I’ve been noticing a funny phenomenon of some of my friends being embarrassed by the intensity of their grief over Prince. I didn’t know him, they say. It’s not like we were friends. I’m sorry I’m so emotional. They act like they’ve co-opted their sadness, like they’re squatting in a feeling that isn’t theirs to inhabit. Which, I just want to say, as lovingly as possible, is total bullshit. Of course you knew him. Of course you are shattered. That’s the whole deal with art—it doesn’t give a shit about the boundaries of flesh. You never held Prince? So what. The way he spoke to you, the way he shaped you and transformed you into someone you couldn’t have imagined is just as real and vital as any relationship you will ever have. I mean listen, if we as a people need to apologize for something, I will gladly nominate global warming, or the Kardashians, or fat-free cream cheese. But loving and grieving a man we never touched? That is us at our very, very best. No apology necessary.

But loving and grieving a man we never touched? That is us at our very, very best. No apology necessary.

if this was to give me permission to cry , it worked wonders

So grateful for your beautiful words. Thank you.

Thank U! I have felt weird that I am feeling so badly about his death, and have nobody to share my grief with. I think it would be silly, since he was "just a celebrity." So much more to me for the past 35 years, a part of my life everyday, and he still will be. Every song sounds different now, and will forever. I just still can't believe it.

JudasLChrist said:

This is one the most clear eyed, and beautiful things I've read about the real-grief people are are feeling over Prince's death. All orgers should read.

From a facebook post by w...Mira Jacob:

I’ve been noticing a funny phenomenon of some of my friends being embarrassed by the intensity of their grief over Prince. I didn’t know him, they say. It’s not like we were friends. I’m sorry I’m so emotional. They act like they’ve co-opted their sadness, like they’re squatting in a feeling that isn’t theirs to inhabit. Which, I just want to say, as lovingly as possible, is total bullshit. Of course you knew him. Of course you are shattered. That’s the whole deal with art—it doesn’t give a shit about the boundaries of flesh. You never held Prince? So what. The way he spoke to you, the way he shaped you and transformed you into someone you couldn’t have imagined is just as real and vital as any relationship you will ever have. I mean listen, if we as a people need to apologize for something, I will gladly nominate global warming, or the Kardashians, or fat-free cream cheese. But loving and grieving a man we never touched? That is us at our very, very best. No apology necessary.

So true, I am struggling with feeling guilty over my grief & so embarressed

ETHERSPIN said:

JudasLChrist said: