Celebrities help break down racial barriers..

[CSCfan]

Amber Miles: Celebrities help break down racial barriers

July 8, 2005

 

A musical magician, charismatic crooner and irreplaceable icon recently passed away. After never having fully recovered from a stroke in April 2003, the 54-year-old legendary Luther Vandross left behind fans, family and friends. But during his time, Vandross successfully incorporated his lyrics into a world of hatred and strife and helped break cultural barriers while making "The Power of Love" so real. All across the world, from country to country, Vandross' music rang supreme.

 

Which leads one to wonder what other people, events and aspects have helped break down racial barriers?

 

In the musical realm, Vandross is not the only one to impact the world. Undoubtedly, Michael Jackson continues to greatly impact millions of diverse individuals. A melting pot of fans stood outside the Santa Barbara court room June 13 to hear the verdict regarding their No. 1 celebrity.

 

And what about Usher? Teenage girls from all walks of life find a common bond with their posters of the superstar standing shirtless and flashing that camera-ready smile. From Usher's "Confessions" to making listeners chant "Yeah," there's no shortage of diversity at his concerts.

 

Thanks to the Canadian pop singer Celine Dion, fans of all creeds and colors have learned that "Love Can Move Mountains." Color is not an issue for those fans who have contributed to the more than 100 million albums sold worldwide. Dion's vocals soothe individuals, no matter their backgrounds or beliefs.

 

And when it comes to talk show hosts, who doesn't love Oprah? She touches the lives of everyone, whether the topic concerns tragedy or triumph. When the camera crew scans the audience, the variety is astonishing. From Africa to Australia, Oprah Winfrey is the ultimate talk show host.

 

On an entirely different television spectrum, there's Jerry Springer. Fans of all ages and races enjoy shouting, "Jerry, Jerry," when someone's current lover is sleeping with the best friend. Some call it trash, others label it reality, but regardless, skin tone usually isn't the issue.

 

Another area in which different backgrounds do not play an important role is in the world of sports. Young people, boys and girls, cheer on their favorite sports teams and athletes regardless of which side of the city they called home. Michael Jordan, Mia Hamm and Alex Rodriguez all have become household names in all corners of the globe.

 

Seeing the Red Sox win it all excited not only die-hard fans, but anyone who knew the feeling of being the underdog. Nearly all athletes and almost every individual, despite their ethnicity, knows what it feels like to be the underdog.

 

Thanks to the numerous diverse actors who come out of Hollywood, those who purchase the tickets see no color lines on the big screen. Will Smith. Tom Cruise. Halle Berry. Julia Roberts. Viewers see the movies and actors for what they are at the time -- good, bad, funny or sad.

 

Although religion is something seen as extremely personal and individual, one man has affected lives during his 60 years of ministry. The Rev. Billy Graham, who preached what may have been his last revival sermon June 26, has traveled to 185 countries, touching more than 210 million lives along the way.

 

Certain events also affect individuals equally, despite skin color. There wasn't a color barrier during the 9/11 tragedy. Innocent lives were lost because death sees no color.

 

In 1968, the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. affected everyone. His theory of nonviolent tactics touched hearts all over the world, and the news of his death did the same.

 

The death of former President Ronald Reagan last year kept viewers in many countries and from many backgrounds glued to their televisions as the man once known as "The Great Communicator" was carried to his grave.

 

So many life-changing events, so many individuals who touch our lives. But one thing is certain: Fame fortune, love, hatred, life, death and tragedy -- none of these see color.

 

Amber Miles is a recent graduate of Louisiana Tech University and now plays professional softball. She is one of several twentysomething columnists who appear each Friday. Send comments toshreveportopinion@gannett.com.

Source

Edited July 11, 2005 at 06:19 PM by CSCfan

[Belle Céline]

how cool go celine!

[nano]

Celine Can Move Mountais

[raluca]

go celine go

you're the best

[Mozinha]

Celine makes me prouder everyday.

[Koolan]

Celine does move mountains

[Bellamy]

Thanks to the Canadian pop singer Celine Dion, fans of all creeds and colors have learned that "Love Can Move Mountains." Color is not an issue for those fans who have contributed to the more than 100 million albums sold worldwide. Dion's vocals soothe individuals, no matter their backgrounds or beliefs.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

so true.

[Clari]

Woo! Go Celine! I think that's her favourite song too. LOL

[SFchick]

Hmmm im not sure how much of this is true but yeah