the time of death or how shock can make you behave for example. Fans were too quick to judge and take sides (hate or defend) against Fadi Fawaz. I think you have helped him a great deal so far ... your reasoning and well thought out neutral answers will hopefully help many fans understand what may have happened, get through this and maybe even move on from hating Fadi Fawaz one day. Thank you. for all the effort and time you are giving this ... at last someone positive and not interested in spreading hate.
Denise: I enjoy this blog because all points of views are respected and the rah rah, drama and chaos are not tolerated.
Wishing you all well ... until the next time. xx
If you enjoyed this article please share with your friends and followers.
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