Let us be candid and honest. What are the Elvis traits you don't like?

[ksimms2]

p.s. as for the passing out while eating - am speaking from experience here. My husband is addicted to his pain meds and has done this so many times it's not even funny.......so yes.....it happens. (I've even called his doctor to tell her he's addicted and she could care less.....so this is a battle that i deal with all the time - so speaking from experience)

[jak]

I disagree here...in his last concert for exemple, he sang with a lot of feelings. Ok he barely moved, but the feelings were here. I'm sure you know the 77 live version of My Way?
His shows changed, that's true, but I think the word "decline" is a bit strong...ageing, yes, but not decline.

To say his live concerts didnt "decline" would have to be the most outrageous statement ever made on this board.Youre picking out a good vocal performance of My way and using that to judge all of them.The decline of Elvis' is well documented by the bootleggers and people that were there.Maybe you just dont have access to the material you need to make an educated appraisal of his concerts.Elvis became a shadow of himself.Im not kidding when I said he could barely function at times.He didnt develop those 40 min band intro's for nothing.
Jak

[jak]

Yes, and some empathy should be forthcoming. How would you react with all those Court Cases, getting over Divorce, still being there for the fans, having to work and support others, even though sick and distressed? Empathy, understanding.

Bye mate, nice talking with you.

Kim

I have all the empathy in the world for him.It just doesnt change the facts.Once again youre making excuses for him.The things you mentioned certainly were a burden.However Elvis was a professional and should have acted in that way.His problems on stage were drug induced.He was either bouncing on the rafters going 100 miles an hour,or sleeepwalking while using the mikestand to prop himself up.I know those comments are harsh,but they are true.
Jak

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Yes Elvis had a tough life.....

Millions of adoring fans
A mansion
His own personal aeroplane
A fleet of cars and bikes
People at his beck and call
Millions of dollars in the bank
A beautiful girlfriend
etc.... etc....etc

Yes he had a tough life

Gladys died 1958
Divorced Priscilla 1972
Numerous court cases

I'm not saying that money and personal wealth make you happy but I'm pretty sure it can take the edge off, Imagine you had a tough life and no money?

Some of the problems that Elvis suffered e.g. his mother dying and the divorce of Priscilla whilst being sad and problematic are not life ending situations, Many people go through much more heartache and suffering and go on to live perfectly happy productive lives!

I know people say why do you look at the bad in Elvis' life, the answer is here was a guy who had the world at his feet and it slipped through his hands. I don't disrespect Elvis in any way, I'm certainly not going to make excuses for the way he lived his life, he choose his road and there is nothing we can do about it now, by making excuses you are disrespecting Elvis' integrity. Why are Elvis' loses any greater than yours or mine? (p.s. I have had some terrible loses)

[jak]

Yes Elvis had a tough life.....

Millions of adoring fans
A mansion
His own personal aeroplane
A fleet of cars and bikes
People at his beck and call
Millions of dollars in the bank
A beautiful girlfriend
etc.... etc....etc

Yes he had a tough life

Gladys died 1958
Divorced Priscilla 1972
Numerous court cases

I'm not saying that money and personal wealth make you happy but I'm pretty sure it can take the edge off, Imagine you had a tough life and no money?

Some of the problems that Elvis suffered e.g. his mother dying and the divorce of Priscilla whilst being sad and problematic are not life ending situations, Many people go through much more heartache and suffering and go on to live perfectly happy productive lives!

I know people say why do you look at the bad in Elvis' life, the answer is here was a guy who had the world at his feet and it slipped through his hands. I don't disrespect Elvis in any way, I'm certainly not going to make excuses for the way he lived his life, he choose his road and there is nothing we can do about it now, by making excuses you are disrespecting Elvis' integrity. Why are Elvis' loses any greater than yours or mine? (p.s. I have had some terrible loses)

Another great post.In reality Elvis didnt have any problems that many regular people dont deal with all the time.Certainly being Elvis Presley gave him advantages that we would not have.In retrospect Elvis didnt have any severe problems that he didnt create on his own.That being his addiction.I've known many people who have had to deal with "real" problems in their life.Being rich and famous may create some issues but it also helps to eliminate many things that we might worry about.
Jak

[Merry]

Another great post.In reality Elvis didnt have any problems that many regular people dont deal with all the time.Certainly being Elvis Presley gave him advantages that we would not have.In retrospect Elvis didnt have any severe problems that he didnt create on his own.That being his addiction.I've known many people who have had to deal with "real" problems in their life.Being rich and famous may create some issues but it also helps to eliminate many things that we might worry about.
Jak


You know, I'd like to know here, who is in business for themselves, with employees, who feel this way.

When you are responsible for others, their families, their mortgages, it makes the stress factor change. Elvis had to keep working. Yes, Elvis hit the jackpot money wise, but the stress. You know, I too, have lost people, one who was the centre of my world, plus other personal things, and having lost that support did make life tough for years. One thing after another, with no rest in between, makes for something to crack. So I understand, as I can put myself in Elvis' position.

[Merry]

I have all the empathy in the world for him.It just doesnt change the facts.Once again youre making excuses for him.The things you mentioned certainly were a burden.However Elvis was a professional and should have acted in that way.His problems on stage were drug induced.He was either bouncing on the rafters going 100 miles an hour,or sleeepwalking while using the mikestand to prop himself up.I know those comments are harsh,but they are true.
Jak


Actually, Jak, Elvis was also a human being (yeah I know everyone is sick of that). However, going to the "Professional" tact is doing the same thing. Sometimes, cracks appear, and there is nothing you can do about it. He kept working. He had people to support.

[ksimms2]

Jess, I don't think he did it because he had "people" to support. He kept on because the Colonel had him signed to these shows (toward the end).....even then....he would get "sick" and not perform. He was tired of the same old thing over and over.....but who can blame him I guess.

Also, just because we are discussing Elvis "bad" features - in no way takes away our love for him....okay? I think people lose sight of that because of the subject matter.

[Merry]

Yes, and some empathy should be forthcoming. How would you react with all those Court Cases, getting over Divorce, still being there for the fans, having to work and support others, even though sick and distressed? Empathy, understanding.

Bye mate, nice talking with you.

Kim

Kim, I have a question for you - if you knew FOR SURE that Elvis kept himself messed up all the time on his drugs, really badly, as alot have stated and the MM have stated in their books - but you knew this FOR SURE - would your response be the same? "Give him some empathy"......? Would you still feel that way? Knowing that people around him incuding Dr. Nick, the MM, anyone who cared about him tried to get him to quit? But he kept on and had those around him basically keep him alive by making sure he didn't choke on his food because he'd pass out while eating? Making sure he got the medical help he needed when he'd take too much? Would you still say, "poor Elvis"? I'm just wondering......how long can you continue to say "poor Elvis" and blame the MM for every bad thing that happened to him? If you knew FOR SURE that this stuff was true......what would your thoughts be then? (please, I'm not being nasty okay?)


Yes, Kelly, I would give him empathy. I would also, as being female, give him love and support. A sounding board when he needed me, giving him space in between. Saying things through love, letting him know that I am always there. Doing, and trying anything and everything in my power, to know that when he gets out of that tunnel, I will be there, as a friend. The rest would be up to him.

You mentioned your husband, Kelly, he is on pain meds, too. How do you get him to quit? Yell at him? Tell the neighbours so they can look down their noses? Or love him?

I've never said "Poor Elvis" I've said, that there are other sides to the story. There is also compassion, understanding, and empathy. That is the difference. I would say things that would make him angry at me, risking friendship, because, that is what loving someone, is all about. However, it is all private. I would tell him to go to a Doctor, or whatever is applicable. If he didn't listen, or had his reasons not to, I would just keep being there, keeping in touch, so he knows I care.

I wouldn't go writing a book, and taking money. (Sonny admitted that it was for spite, as you know)

I don't blame the MM for what happened to Elvis. I blame them for betraying their friend. Would you like friends like that?

I know a few things for sure, I know that he is a sensitive, loving, wonderful human being. Not a money ticket, through selling their souls, for money. Honey, would you talk about your husband's specific problems (challenges), publicly? Or do you love him so much, that that is private? Would you be horrified if people talked about him? Would you not like those people?

Kim

[ksimms2]

I know a few things for sure, I know that he is a sensitive, loving, wonderful human being. Not a money ticket, through selling their souls, for money. Honey, would you talk about your husband's specific problems (challenges), publicly? Or do you love him so much, that that is private? Would you be horrified if people talked about him? Would you not like those people?

