Deborah Ffrench · @DeborahFfrench
11th Nov 2011 from Twitlonger
Wise words from a Wise Woman:
I feel cheated, I really do. Hearing the verdict on Monday was rather anti-climatic for me, because almost straight upon its heels came the Murray documentary and the fight to stop it from airing. We barely had enough time to absorb the guilty verdict, let alone celebrate it and the beginning of justice for Michael. I resent that being taken away from the fans and supporters. Twitter and facebook have been a-buzz for days, and while I contributed my own tweets and posts calling for action and awareness, made my phone calls and wrote my emails in the hope it would make a difference, I realized nothing was going to stop it from going ahead. $$$$ and greed are powerful adversaries.
So yesterday I closed down shop and took the day away from it all. For one, I refused to give this atrocity they call a documentary, anymore free publicity than it has already, inadvertently gained. I will not be watching it, I don’t wish to educate myself on it; I will not add to its ratings by a click from my mouse or the flick of my TV remote. For another, I have been disturbed by the anger, the attacks against Michael’s family and against other fans, the vile language some are using, and most importantly, what appears to be the rise of a contingent of fans who are in support of Murray and his documentary.
I realize everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but this support defies explanation to me. It is a madness I do not understand and reveals a part of human nature that is comprised of darkness of which I have no wish to venture into. But I will question any fan, who sets themselves up as a sort of demigod and draws worshippers to their altars, I will question the self-serving, I will question those who spout love, and then spew hate against others, and I will question those who act and speak in anger and ask, why are you here; for what purpose?
Do we want to be recognized as rabid fans, or do we want to be accepted as intelligent, responsible and diligent supporters of Michael’s humanity and legacy? Being ambassadors comprises many things, but the most important aspect of it is that we represent Michael. We must act from a place of respect, dignity and integrity, and we must hold true to the example he set for us, otherwise, we have no place here, and no right to call ourselves fans or supporters.
The majority of this community is a wonderful, eclectic assortment of hard-working and loving people who have inspired me in many ways, and given me hope that true justice and acknowledgement of Michael and his legacy will be realized. For that other element that has infiltrated and arisen within the community, take a good look in the mirror and see if your reflection is one worthy of representing everything that Michael stood for.
Valmai Owens
Director of Publications/Tribute Book Editor
Editor-in-Chief of the Official MJTP E-magazine
Patchwork Project Organizer, MJTP
editor@MichaelJacksonTributePortrait.com
www.MichaelJacksonTributePortrait.com
TURN THE TV OFF.