It’s not all always cheers and standing ovations.

Todays blog is brought to you by my ability to upset people; apparently.

I should know better and ignore the negative vibes that come with being a unique entertainer. People can be a bit sharp with the things they say. I’ve had several bad experiences in the past while working as an MJ impersonator. I’ve been called names to my face and virtually, of course. I’ve even been pulled aside after shows and been given the “you need to find God” lecture. I guess it’s offensive to some people that I “pay tribute” to a dead fellow human rather than to God (That was a Saturday show Mr. ,not Sunday). It strikes me as odd that someone like that would even stay to see my show but what the heck… it’s ironic, that’s all.

Lately, I’ve felt aggression from different angles and I can’t understand why some people feel the need/urgency to try to create negativity. This urgency to say hurtful things has been ongoing. I assume people can assume that I’m gay or that I’m a “fem” based on what I have to do to accomplish my job (wear all that makeup, the hair, the lashes not to mention the unusual clothes).  That doesn’t bother me though. I’ve been classified gay so many times that it’s part of my life now.  

I’ve been hearing “ not good enough”, “not fast enough”," not skinny enough” as an MJ impersonator but honestly; I refuse to accept that without proper justification. I’ve seen GREAT MJ impersonators (Navi, for example) and I’ve seen others that look comedic to say the least but who are good dancers otherwise. I don’t mean for this to sound arrogant but if audiences are paying to come see the show it’s a positive sign to me. I let the audiences speak the truth. It’s not just about the ticket sales either; it’s about the response one gets.  

I’ve had to learn quickly that being the center of attention in a room (while performing) you will be judged in both, positive and negative ways. When I step out as MJ in full gear and “persona” I am vulnerable to criticism. If I want to be professional I need to accept that and I do. The negative feedback and criticism doesn’t bother me. Even the intentional hurtful to-be comments don’t bother me. What bothers me is the intent behind the negativity. What is the point? It’s not going to make me feel less or make me sad. What does make me sad is the fact that once someone is picking up momentum and actually getting ready for “The Launch”, others try to tear it down. I’ve worked my ass way too hard to get were I’m at this point to let bad vibes get in the way.  Call this their envy, hater-ade or bitterness.

I choose to call it my motivation.

LC