David Bowie has left behind a legacy that should make everyone ask, “What will my legacy be?”
—
The act of creation starts with a spark–a flip of a proverbial switch that acts as a springboard for whatever is to follow. With it comes a responsibility of knowing you’re sending a message with the things you put on display, maybe to an entire population or handful of people.
Regardless of how many eyes, ears or souls you reach, you’re still sending a message. That notion alone should make you want to craft and mold your masterpiece mindfully. In many ways, music is that masterpiece. It’s arguably the most man-made entity in any part of the world that still has the power to evoke emotion and make something out of nothing–and David Bowie did not disappoint in that realm. He understood his music had a ripple effect, but also took a stand when he felt other artists of his generation weren’t getting a fair shake.
In 1983, Bowie did an interview with MTV–shown above–in which he spoke out about how the network wasn’t playing videos by African-American artists.
“It occurred to me. having watched [MTV] over the last few months, that it’s a solid enterprise. I’m just floored by the fact there are so few black artists [who are] featured,” he told network representative Mark Goodman.
Bowie would go on to ask why that was–to which Goodman replied, “I think we’re trying to move in that direction. We want to play artists that fits into what we want to play for MTV.” Given the era, that was a pretty bold statement to make. However, there’s something to be said for the “…moving in that direction” part of Goodman’s response.
MTV did indeed move in that direction, as did the artists who’s music they eventually played. The network was on the forefront of that change–and Bowie was right to ask the ever-growing question of “Why?” It was justified because he was asking for the right reasons. He might not have known exactly what his inquisitiveness would lead to in that moment–and neither will the general public–but it’s refreshing to know someone of his stature put fame aside and did something like that–and in that era.
Now, more than two decades later, Upworthy.com has published an article highlighting that 1983 interview, in celebration of Bowie’s life and legendary career. Upworthy contributor Parker Malloy writes:
“Bowie’s interview with Goodman was a great example of how to be an ally.”
When you think about it that way, Bowie was an ally–not only for the music scene, but for humanity. Whether he knew it or not, he did his part to make the world a better place. Like so many artists who came before him, he’s left behind his life’s work for the common man to blaze a trail.
Editor’s note: David Bowie’s problematic past, as with many rock stars of the 1970s and 1980s, paints a very different story of the man we see today. People are beginning to question how the Rock God crimes of the past can affect our view of the art left behind. If you have a strong opinion about this topic, please lend your voice to the conversation. Send submissions to: Wilhelm Cortez [email protected]
—
***
Improve your writing, expand your reach, and monetize your craft.
Join The Good Men Project’s Writers’ Community on Patreon.
We welcome all experience levels.
Learn more on our Patreon page.
***
—
Photo Credit: thekey.xpn.org