"The Strangest Thing"
"The Strangest Thing" - Audio
Ladies & Gentlemen -The Best of George Michael
Released 1 - December 1998
“Take
my life
Time
has been twisting the knife
I
don’t recognise
People
I care for”
In the nearly two years since pop icon George Michael's untimely passing this blog writer's path has crossed with that of 'Lovelies' from all around the globe, many of whom have left a profound imprint across my heart. Day in and day out we've shared in the good, bad and indifferent times ... all awhile hoping for that day that our community would unite and join forces for causes that could greatly benefit not only the fandom but society at large.
This fan community has been repeatedly targeted by individuals working or pushing their own agendas on others which in turn has created a culture of divisiveness and distrust. In 'Spinning the Wheel' this blog writer made reference to unpleasant experiences which have further heightened her inability to trust others. Trust is the single most important cornerstone of every relationship and without it there is little, if anything, to build upon.
"Fast Love"
MTV Unplugged 1996
"Looking for some education
Made my way into the night
All that bullshit conversation
Baby can't you read the signs?"
"Looking for some education
Made my way into the night
All that bullshit conversation
Baby can't you read the signs?"
In my article, "An Easier Affair" you read that I suspected that shortly after my emergence onto the Twitter canvas that I was being watched. It wasn't the type of 'watched' that inferred admiration but rather disdain. A tactical move had to be made to create a smokescreen that would divert attention away from what was really going on. That preemptive strike came in the form of the now infamous 'Fake Account List' which sent an already embattled fandom into fear mode.
The 'fake list' appeared to be a potpourri of accounts which had engaged in public commentary regarding Fadi Fawaz, George Michael's former partner. The list was constructed in a manner which could imply that it's intent was to target Fawaz's sympathizers: the 'fake list' was merely a distraction that fit the narrative. Was the inclusion of this blog writer on the 'list' implying that she was a 'closeted' hater or not neutral ... these positions were later introduced into the narrative.
There are those that may think that this blog writer is a conspiracy theory enthusiast or that in the very least is someone who is paranoid. For those who feel that way ... may I ask you how you would feel if someone who purports to be from another country forwards to your attention by way of email unsolicited background checks? This particular account user's behavior has been questionable along with that of others who have infiltrated and betrayed members of Michael's battered fandom.
The internet and social media can be a powerful tool or weapon depending on what the end user's intent is. One's intent is not always clearly written out in the words sprawled out across your computer or mobile device screens because sometimes there are underlying motive(s) that dictate one's actions or inaction. We cannot ignore the things that are or have happened within this fandom or simply write them off as coincidental occurrences.
There have been times that this blog writer has felt alone with her thoughts, concerns, doubts and even fear: as I've kept things to myself in order to protect others from being hurt. Many followers come to me for guidance to get through the rough patches and I wish there was a simple remedy for the issues that plague this fandom but there aren't. After the many cold and relentless attacks, scandals. targeting, lies and manipulations how can we work past the hurt to ever trust again?
Transparency would be a big step in the right direction: speak your truth. If, you feel strongly about something then let your voice be heard ... don't just stay in line with the consensus of others. This blog writer refuses to fall in line with popular consensus as that would mean I'd have to compromise my ideals. George Michael was outspoken when it came to matters he believed in and he stood by his principles while others shied away out of fear that their views could jeopardize their careers.
The 'fake list' appeared to be a potpourri of accounts which had engaged in public commentary regarding Fadi Fawaz, George Michael's former partner. The list was constructed in a manner which could imply that it's intent was to target Fawaz's sympathizers: the 'fake list' was merely a distraction that fit the narrative. Was the inclusion of this blog writer on the 'list' implying that she was a 'closeted' hater or not neutral ... these positions were later introduced into the narrative.
There are those that may think that this blog writer is a conspiracy theory enthusiast or that in the very least is someone who is paranoid. For those who feel that way ... may I ask you how you would feel if someone who purports to be from another country forwards to your attention by way of email unsolicited background checks? This particular account user's behavior has been questionable along with that of others who have infiltrated and betrayed members of Michael's battered fandom.
"Jesus To A Child"
Rome, Italy - 2007
"And what have I learned
From all this pain
I thought I'd never feel the same
About anyone
Or anything again"
From all this pain
I thought I'd never feel the same
About anyone
Or anything again"
The internet and social media can be a powerful tool or weapon depending on what the end user's intent is. One's intent is not always clearly written out in the words sprawled out across your computer or mobile device screens because sometimes there are underlying motive(s) that dictate one's actions or inaction. We cannot ignore the things that are or have happened within this fandom or simply write them off as coincidental occurrences.
There have been times that this blog writer has felt alone with her thoughts, concerns, doubts and even fear: as I've kept things to myself in order to protect others from being hurt. Many followers come to me for guidance to get through the rough patches and I wish there was a simple remedy for the issues that plague this fandom but there aren't. After the many cold and relentless attacks, scandals. targeting, lies and manipulations how can we work past the hurt to ever trust again?
Transparency would be a big step in the right direction: speak your truth. If, you feel strongly about something then let your voice be heard ... don't just stay in line with the consensus of others. This blog writer refuses to fall in line with popular consensus as that would mean I'd have to compromise my ideals. George Michael was outspoken when it came to matters he believed in and he stood by his principles while others shied away out of fear that their views could jeopardize their careers.
#IThink, you all have minds of your own
My response to this poll question would unequivocally be NO ... this blog writer has endured more than her fair share of torment since her emergence onto the Twitter canvas and the launch of this platform. Nobody in their right minds would sign up to be a target for the intentional infliction of emotional distress and that is how those who have been working your angle or personal agendas have treated myself as well as countless others.
The end results of this poll question are indicative of how fractured and fragmented George Michael's fandom has become. The harm that has been inflicted unto others runs deep and trust has been thrown by the wayside. How sad is it to see that people are still afraid to offer their opinion(s) ... even in a controlled and anonymous setting. Like many of George Michael's fans this blog writer is waiting for someone in an official capacity to assume the reigns and guide this fandom.
Music History:
The album Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael was released twenty years ago today 9-11-1998. To date the album has sold more than 15 million copies.
It's that time of year again!!
George Michael fan group Freedom For George Michael is currently
hosting this fundraising campaign benefiting MacMillan Cancer Centre, featuring
these stunning 2019 wall calendars and planners (diaries).
For pricing, additional information regarding this
fundraising campaign or to place your order:
Direct Message Tonia on Twitter:
@Toniakats17
or
