Posted by Jayne on July 24, 1999 at 12:30:42:
In Reply to: Re: Interesting, but strange posted by Rich on July 24, 1999 at 03:34:03:
: Hi Petra & all!
: : But then, I have to admit that I didn't understand the public reaction to Princess Diana's death either.
: I, too, had a very hard time understanding this preoccupation, but then I have a hard time understanding our public fascination, and ADULATION, of celebrities in general.
: However, as far as JFK, Jr. is concerned ... It's hard not too be touched. The little boy, imprinted indelibly into our collective consciousness by the 1963 tragic events, is no more. A short life. Sure, many families suffer unknown (to the general public) tragedies ... Certainly no less important. This, though, perhaps, represents all those unknown tragedies, unwittingly. It make you FEEL. It evokes emotion. I don't know. Sometimes, certain events occur that bring to the forefront emotion & understanding that one can use to better get a feel for all human kind. There are countless historic examples, none of which I'll cite here, but events, that were NOT the worst of their kind, yet had that aura about them that made them more outstanding in the public's mind, and are used today to illustrate the wrongs we are capable of.
: And as Champ pointed out ... What a string of tragedy for that family! It's unreal!
Haven't posted here for a while; but this latest Kennedy tragedy and resulting comments have drawn me back. I am not much of a celebrity watcher so was never really in touch with JFK, Jr. and his adult life. I find it somewhat disturbing, though, that it took this sad event to find out about his many good qualities. He seemed to be a truly kind and upstanding individual. Since I was a third grader when his father was killed I do have vivid memories of that sad part of history, too.
What I find personally interesting is that I have felt so drawn to the media coverage which is out of character for me. I can only attribute that to the deep sadness I feel especially for the families of these young people since I, too, have experienced multiple deaths in my family over a short period of time including my husband at age 40, his brother at 38, and my father. These were vibrant, bright people struck down at young ages with so much left before them. I like many others can say I know what it is to lose special people and try to carry on with dignity despite the indescribable desire to have them back. I have decided that I am glad the added efforts were made to find JFK, his wife and sister-in-law. It's what I would have wanted for my family members, even though I realize my family might not have been treated so specially. The oft-used word "closure" is all important for getting on with life and the extra efforts most certainly helped provide that to some very grief-stricken people.
To add another personal observation - I usually don't become so
affected by a movie as I have with LOTM. But not only does it involve my favorite period of American history, it also involves mutliple losses in rapid succession - The Camerons, Col. Munroe, Uncas, Alice and even Duncan; the portrayal of grief over these losses are so startlingly real to me that I am drawn to the movie even more.
Having said all that - despite the loss, grief, etc, life can still be good and is!