dr.e

dr.e

would suggest you read Dr. Leonard Shlain's book the Alphabet and the Goddess or if you have time here is a bit of a review on UTube of Leonard Shlain on Berkleys Conversation with History, . .it is long but around 27 minutes and forward he gets into some explanation of and/both brains that hopefully folks like you and are may evolve into somewhere further down the road. . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOvtNLJL6mI
Conversations with History Leonard Shlain

Worse than Jackson's “chronicle” by far was the media's celeb-obscession with him.

I watched CNN (the worst circus of all), as they're the only 24-hour shot at news normally when I view a TV lately for news updates, and I feared the memorial could be a circus or worse, but actually it was a fine presentation (possibly a model for future celebrity memorial events — mark my words — as well as a big boost to the market fot the services of the guy who directed it). It's worth your reviewing sometime if you actually want to do it, T-Steel. This is coming from one of many who expected much worse and was surprised.

Thank you.
So true.

and

Thank You Dr E.
you brought back so many memories
of so many passings.

I really liked your piece today, and your response. For me, it was some of the best writing I've read from you. You captured something that so many people will never see or understand, because it is so laid out in plain sight that it is difficult to see. Or, is it to frightening for people to see (so primal)? I'm not sure which. As a non-stereotypical American man who just happens also to be Black, I find many people miss the mark when they attempt to measure the psyche or actions of minorities. Today, you showed your history, your insight, and your soul, but most people won't see these gifts, because they are so caught up within their own perception of the world less traveled by…the world of themselves. Beautifully done.

gallantKnight

Two additional Reasons:

First because I was not a die hard MJ fan. As one loss stirs the bones of a sleeping loss, I found myself musing about the loss of John Lennon and into the future: What if it had been Bob Dylan. I'm sure I would have been blubbering in front of my TV had it been the latter, just as I found myself speechless for days after Lennon's murder.

Second: because I felt this was meant to be a celebration of his life, which to me left out the other story. I know it may be in poor form, especially for the size and stature of this funeral, but in the funerals I have attended, people celebrate, but they also talk about the deceased as a whole; his foibles, mistakes, accidents, dreams, accomplishments and their are often tensions between family members that haven't spoken for years, etc. But what of the other story? On the topside an overwhelming success in capital letters, a KING of pop only of coarse, but the underside, what of that? To me he seemed to be a very unhappy man………addicted to pharmaceuticals, boy prodigy hitting middle age, failed marriages, the issues with kids, ……..The underside feels like he never turned the corner in his real life……….like Lennon appeared to……….

I think that sums up a general feeling of those “not in the know” concerning certain ethnic funerals. Being a black dude, I've attended several funerals of family members that were celebrations. With my Creole roots, the funerals were colorful, lively, passionate, and invigorating. I remember a friend of mine being absolutely stunned at a particular funeral. He said he thought we were collectively insane. LOL! He wasn't being nasty just true as he saw things.

I didn't watch the Jackson funeral because I burned out over MJ for various reasons. But I understand your post so much Dr. E. The whole “black tribal funeral” point just resonated deeply. Thanks for writing this.

Ordinary sparrow; the children, yes, they are so beautiful. A lot of people have remarked it was sweet to the heart to see them. And youre right the rituals are NOLA-like, or visa versa. Another part where the old ways are still holding forth through certain means that are new. I saw a footpath procession to the grave last time I was in NOLA that included a electrified trumpet on a battery pak worn on a red belt by an old gent in a black suit with red socks and a red fedora with a feather in it and spotted leopard hat band.

Redshoebride: A good many people see matters the way you sense and see them. Evocative screen name by the way.

ThurmanHeart, I dont think this is the most important thing in the world. But it has its importance today.

Tidbits, I thought MJ was often Heinleinian, as per looking from the America/British side. But otherwise, in so many ways, aboriginal in various his various body mods and enhancements, including face dust, twirling, and mating dance choreogaphy etc

FatherTime, There's a saying about those who find most everything interesting… that they often have the most acute intelligence.

dr.e

also the children. . . i know all America is holding them in heart and prayer. . . was glad to see their faces, not for us, but for them. . .

I wept in acknowlegement that a bright light has gone out.

What he managed to do with his love humbles me and I will have to say “no” to the naysayers because he was otherworldy and some will never see that.

Soflty Breathing in Los Angeles