Kim

thanks for being honest...and you are right about Elvis being sensitive, loving and wonderful human being.....he certainly was that. I think the biggest thing that upsets me is that he continued to kill himself with these drugs.....and you know - it really hurts me. It hurts me and angers me because he didn't have enough guts to admit his problem and get help. What a wonderful, wonderful entertainer we lost because of that.

As for my husband....we fight about it alot because we have a 10yr old that he takes back and forth to school (I work full time, he does not) and it upsets me that he will take that chance with her in the truck. He denies, denies, denies, and I compare him and Elvis all the time because of that (in my mind only of course)......I've twice set up rehab for him and he's backed out both times.....I talk to his family and try and get their help, but I think everyone is afraid of upsetting him......sort of like everyone was afraid of upsetting Elvis......maybe that is why I am so sensitive on this subject with Elvis.....

[Miss Clawdy]

I disagree here...in his last concert for exemple, he sang with a lot of feelings. Ok he barely moved, but the feelings were here. I'm sure you know the 77 live version of My Way?
His shows changed, that's true, but I think the word "decline" is a bit strong...ageing, yes, but not decline.

I think 'decline' is the right word. But with all due respect I don't think 'ageing' is the right word ;) I am 42 now, today I am surviving Elvis for 2 weeks and I must say I still can move like I did when I was 25 :D. 4 years ago I saw the Rolling Stones in concert, and there was 60 year old Mick Jagger, jumping up and down the stage during the whole show like he did 40 years ago (y) Elvis not moving sadly had other reasons :'(

[Merry]

TRANSCRIBED LETTER (I have the original, I can't post it for some reason). I am happy to send it to anyone, who wants it.

Vernon Presley

3764 Presley Blvd. Memphis, Ten, 3816



Dear Friends and Lea,

Recently we've been receiving a lot of letters about a book written by former employees and articles concerning it in Overseas papers. There seems to be a "little" distortion here:

It doesn't seem worthwhile to try to go through all the many ridiculous allegations in this little "expose" and retell it all. Why give something of this nature merit it doesn't deserve? .... And surely these men aren't so paranoid as to keep an arsonal of weapons on our account!!

These men were FULLY aware of why they were dismissed. We are still in several legal cases over scuffles and fights that the West boys had with fans. Of course, there were several problems with their work but this was discussed with them hoping they'd "shape up". This didn't help and they were simply dismissed, no fuss or fight. Afterall, Elvis could have felt hurt too that supposed "good friends (?)" would rely on his loyal nature to keep them employed. He too could have written the shocking REAL story of his "friends" private life WITHOUT lying and made their book "look like Mary Poppins". ... There's certainly been enough offers from people who knew them well with facts that would fill a few volumes!

We want to thank you all very much for all your concern, support and assurances of loyalty! Please don't worry though, these sort of petty things done for ulterior motives; whether greed, pseudo-revenge or justifying a guilty conscience, never really prosper. {Psalm 37} Again, we do want you all to know we appreciate all your concern and prayers at all times. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Vernon Presley

[Merry]

I know a few things for sure, I know that he is a sensitive, loving, wonderful human being. Not a money ticket, through selling their souls, for money. Honey, would you talk about your husband's specific problems (challenges), publicly? Or do you love him so much, that that is private? Would you be horrified if people talked about him? Would you not like those people?

Kim

thanks for being honest...and you are right about Elvis being sensitive, loving and wonderful human being.....he certainly was that. I think the biggest thing that upsets me is that he continued to kill himself with these drugs.....and you know - it really hurts me. It hurts me and angers me because he didn't have enough guts to admit his problem and get help. What a wonderful, wonderful entertainer we lost because of that.

As for my husband....we fight about it alot because we have a 10yr old that he takes back and forth to school (I work full time, he does not) and it upsets me that he will take that chance with her in the truck. He denies, denies, denies, and I compare him and Elvis all the time because of that (in my mind only of course)......I've twice set up rehab for him and he's backed out both times.....I talk to his family and try and get their help, but I think everyone is afraid of upsetting him......sort of like everyone was afraid of upsetting Elvis......maybe that is why I am so sensitive on this subject with Elvis.....


