"Shoot The Dog"

"Shoot The Dog"

25 Live - Milan

"I feel the pain from the push and shove

No matter what you put me through
I'll still believe in love"

"Shoot The Dog" is a war protest song written by pop music icon George Michael that referred to and was critical of British Prime Minister Tony Blair and American President George W. Bush. The song was released on 29 July 2002, it peaked at number one in Denmark and number twelve in the United Kingdom.  Michael included the song on his 25 Live set list and performed it during the first two and final legs of the tour.

Following the events that transpired proceeding the publication of this blog author's companion interview series "I Can't Make You Love Me" and "Desafinado" it's evident that the battle line between the left and right side transcends far beyond political proffering and affects various aspects of our lives.  Since the launch of this platform, this blog author has repeatedly instilled in its readership that all voices matter and should be heard with respect rather than being stifled or shamed.

In an age where society-at-large openly denounces practices such as body shaming this blog author strongly stands in opposition of those who attempt to "content shame" her.  From being told what causes this platform should take up, to claims of vilification of third parties and open calls for attack upon my person ... enough is enough.  It begs the question why is this fledgling platform brought to its readership through a free format and  without social media saturation perceived as such a threat? 

"Waiting For That Day"

Earls Court - London

14-October-12

Like most George Michael fans this blog author, too, is waiting for that day when a measure of peace and solidarity is restored in his fandom.  Despite the ugliness that has been hurled at me, I still believe in the power of unity and positive thinking but it's not a one size fits all mentality.  This blog author does her best to treat others respectfully and expects the same in return as she is not any one's whipping girl.  Blocking abusive social media users is not hypocrisy but rather a measure of self respect.

Why would anyone subject themselves to this level of: hate, abuse, character assaults and denigration?  For this blog writer her opinions on matters relating to George Michael's legacy management are very personal.  Those who interact with me on Twitter know what my motivation is for wanting Michael's legacy to receive the care and respect that he was not always treated to while he was alive.  My opinions are shaped by my prior experiences and not influenced by others' positions. 

Each article featured on this platform has fairly reflected the temperament within Michael's fandom, the varied and unedited opinions of fans as well as this blog author's own real time observations.  These notions that this platform's author sways too far in any particular direction or is a 'mouth piece' for third parties are arguments that are not supported by the facts, as they exist, but rather what others who oppose the truth and transparency deem as a threat.  

  

"Freedom '90"

Olympic Arena- Moscow - 5-June-07

"I won't let you down
I will not give you up
Gotta have some faith in the sound
It's the one good thing that I've got
I won't let you down
So please don't give me up
'Cause I would really, really love to stick around, oh yeah"

It's this blog author's fervent hope that the 'Official' team takes it upon themselves to grab hold of the reigns and lead Michael's fandom in the manner he would often do himself.  In the meantime, those who criticize should reflect on their motives or intentions, evaluate the way they treat others as well as the personal boundaries that have been crossed.  Some of the behavior this blog writer has witnessed has been abhorrent and would surely sadden George Michael as they defy the principles he lived by.  

This blog writer is optimistic that the 'Official' teams engagement across all of its social media channels is a positive sign that the ball is rolling with regards to managing and preserving George Michael's legacy.  As fans, we have faith in his sound and we all want to see his legacy honored in a rightful manner.   For me, George Michael's music is my go to happy place, it's my solace when I'm in need of comfort and a swift kick in the pants when this blog author needs a boost of motivation.

When this blog writer thinks of legacy management she thinks in terms of things that will keep George Michael relevant not only for existing fans but marketed to new and younger fans.  Of course each of us plays a vital role in sharing his music with our families and friends; but in the bigger scheme of things it's time we set aside partisan banter to recognize that this alone is not enough to sustain his legacy.  Let's all look to the 'Official' team to kick things off and keep the momentum going strong!

Until the next time be kind to one another. xx