TOW #21: Crying for Someone We Don't Know

     Within the past few months, the world has become all too familiar with the deaths of many cultural icons. As part of a culture that often idolizes people that may (or may not) have talent, it is easy to see the monumental impact that it has had on our society as a whole. One thing is for sure: we may not all get along, but when a singer dies, we can all mourn together. In an article published in the Courier Mail, Karen uses parallel structure in order to prove why it has become socially acceptable to mourn the death of a person we have never even known.
     Even though there are occasions when a fan gets to meet their favorite celebrity, there are many times when a loyal fan is left admiring from afar. Brooks states that we have "adored their films,  listened to their music, read their words, and identified with the many roles they've played." These people are such a large part of our lives as we have the ability to completely consume ourselves with their work. The repetition of the suffix of "-ed" stresses how many different things a loyal fan may do. This shows the complete infatuation with that particular person that plays a role in the eventual mourning of them. Fans realize that they no longer will be able to receive any new forms of their work which is s large part of their depression during that time.
     But, they have not only lost entertainment but also a possible friend. Celebrities have the power to influence and change someone's entire life. Brooks states that celebrities "give us insights into our own emotional make-up, help us discover our flaws and strengths, navigate our way through different eras, relationships, politics, and maybe also help us find friends." The repetition of a verb and "us" creates a list of all of the positive aspects of being emotionally attached to a celebrity. It sheds light on the fact that many fans view these celebrities as actually friends that have had positive impacts on their life. It is logical to mourn the loss of a friend as the support that you may need is now gone.
     Brooks was able to achieve her purpose because many people have gone through the same thing. Through social media and all forms of communication, the loss of a celebrity can never go unnoticed, but the community that is built through it is strong. Even though we may not know the celebrity for which we mourn, we know how much they did and how much they personally changed our lives.