Sweetie, there are a few people here, who have said publicly they had the same problems. Perhaps they may contact you?

Hugs, heaps of them, it is tough.

Kimmi

P.S. PM me, if you need to, o.k.? DON'T HESITATE, if you want to. :hug:

[jak]

You know, I'd like to know here, who is in business for themselves, with employees, who feel this way.

When you are responsible for others, their families, their mortgages, it makes the stress factor change. Elvis had to keep working. Yes, Elvis hit the jackpot money wise, but the stress. You know, I too, have lost people, one who was the centre of my world, plus other personal things, and having lost that support did make life tough for years. One thing after another, with no rest in between, makes for something to crack. So I understand, as I can put myself in Elvis' position.

I got news for you.Elvis didnt have a real job.He could work a few weeks and make millions.The average guy supporting a family faces much more adversity than Elvis could ever have imagined.If his car broke down he took out a pistol and shot it full of holes.The average guy wonders how if he can afford to fix it.There is a big difference.Give me a break when it comes to the stress that the rich and famous must endure.Bottom line is that Elvis had it made and blew it.I bet many people on here wish they had the stressfull life Elvis had.Im sorry but that stress arguement is absurd.
Jak

[ksimms2]

Thanks Kimmi.....by the way....what is the date on that letter from Vernon?

[Joe Car]

I think 'decline' is the right word. But with all due respect I don't think 'ageing' is the right word ;) I am 42 now, today I am surviving Elvis for 2 weeks and I must say I still can move like I did when I was 25 :D. 4 years ago I saw the Rolling Stones in concert, and there was 60 year old Mick Jagger, jumping up and down the stage during the whole show like he did 40 years ago (y) Elvis not moving sadly had other reasons :'(

Elvis Presley at 42 years age, was a very ill man, sad but true.

[Getlo]

His concerts had become a joke musically.

That's a bit of a generalisation, don't you think?

[Getlo]

getting over Divorce

The divorce was four years before he died! And he was well and truly over it, IMO.

[Getlo]

Why are Elvis' loses any greater than yours or mine?

Excellent point here, JJ.

Having empathy is one thing; it's when that empathy becomes extended to blind devotion, and excusing Elvis for some behaviour which - at times - was appalling.

[Miss Clawdy]

Elvis Presley at 42 years age, was a very ill man, sad but true.

Yes I know, I was only commenting on the ageing point. Rover said his shows were changing because of ageing and I don't believe that.

[Getlo]

I've never said "Poor Elvis" I've said, that there are other sides to the story.

So why do you not look at the "other sides" to the Elvis story through the MM?


I wouldn't go writing a book, and taking money. (Sonny admitted that it was for spite, as you know)

That's a completely loaded and unfair comment, taken out of context. Sonny said that part of the reason why they wrote Elvis What Happened was out of spite.

Part. Not the whole reason. Part.

[Getlo]

TRANSCRIBED LETTER (I have the original, I can't post it for some reason). I am happy to send it to anyone, who wants it.

Well what else would anyone expect Vernon (or at least the person who composed this letter) to say ... ?

[Merry]

So why do you not look at the "other sides" to the Elvis story through the MM?



That's a completely loaded and unfair comment, taken out of context. Sonny said that part of the reason why they wrote Elvis What Happened was out of spite.

Part. Not the whole reason. Part.


I stand corrected, "Part" from a "Part Friend", who betrayed "In Part".

I listen to all, and come to my own conclusions. Yes, they were young men, sewing their oats, getting high, having fun, rock and roll lifestyle.

His friends betrayed him, and told the story, in a hard headed way, without all the facts, twisting stories (without care, love and empathy, as a "friend" would do) twisting stories with some facts, to make money "in part" by betraying. Wow, what "friends".

[Merry]

Well what else would anyone expect Vernon (or at least the person who composed this letter) to say ... ?


He didn't say their story, now did he? (Unlike them). He kept that private. He took the higher ground.

[Diane]

I'm beginning to wonder if Elvis hadn't had all these personal problems, addiction, temper, irresponsibility, womanizing etc. whether he'd even be remembered today. Seems sometimes like these things are more interesting to a lot of fans than the good things he accomplished in his life....maybe I'm just tired of these threads.

