Snow, stomach flu and Michael Jackson were enough to leave me queasy....Friends, I think I really jinxed myself last week by pontificating about us all having to deal with being uncomfortable. Among other things, the universe rewarded me with a snow day on Monday, a bout of 24 hour stomach flu to follow and some gut wrenching viewings of the multi-part HBO documentary Leaving Neverland.....definitely put me to the test...thanks universe!Not going to comment too much about the specifics of the film itself. I think for most people, on the surface it didn't report much that wasn't already suspected about Michael Jackson. However, the level of detail and the clear patterns of alleged odd, disturbing and sustained predatory, abusive behavior was pretty unsettling. What I am finding more intriguing is how steadfast hardcore Michael Jackson fans have been in their defense of him and in reaction to the allegations in the film. Launching vicious threats against those involved in the movie, these fans are quick attack anyone who supports the notion that what was depicted in the film may actually be true. Unsurprisingly, social media is playing a central role in all of the backlash.I know that people have always been relentless in support of their beliefs. But it is a bit scary to witness how easy it can be for people to convince themselves to ignore plausible evidence that may be contrary to those beliefs. And it is even scarier to see how quickly supporters can mobilize with a gang-like mentality to vilify those who, regardless of who may have been the perpetrator, have the courage to publicly come forward and claim to have been victims of an injustice. We seem to be seeing this scenario happening a lot these days, don't we? I guess I wonder what will happen when we find out that those that have been elevated to god-like status ultimately turn out to be nothing but a smooth criminal? I know, it's enough to make you sick...Got a bunch of solid articles for you this week -- couple long reads, but on the most part they will be easily digested. I have to say the Last Word piece about Disney and the investment they are making in creating a "realistic" Star Wars themed world at their parks was a bit mind blowing for me (and I am not a huge Star Wars fan by any stretch). Also managed to slip in a little something for the music fans as well....And don't forget: SPRING FORWARD!XOXODave
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Friends of Dave #115: Lo/Hi
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Snow, stomach flu and Michael Jackson were enough to leave me queasy....Friends, I think I really jinxed myself last week by pontificating about us all having to deal with being uncomfortable. Among other things, the universe rewarded me with a snow day on Monday, a bout of 24 hour stomach flu to follow and some gut wrenching viewings of the multi-part HBO documentary Leaving Neverland.....definitely put me to the test...thanks universe!Not going to comment too much about the specifics of the film itself. I think for most people, on the surface it didn't report much that wasn't already suspected about Michael Jackson. However, the level of detail and the clear patterns of alleged odd, disturbing and sustained predatory, abusive behavior was pretty unsettling. What I am finding more intriguing is how steadfast hardcore Michael Jackson fans have been in their defense of him and in reaction to the allegations in the film. Launching vicious threats against those involved in the movie, these fans are quick attack anyone who supports the notion that what was depicted in the film may actually be true. Unsurprisingly, social media is playing a central role in all of the backlash.I know that people have always been relentless in support of their beliefs. But it is a bit scary to witness how easy it can be for people to convince themselves to ignore plausible evidence that may be contrary to those beliefs. And it is even scarier to see how quickly supporters can mobilize with a gang-like mentality to vilify those who, regardless of who may have been the perpetrator, have the courage to publicly come forward and claim to have been victims of an injustice. We seem to be seeing this scenario happening a lot these days, don't we? I guess I wonder what will happen when we find out that those that have been elevated to god-like status ultimately turn out to be nothing but a smooth criminal? I know, it's enough to make you sick...Got a bunch of solid articles for you this week -- couple long reads, but on the most part they will be easily digested. I have to say the Last Word piece about Disney and the investment they are making in creating a "realistic" Star Wars themed world at their parks was a bit mind blowing for me (and I am not a huge Star Wars fan by any stretch). Also managed to slip in a little something for the music fans as well....And don't forget: SPRING FORWARD!XOXODave