I blogged yesterday about being wary of consequences for speaking up about issues that may be sensitive ones for other cultures. But I’m going to step out on a ledge and congratulate two artists I respect.
Diana Gabaldon is one. A historical romance fiction writer known for her “Outlander” series, she’s written many a novel that I find absolutely brilliant. They’re rich in detail, description and plot, and I revel in her characters that almost live and breathe.
My respect for her increased when I read of her Lord Grey novels in the Montreal Gazette “Books” section. Gabaldon’ received a nod because of her incorporation of homosexuality into to the Lord Grey storylines.
Sexual orientation really isn’t much of an issue in
Kid Rock is the second artist that I’d like to congratulate. An eclectic musician who is just as at home in rap with explicit lyrics as he is in Southern country ballads, he’s released his new album, Rock n’ Roll Jesus – and I think it’s great. Even Rolling Stone seems to like Kid Rock.
True, Kid Rock is no Mozart, but he earns my respect much the same way Gabaldon did: he believes in himself, despite all odds, obstacles, and other people’s beliefs that conflict strongly with his own. The man is judged left, right and center because of the music he makes – and he hasn’t given up. In fact, he has released 11 albums, sold millions of copies, some of which have gone platinum.
Kid Rock’s music isn’t for everyone (R&R Jesus is far less explicit than Cocky was, for those who wonder) and Gabaldon’s novels aren’t for all (Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber are the best of the series). Still, these two artists deserve congratulations.
Here’s to Diana Gabaldon and to Kid Rock, for believing in yourselves, for having no fear of judgment by others and for doing what feels right.