Diane

[Merry]

I'm beginning to wonder if Elvis hadn't had all these personal problems, addiction, temper, irresponsibility, womanizing etc. whether he'd even be remembered today. Seems sometimes like these things are more interesting to a lot of fans than the good things he accomplished in his life....maybe I'm just tired of these threads.

Diane


I am too, and well said.

If I'm banned, while I feel I am doing the right thing, sticking up for a wonderful human being, being a true friend, so be it.

[presley31]

I'm beginning to wonder if Elvis hadn't had all these personal problems, addiction, temper, irresponsibility, womanizing etc. whether he'd even be remembered today. Seems sometimes like these things are more interesting to a lot of fans than the good things he accomplished in his life....maybe I'm just tired of these threads.

Diane

l agree diane(y)

[Getlo]

If I'm banned, while I feel I am doing the right thing, sticking up for a wonderful human being, being a true friend, so be it.

A true friend to whom? Elvis??? Sticking up for him? Against what? A rational discussion of the man's faults???

Why can't some people see that to dissect and discuss Elvis' negative traits in no way negates how we feel about him?

This thread is about the traits we, as fans, don't like about the man. And there were more than a few, just like everyone else. If you think otherwise, then stick to the threads about his sideburns or how good looking he was. Or maybe go over with the losers on Topix.

As this and other forums clearly shows, threads like this are way more interesting and informative than the more passive ones.

[KPM]

I'm beginning to wonder if Elvis hadn't had all these personal problems, addiction, temper, irresponsibility, womanizing etc. whether he'd even be remembered today. Seems sometimes like these things are more interesting to a lot of fans than the good things he accomplished in his life....maybe I'm just tired of these threads.

Diane
I have noticed this also. Also I think we all agree on the faults Elvis had (like any human) but the way he is coming off in a lot of posts IMO seems to point out that to some he was worse than most people. At least in rereading some threads I do get the feeling some think he was so much worse in his shortcomings than other humans. Is that just me?

[Merry]

I have noticed this also. Also I think we all agree on the faults Elvis had (like any human) but the way he is coming off in a lot of posts IMO seems to point out that to some he was worse than most people. At least in rereading some threads I do get the feeling some think he was so much worse in his shortcomings than other humans. Is that just me?


No, it isn't just you, KPM. To me, it appears, that it as if some people get a thrill out of tearing him apart. In the past, your posts re the congenital problems, and the medication, have always been completely ignored. Let's hope not this time. Yes, as you said, we all have shortcomings.

Kim

[Diane]

No it sure isn't just you KPM. I really have a hard time understanding how some posters can claim to be Elvis fans and then enjoy posting and reading all the dirt on him instead of his good qualities. Maybe I'm just not with the times but that sure seems backward to me.

Diane

[presley31]

No it sure isn't just you KPM. I really have a hard time understanding how some posters can claim to be Elvis fans and then enjoy posting and reading all the dirt on him instead of his good qualities. Maybe I'm just not with the times but that sure seems backward to me.

Diane

yous are not alone with this one either :hmm:

[Stryx]

No it sure isn't just you KPM. I really have a hard time understanding how some posters can claim to be Elvis fans and then enjoy posting and reading all the dirt on him instead of his good qualities. Maybe I'm just not with the times but that sure seems backward to me.

Diane

I certainly don't believe that their is a need to brush Elvis's faults under the carpet or to hide from the facts regarding his life.

A fan should be able to overcome that and accept Elvis, warts and all as a compelling entertainer who for whatever reason appeals to them.

I know for me personally Elvis was probabaly the greatest entertainer ever - but his personal problems and the way he lived his life make him all the more interesting and captivating to me.

[jak]

No it sure isn't just you KPM. I really have a hard time understanding how some posters can claim to be Elvis fans and then enjoy posting and reading all the dirt on him instead of his good qualities. Maybe I'm just not with the times but that sure seems backward to me.

