"No I would not watch the movie about a performer whose lifestyle I did not care for, but would pay to see him in concert. I have seen some interviews, said it all".
Macy - In my opinion you are being a bit close minded.
I'm not trying to get into it with you - I prefer to be a peace maker not a fighter -
I am just trying to open your mind a bit. You have very strong opinions. Every time you make blanket statements about Bob Marley I cringe and close the thread. I decided to finally challenge you, but I know how sensitive you are and I really don't want you to take this wrong. I think you are an awesome person, i'm just challenging your opinion.
Watching a movie, like reading a book, is just a way to learn about something, Who cares whether or not you cared for his lifestyle - I am sure you watch plenty of movies and have read books about people with all sorts of lifestyles. It is an Historical Account (as in all historical accounts, it may not be 100% accurate or objective, but its a good way to learn, and better then remaining ignorant) For example, I watched Shindler's List -I hated what I watched - but I learned a lot. (by the way im not saying you are ignorant - this is a blanket statement about educating ourselves by watching movies and reading historical accounts)
You don't have to like the man - you don't even have to like his music. It is a film about your Country of Origin - you might find it interesting and you might learn something. (or maybe not) If you do watch it I would be VERY interested in your opinion of it. Blanket statements about the movie, without having seen it, are what bothers me.
Ive read several Books about Bob and seen several interviews. I did not like all I read - but I learned a lot. Every book had a different angle, and the interviews were of a pretty stoned Man so I understand why they would turn you off. However the interviews were from one or two moments in a Man's entire life.
I'm looking forward to reading Kamani's account, as I like to learn all sides of a story. Kamani was just 5 years old when his father died. How much is fiction and how much is facts? Ziggy was 13 when his father died. Once again - im interested in his account - as well as Rita's but these are all personal accounts - Just like Chris Blackwell's. I would think the facts have been clouded by emotions.
I'm not going to convert you Macy I'm just trying to show you what I feel when I read some of the things you say. I go through similar discussions with Dread all the time. Ill say things like "I don't want to watch that movie. I HATE Action Movies" I realize that is totally ignorant and I should never say I hate something without having watched it. I also say "I HATE Science Fiction" Now that is a totally ignorant statement and I say it all the time! LOL
My father died when I was 21. He cheated on my Mom - he was loud angry and often drunk - I was often afraid of him - but I loved him very much - he was the only Father i will ever have. I had to learn that he was a victim of his childhood - he did the best he could with what he had to work with.
I guess because I had to sort all these feelings out about him at such a young age I have accepted that we human beings are products of our environments and we are all flawed. We can focus on the faults or we can focus on the positive, as there is good in all of us, and the good is what I want to emulate. (I had to do the same with my Mother when I was 23 anm my Mom passed, because she was certainly flawed as well)
To me, Bob Marley's Good, far out weighs his bad. Ive chosen to focus on the good - but I am not ignorant to the bad.
Ok - ive said enough - lol -
I hope that you do not take offense.
I keep my opinions about religion to myself as most would find them quite offensive. Bob's music has helped me throughout my life, in the same way going to church helps other people. I take offence to some of your statements about Bob and I decided to speak my mind. I don't take offence to you Macy - I think you are wonderful.