Really, this column should be required reading for all users of social media, especially in those instances when famous people die. It's sickening to see non-fans of famous musicians inform their social media followers that they "never really cared much for their music anyway," or, worse, make sure they are in there with their response to the death as quickly as possible, lest one of their social media followers appears to have had an emotional response before they did. (I won't promise 100% I've never done one or both of these, but it's good to have a piece like this put that tendency into perspective.)
"as they acted to save their city and their fellow citizens, they kept their mouths shut." This is a wise observation, Greil. I passed the sites of firemen's funerals every day for a year: More than 300, the final one at the church in my hometown. No horns honking, no sirens blaring. The respect of silence spoke multitudes. I had a "great" idea for a column Oct. 7 about my grandfather and the pogroms that wiped his hometown in Belarus (he got out) off the face of the map. But I wasn't ready. I had more to think about, including birth of a new granddaughter Oct. 8. I hope I do write about my grandfather and his people, but not as a way of commemorating anything but his life and his dignity as a survivor. It's important to me to not be another voice in the crowd, posturing to be heard.
Really, this column should be required reading for all users of social media, especially in those instances when famous people die. It's sickening to see non-fans of famous musicians inform their social media followers that they "never really cared much for their music anyway," or, worse, make sure they are in there with their response to the death as quickly as possible, lest one of their social media followers appears to have had an emotional response before they did. (I won't promise 100% I've never done one or both of these, but it's good to have a piece like this put that tendency into perspective.)
Or say nothing at all until you're ready which may take years.
"...and I'll know my song well before I start singing...."
"as they acted to save their city and their fellow citizens, they kept their mouths shut." This is a wise observation, Greil. I passed the sites of firemen's funerals every day for a year: More than 300, the final one at the church in my hometown. No horns honking, no sirens blaring. The respect of silence spoke multitudes. I had a "great" idea for a column Oct. 7 about my grandfather and the pogroms that wiped his hometown in Belarus (he got out) off the face of the map. But I wasn't ready. I had more to think about, including birth of a new granddaughter Oct. 8. I hope I do write about my grandfather and his people, but not as a way of commemorating anything but his life and his dignity as a survivor. It's important to me to not be another voice in the crowd, posturing to be heard.
Shhhh😦😳