Mourning . . . Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson
Someone once told me that everyone has a significant decade. For me, it was the 1980's. Actually - from about 1976 - 1986. Those were the years that formed me. And today two icons from my formative years died. Though I knew neither of them personally, I am sad. The loss is real, and surely others feel the same way.
Farrah Fawcett's death is the most bothersome. When I was a kid - couldn't have been more than ten years old, because it was when we lived in the "old house" - the TV show Charlie's Angels was easily one of my favorites. I used to stretch out on the floor, feet kicking in the air and chin resting in my palms. That was when I fell in love with the Mustang. That was when I knew that mysteries were my genre of choice. Those 3 women, beautiful but smart, were my role models. I wanted to be them. Though Kate Jackson was my favorite, Farrah Fawcett-Majors was the most beautiful. I'm sure most guys my age remember her poster - still iconic after all these years. Several years later, I saw her in The Burning Bed and it was a powerful movie. At the time, I was shocked that she chose to do anything that presented her in such an ugly, common light. But it was exactly that which made that show so powerful. That was clearly her choice - to not be an empty sex symbol. About twelve years ago, when my daughter was about two, I did something several years ago that I did not think I would ever do. I bought a Playboy and it was purely to see an article about her (OK - I intended to say "read" but I wrote "see" - I'm going to leave that slip in there). It impressed me that she was so comfortable in her skin, flaws and all. She was about 50 years old at the time and had a child. Though I'm sure many saw it as a sexist, non-feminist thing to do, I saw it as exactly the opposite. Farrah did things on her own terms. She was a smart, independent woman. Her battle with cancer was more public than most celebrity illnesses, but by allowing people to see her like that, she shone a light on cancer and will hopefully increase the donations to worthy charities. I was sad to hear of her passing today, and my prayers are with her family and close friends.
Earlier today I heard that Michael Jackson had been taken to the hospital. I told a co-worker, he'll be the third death. They always come in threes. Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and now Michael Jackson. He was HUGE when I was a teenager. I remember listening over and over and over to Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller . . . all his hits. When he moonwalked (yes, I was watching that night. In our kitchen, on a 13" color TV). I bought a shirt in a style that reminded me of him. I wore gloves to prom because of him (though my mother made me wear both of them instead of just one). I bought penny loafers because of him. His downward spiral over the past several years was sad. He was so incredibly talented, but he was unable (or unwilling) to grow up and be responsible. His eccentricity made him a laughingstock, and he lived out his life with his odd ways overshadowing his talent, but I will try to remember him as he was at the height of his career, when he made music that made me happy and carefree.
For all of you who have heavy hearts tonight, who share my significant decade, know that you are not alone. Remember those who were our idols and remember their families in your prayers tonight.
Sadly,
Elle
Farrah Fawcett's death is the most bothersome. When I was a kid - couldn't have been more than ten years old, because it was when we lived in the "old house" - the TV show Charlie's Angels was easily one of my favorites. I used to stretch out on the floor, feet kicking in the air and chin resting in my palms. That was when I fell in love with the Mustang. That was when I knew that mysteries were my genre of choice. Those 3 women, beautiful but smart, were my role models. I wanted to be them. Though Kate Jackson was my favorite, Farrah Fawcett-Majors was the most beautiful. I'm sure most guys my age remember her poster - still iconic after all these years. Several years later, I saw her in The Burning Bed and it was a powerful movie. At the time, I was shocked that she chose to do anything that presented her in such an ugly, common light. But it was exactly that which made that show so powerful. That was clearly her choice - to not be an empty sex symbol. About twelve years ago, when my daughter was about two, I did something several years ago that I did not think I would ever do. I bought a Playboy and it was purely to see an article about her (OK - I intended to say "read" but I wrote "see" - I'm going to leave that slip in there). It impressed me that she was so comfortable in her skin, flaws and all. She was about 50 years old at the time and had a child. Though I'm sure many saw it as a sexist, non-feminist thing to do, I saw it as exactly the opposite. Farrah did things on her own terms. She was a smart, independent woman. Her battle with cancer was more public than most celebrity illnesses, but by allowing people to see her like that, she shone a light on cancer and will hopefully increase the donations to worthy charities. I was sad to hear of her passing today, and my prayers are with her family and close friends.
Earlier today I heard that Michael Jackson had been taken to the hospital. I told a co-worker, he'll be the third death. They always come in threes. Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and now Michael Jackson. He was HUGE when I was a teenager. I remember listening over and over and over to Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller . . . all his hits. When he moonwalked (yes, I was watching that night. In our kitchen, on a 13" color TV). I bought a shirt in a style that reminded me of him. I wore gloves to prom because of him (though my mother made me wear both of them instead of just one). I bought penny loafers because of him. His downward spiral over the past several years was sad. He was so incredibly talented, but he was unable (or unwilling) to grow up and be responsible. His eccentricity made him a laughingstock, and he lived out his life with his odd ways overshadowing his talent, but I will try to remember him as he was at the height of his career, when he made music that made me happy and carefree.
For all of you who have heavy hearts tonight, who share my significant decade, know that you are not alone. Remember those who were our idols and remember their families in your prayers tonight.
Sadly,
Elle
Posted by Elle Robb at 6/25/2009 8:19 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: '80s Charlie's Angels Farrah Fawcett Michael Jackson King of Pop
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: '80s Charlie's Angels Farrah Fawcett Michael Jackson King of Pop
It is sad to see the icons of our youth slip by.
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