15 August 2007

With the passing of Merv Griffin and of Brooke Astor, I am reminded of George Harrison's passing, as well as countless other great legends - Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Fred Astaire especially. When true icons leave us to 'graduate' to their next designated echelon, I can not help but be increasingly convinced that this 'reality' is the true inferno.

When Merv, Brooke, George, Audrey, Grace, and Fred passed, they affected many lives. As with all icons, they truly accomplished, achieved, and contributed. They left impressions upon generations and by so doing, challenge Mannheim's notion of generational differences (The Problem with Generations). They surpass the barriers because they transcend those limitations in presence.

This is most obvious with Merv Griffin, as his name is rather omnipresent in the entertainment/gameshow industry as well as in real estate. Brooke Astor leaves her mark in philanthropy and the 'brick-and-mortars' of New York. George Harrison leaves his imprint on the music industry and in world awareness. Audrey, Grace, and Fred are forever captured in celluloid and are increasingly becoming digitized through film restoration projects.

Ironically, in passing, they are more present and real than ever before. They still exist in relevance and contribute to a collective conscience of philanthropy and goodwill - perhaps not to the extent that they envisioned, but nothing is actually diminished.

So why bring up death, the past, and 'days gone by'?

Precisely because they are ocular and very real examples of potentiality that can and does transcend in a profound and progress-affecting way. In being iconic legends, they present excellence. In leaving, they too leave a very practicle standard of hope as a shining beacon and clarion call to empowerment.

The are constant reminders that the next time news about destruction, violence, or world-catastrophe comes along, we must summon up our courage to greatness and find ways to inspire through thoughtful action.