When I heard that Amy Winehouse had died, I said I wasn’t surprised. Comments on dozens of articles regarding her death echoed my reaction. Her problems with drugs and alcohol were no secret to us. She wasn’t the first public figure to die young and, unfortunately, won’t be the last. The cause of death is still a mystery, but most believe drugs had something to do with her demise.
When we lose someone due to a cause like drugs or alcohol abuse, it causes us to stop and think. Many of us know a person suffering from some type of addiction or dependence on alcohol or drugs. Our society tells children not to experiment with drugs, but then expresses that it’s okay or acceptable for celebrities. When a musician has a drug or alcohol problem, many shrug it off as a fact of their job. By continuously pushing this view, children receive the wrong message. Drugs and alcohol do not need to go hand-in-hand with music. How many more artists will we lose before this lesson is learned? With alcohol, it can be just as problematic, if abused.
It’s the person who holds the talent, not the crack pipe or bottle.
Amy Winehouse had an amazing voice, one that the world will miss. It’s a tragedy that some were more aware of her mistakes than successes. May she rest in peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment