another celebrity death
Whitney Houston died on Saturday February 11, 2012. I was spending the day in NYC with my cousins. We were sitting in Max Brenner's, and one of my cousins received a text from her brother about it.
The sad thing was the inevitable reactive question: "Was it drugs?"
As I write this post, there is no news or publicized autopsy report.
It's funny how during times like these, everyone has an opinion that MUST be voiced and defended. Some are rude an insensitive, others seem superficial, some genuine, and even some respectable ones. Well, now it's my turn, and I hope to fall under the last category.
I was fortunate enough to enjoy Whitney Houston's music as I grew over the years, whether they were at the top of the current charts, or an "oldie but a goodie" played during a party. When her songs were playing on the radio, I'd blast that shit and belt at the top of my lungs trying so hard to mimic her and live in the musical moment. At least, with the songs I liked- I didn't like some of her songs, and that does not make me any less of a fan of hers. She is legendary, iconic, a V.I.P. in the music world, no doubt, because she had the talent to prove it. All those words in the same sentence can be said about very few recognized "musicians" today.
She had a drug problem. She is human, and humans err. Everyone has their vices and inner demons that sometimes get the best of them. I only think those without have the justification to judge those with. OK, no I don't. No body should judge, but everyone does, myself included, thus reiterating my point that everyone has their vices. Nothing to glorify, and nothing to condemn. It's something to understand that exists. (plus: it's none of our business!)
Little insert: Addiction is a contracted mental health disease. It may begin with a mistake and result in a terrible consequence, kind of like showering in a communal shower without wearing flip flops and getting a foot fungus, or having sex for the first time and getting herpes. Shit happens.
She's from Jersey. So am I. Awesome! But, I'm not going to travel to the neighboring City of Newark to try to sneak into her funeral services or whatever. I personally think that's where the line of fandom is drawn.
Gov. Christie wants to fly the American flag at half mast for her.
I disagree. That honor should be reserved for presidents, armed forces, or other national officials (<--- and all those people have their vices, too! Look it up!) So many great things can be recognized about Whitney Houston, but I don't believe she helped develop or protect the country in such a way that warrants the half staff flown flag.
But hey, kudos to her- that's still a huge honor. Can't really hate on that, especially if the governor does have the authorization by federal law to order if a state resident dies (.... not that I follow and much less agree with his politics at all... i'm just speaking from both sides of the situation).
ehhh... ok, i think I'm done here.
R.I.P. Whitney Houston. I'll continue to celebrate the successes of your life, and forgive you for your down falls.