wow.

first, this is spoken extremely well. your presence is right up in the
microphone and very clear. sounds terrific. you've got a great voice for
this style of piece.

second, i love the novel, one of my favorites! i like that you used it as
an analogy for a contemporary figure.

third, the flow of your piece is smooth as pudding. you've got
impeccable pacing and your pauses work to perfection.

lastly, this is an opinion piece. while some might argue that the piece
is possibly an unfair attack, i'm confident many others would
completely agree with the content.

i remain a neutral observer. i feel sorry for the man, and assume that,
despite his successes and his wealth, his life is not a bowl of fresh
berries. my worst day can only pale in comparison to his best day and
what he must endure.

but who am I to judge?

i respect your opinion and enjoyed this presentation very much. thx!!

i look forward to what's next!

feel free to check out my work. i'd love to hear your thoughts!

peace

[ Reply to This ]

thanks for your thought-filled comments.
I'm not picking on Michael per se, because I have been a supporter of his since
the Jackson 5, when by circumstance his fan based looked like he used to. I'm
taking aim at the product of sypmtoms that have created conditions which are
almost epidemic: bulimia, anorexia nervosa, cosmetic surgical addiction are
societal and racial self hatred, especially among those of Afrikan descent in
America is far more common and problematic than viewed recorded or reported.
Micheal just happens to fit the more extreme and public spectrum.

---
Kwabena Dinizulu aka ToozDzChild
tuesdayschild@poetngriot.com
4 Lovers Only aka The FLO
Tampa Bay's longest runnin Quiet Storm
Friday nites midnite - 3 am e

[ Reply to This ]

... and your words remind me of his early works, back in the late sixties / early seventies. To tell the truth I did not understand everything (ahem... I'm french) but it was very enjoyable to listen to, four sure you have talent telling stories. thanks for sharing this!

[ Reply to This ]

While M.J. is advertised as the subject of this editorial, clearly this
severely-flawed human being is nothing more than a convenient prop
for the broader rap here condemning the surrender of self to social
and cultural homogenization.

Such is the dynamic of life for peoples merged as we are in a mixed
culture and society. Good, bad or indifferent? Who knows? Those who
succumb to frivolous affectations for %u201Cpopular%u201D gain or acceptance are
largely people in search of themselves. Most will eventually find their
OWN way and grow comfortable in whatever skin they may happen to
inhabit; others will become trapped in the unfortunate caricatures they
have made of themselves.

We can examine all the relevant questions surrounding these matters
under our own personal and subjective microscopes, as has been done
here, but the truth is... we are ALL in this petri dish together. And what
is required is rigorous SELF-examination... of who and what we are,
what we believe in and what kind of persons we choose to be.

To the extent this piece provokes that kind of self-examination and
self-expansion, kudos to you. There are elements of this passionate
rant that could be relevant to members of ALL races and ethnic groups.
However, self-examination and self-actualization do not necessarily
mean returning to the racial, ethnic, or cultural %u201Cboxes%u201D we were
delivered in --- which seems to be what you%u2019re advocating.

Race and ethnicity account for our blood --- not for our souls. The
emerging soul is mindful of ALL that it is, including its roots, but is not
tethered by them. In its natural progression, it must eventually
transcend such worldly limitations to achieve its full potential... and its
destiny.

So while I fully appreciate the value of culture, heritage, tradition, etc., I
believe it's far more important for people to determine exactly who
they are --- and want to be --- than where they came from. As
Emerson observed, "What lies behind us and what lies before us are
tiny matters compared to... what lies within us."

Re: Your performance... You DO have a lively style. ;-)

[ Reply to This ]

hanks for your thought-filled comments.
I'm not picking on Michael per se, because I have been a supporter of his since
the Jackson 5, when by circumstance his fan based looked like he used to. I'm
taking aim at the product of sypmtoms that have created conditions which are
almost epidemic: bulimia, anorexia nervosa, cosmetic surgical addiction are
societal and racial self hatred, especially among those of Afrikan descent in
America is far more common and problematic than viewed recorded or reported.
Micheal just happens to fit the more extreme and public spectrum.


---
Kwabena Dinizulu aka ToozDzChild
tuesdayschild@poetngriot.com
4 Lovers Only aka The FLO
Tampa Bay's longest runnin Quiet Storm
Friday nites midnite - 3 am e

[ Reply to This ]