Diane

Hey Diane
I think some of us just like to know why and how certain things happened.Elvis lived an incredibly fascinating life.I think if people just bury their heads in the sands so to speak,they can never truly understand him.I like to know why he was motivated to do certain things or why he chose a particular route.Let's be honest.Topics about his looks,sideburns or whether he liked denim are just so superficial and ultimately useless.If the board consisted only of these "fluff' topics,what would you learn about him?One of the reason's Elvis' memory still fascinates people is that he was a paradox.That nobody can deny.Exploring all facest of his life does not equal tearing him apart.You cant rewrite history and not discussing the truth doesnt mean it didnt happen.
Jak

[KPM]

I certainly don't think of Elvis as a saint. But by the same token I don't see him in all his faults and weaknesses as so much worse than the rest of the human race as a whole. So to list or talk about his negative traits is fair, but to stress them as above all else which made Elvis- Elvis, is not IMO.
I am fairly new to computer usage (last 3 or 4 years) but after discovering forums like this early on I stopped visiting them for a while- because IMO out of Elvis's 42 years of life and his 23 year career the last 3 or 4 years seem to dominate the conversation. All his many firsts, his career achievements, billion records sold, 200 million in movie box office worldwide, most gold and platinum, 3 octave voice, sold out shows, Las Vegas attendance records, rock pioneer the charisma, the generosity, the greatness-none of those topics can rival the passion which ends up being focused on the who, what, where, and why of his drug usage and the negative traits. That is curious to me. The things which made him great do not seem to bring out the same passion IMO. Curious

[ksimms2]

I certainly don't think of Elvis as a saint. But by the same token I don't see him in all his faults and weaknesses as so much worse than the rest of the human race as a whole. So to list or talk about his negative traits is fair, but to stress them as above all else which made Elvis- Elvis, is not IMO.
I am fairly new to computer usage (last 3 or 4 years) but after discovering forums like this early on I stopped visiting them for a while- because IMO out of Elvis's 42 years of life and his 23 year career the last 3 or 4 years seem to dominate the conversation. All his many firsts, his career achievements, billion records sold, 200 million in movie box office worldwide, most gold and platinum, 3 octave voice, sold out shows, Las Vegas attendance records, rock pioneer the charisma, the generosity, the greatness-none of those topics can rival the passion which ends up being focused on the who, what, where, and why of his drug usage and the negative traits. That is curious to me. The things which made him great do not seem to bring out the same passion IMO. Curious

I think for me, I wonder what made him tick......I wonder about every aspect of his life and in that respect his death. It saddens me to no end that he died so young and the things that lead up to his death.......I guess it amazes me that nothing was done to help him. But from what I have learned so far, he just totally did not want help and did not admit he needed it. My point is....I love Elvis with his good and bad side. he was an amazing entertainer and I thank god that we had him as long as we did.......I'm just trying to learn as much as I can about him, the man. (sorry if this doesn't make sense)

[KPM]

I think for me, I wonder what made him tick......I wonder about every aspect of his life and in that respect his death. It saddens me to no end that he died so young and the things that lead up to his death.......I guess it amazes me that nothing was done to help him. But from what I have learned so far, he just totally did not want help and did not admit he needed it. My point is....I love Elvis with his good and bad side. he was an amazing entertainer and I thank god that we had him as long as we did.......I'm just trying to learn as much as I can about him, the man. (sorry if this doesn't make sense)

I love wondering what makes someone tick-but since I'm not sure of the hows and whys of all I do each day;) I'm not sure I'll ever understand all the hows and whys of someone else. I have been a fan 45 years and by no mean do I try to sweep his faults under the rug-but I do reserve the tight to look at them with an open mind. How and why people react and interact as they do is pretty hard to figure out-when you know them close. Thats why we have shrinks;) But to try and come to a "definitive absolute" on someone you have never met is near impossible-no matter how many books I read or how many insiders I talk to. But thats just me.

[ksimms2]

KPM, I learn something new on this site all the time about him. I'm reading everything I can trying to get all the different angles......but I understand what you mean. Since he is not here to tell us himself.......well.....we'll never know I guess.....

[Diane]

I don't like just to read "fluff" either Jak, it's boring and silly but once I've read the dirt and discussed it a bit, I don't want to have to go and over it as we have in these threads and ignore the good. I just don't have the belief that any single human being can come up with a real truth about almost anything that isn't slanted their way....me included....and as KPM said once, even if you got Elvis' side of things, they would be slanted his way.

