When Kurt Cobain killed himself a whole segment of the population felt shock. People were dejected, whether they were Nirvana fans or fans of the band's arch-nemesis, Guns N' Roses. A decent songwriter leading a good band died. Plus, the Foo Fighters were born so it was especially sad.
Death has a way of re-centering culture for a brief moment in time. Those of us old enough remember the Challenger explosion, John Lennon's murder, and Menudo. Each was dreadful in its own way. Of course, now, everyone remembers 9/11.
One of the firefighters who died that day helped me with my early fire service writing. His name was Andrew Fredericks but we called him Andy. When the towers came down the world paused and even music and television seemed unimportant for a brief moment. It started again as it always does, leaving some of us with memories of people we knew. In my case it was Andy.
We don’t stay down for long because life is moving and we can’t afford to miss the next big thing even if it happens to be Oprah. Yet, in some small way, a part of culture dies and is replaced by an inexact replica. Things are the same but not really. If this concept is difficult, drink a twelve-pack and read it again.
On June 21, two firefighters died trying to save a resident in Contra Costa Fire Protection District. Matt Burton and Scott Desmond were killed in a flashover. It’s safe to say the world didn’t pause for that tragic event but many of us feel the loss though we didn’t know them personally.
This is natural. People die every day and we somehow come to believe a pop icon is more valuable than someone trying to save our lives. Again there’s no need to expect a different response.
It’s just sometimes it would be nice for everything to pause when heroes die. You know, the ones who really are heroes.
Article comments
1 - taylor
The sad thing is, is that he didn't even commit suicide. He was injected with triple the lethal dose of heroin and couldn't even reach the trigger of the gun. His "suicide note" has someone else's handwriting on it, these are the only lines that indicate suicide. Now his wife got what she wanted, all she does is sell his diaries and lies to the world about his death. Kurt deserved so much more than that. He was truly a beautiful person.
2 - Robert Desmond
Jay,
Thanks for your perspective. Scott and Matt were true heroes. Know that in some places their lives and sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Robert Desmond (Scott's older brother)