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Maybe … or not
11/12/2009
By Enricco Bohne
Every day I read, hear or see something that really makes me wonder about the delicate mind-state of some of the people populating this world. Hollywood obsessions are reaching new heights of undiluted fodder, with television and radio playing a sick role in the injustice to vulnerable minds.
While my disgust at the “follow-fashion”, own identity-loathing of Barbadians is nothing new, it has certainly been refuelled with this new ‘punk’/ ‘passa passa’ rage consuming our youth. I first noticed the second-skin yet miraculously sagging pants and the bright rainbow-hued accessories in a section of New York notorious for the “creative expressions” of those who blur the boundaries of gender. Imagine my surprise (and I will refrain from saying dismay) when I saw a very similar style of deportment here in little Barbados.
Persons of mature mind that took a journey this summer vacation to the popular cinemas in Sargeant’s Village may be able to sympathise with my concern as their corneas were probably corrupted with the rays of colour emanating from questionable style selections. I have nothing against expressing your individuality, but it has to be considered as crossing the line when a strapping young man dons a shawl or a scarf (no I am not referring to a bandanna) in this tropical climate. I further doubt that Barbados gets cold enough (during the months of June-August no less) to warrant hoodies and ski caps.
Yet, teens will be teens … and we all have perhaps worn questionable things during this phase of our lives, right? Maybe.
What then is the justification for my second area of contention? British Sky Broadcasting entertainment channel, Sky1, has announced that “world-renowned psychic medium” Derek Acorah will attempt to make contact with Michael Jackson on Sky1 HD in two specially-commissioned shows: “Michael Jackson: The Live Séance” and “Michael Jackson: The Search for His Spirit”, both to be broadcast this month. The programmes are said to be aimed at giving fans a “final chance to connect with their hero”.
Cynicism aside, surely you jest Sky1. I had to do more research on the validity of this information as I was convinced that it was fake or prank-based. Sadly, this was not the case. Stuart Murphy, Director of Programmes Sky1 HD, Sky1, Sky2 and Sky3 is said to have made the following comment: “There is an insatiable appetite to find out more about Michael Jackson. He was an extraordinary figure and the curiosity surrounding his life – and his death – stretches well beyond fans of his music. These programmes will explore whether it is possible to make contact with Michael and will seek to give his fans new insight into their idol.”
There is nothing ‘smooth’ about these people who stuff more fluff into the minds of our people. Acorah claimed he was contacted by the star during the November 6, 2009 televised séance and “reduced fans to tears” with his account of the singer “adapting to spiritual life”.
He further claimed that the singer was speaking through him as he expressed wishes that he had been laid to rest by his icon Marilyn Monroe with the words: “I wished to lie alongside her. I suppose it’s of no consequence.”
The most disturbing part of this is the fact that 600 000 persons were subjected to this ‘quality programming’. According to the director, “These programmes provide a unique opportunity to celebrate Michael Jackson’s life, learn more about the music legend and possibly find out his final message to the world”. How about … “Goodbye, leave me alone and let me finally find peace” maybe?
Maybe I’m looking at this all wrong and Sky1 should be congratulated on their innovation. Perhaps Barbados should engage in live séances with past leaders who can suggest where we have gone wrong and what to do to save our country and our youth. Maybe our deceased National Heroes could instil a new sense of civic responsibility and ambition in our citizens. Maybe our forefathers could teach us how to value our identity.
Maybe we should just try ignoring the ‘idiot box’ for just long enough to look within or to each other for the answers to our society’s ills. Maybe … or not.
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