Diane

[presley31]

I don't like just to read "fluff" either Jak, it's boring and silly but once I've read the dirt and discussed it a bit, I don't want to have to go and over it as we have in these threads and ignore the good. I just don't have the belief that any single human being can come up with a real truth about almost anything that isn't slanted their way....me included....and as KPM said once, even if you got Elvis' side of things, they would be slanted his way.

Diane

Agreed diane, it would be nice to see some postive stuff(y) we all know that elvis did this and that, but there's more to him than the bad things. just my two cents:hmm:

[Donut]

There are a lot of positive threads on this site too , you just have to look for them and choose what fits better with your liking, but the thing is people who dislike the "negative" ones can be found there everytime a thread like that comes up so that tells us they enjoy them almost the same or more than the people who started them.
I never go into topics that I don?t like but i never thought they shouldn?t talk about the subject just because i don?t want to.
Just think every fan is atracted to Elvis for their own reasons and the don?t necesarily have to feel empathy for him.
Dunno, I think this "problem" has an easy solution.

[ksimms2]

There are a lot of positive threads on this site too , you just have to look for them and choose what fits better with your liking, but the thing is people who dislike the "negative" ones can be found there everytime a thread like that comes up so that tells us they enjoy them almost the same or more than the people who started them.
I never go into topics that I don?t like but i never thought they shouldn?t talk about the subject just because i don?t want to.
Just think every fan is atracted to Elvis for their own reasons and the don?t necesarily have to feel empathy for him.
Dunno, I think this "problem" has an easy solution.

well said Donut. Look at the title of the thread - if you don't like it - don't post in there. This is about what traits we don't like about him....so you know it's going to be negative stuff.....so don't come in here. And if you do - don't start posting how terrible we are for discussing it. That is very irritating.....but ending on a positive note.....between this thread and the Elvis and MM one......I'm pooped and done talking....everything that can be said has......

[KPM]

There are a lot of positive threads on this site too , you just have to look for them and choose what fits better with your liking, but the thing is people who dislike the "negative" ones can be found there everytime a thread like that comes up so that tells us they enjoy them almost the same or more than the people who started them.I never go into topics that I don?t like but i never thought they shouldn?t talk about the subject just because i don?t want to.
Just think every fan is atracted to Elvis for their own reasons and the don?t necesarily have to feel empathy for him.
Dunno, I think this "problem" has an easy solution.
I can't speak for anyone but I do not enjoy constantly going over the negatives-but I will not give up my right to put my 2 cents worth (some would say pennies worth) when I have another outlook which I feel shows another way of seeing the negatives. Some have very set opinions and no amount of talk will change how they see Elvis good and bad. Tact is a word it seems is losing its meaning (especially in the internet world with no face to face eye to eye contact)
I hope all of us in some way feel empathy for others, not just Elvis. IMO Empathy is not a bad thing.
I have never made claims when I post of "absolute infallible conclusions" from what I have read or heard. But when I post I feel confident that what I think is possible-sometimes probable IMO
I try to not post in a way which will insult anyone because that is not going to help-it just distracts from my points. Its not personal and I hate it when it becomes that in these threads.

[cameron]

I can't speak for anyone but I do not enjoy constantly going over the negatives-but I will not give up my right to put my 2 cents worth (some would say pennies worth) when I have another outlook which I feel shows another way of seeing the negatives. Some have very set opinions and no amount of talk will change how they see Elvis good and bad. Tact is a word it seems is losing its meaning (especially in the internet world with no face to face eye to eye contact)
I hope all of us in some way feel empathy for others, not just Elvis. IMO Empathy is not a bad thing.
I have never made claims when I post of "absolute infallible conclusions" from what I have read or heard. But when I post I feel confident that what I think is possible-sometimes probable IMO
I try to not post in a way which will insult anyone because that is not going to help-it just distracts from my points. Its not personal and I hate it when it becomes that in these threads.

I agree. Since I didn't know Elvis personally.....there are no traits I can say I dislike......:)
He accomplished a lot in his 42 years. We should all hope we can accomplish as much. And that most people will look at our "mistakes " & fallibility as just part of our human nature.

We do the best we can with what life hands us.

[ricardo b. prospero]

I believe if you love and respect someone, you have to accept the good and bad things about him. After all no one in this planet is perfect and Elvis certainly is not one of them.
Let us not forget we are speaking here of a human being not God.

[KPM]

I believe if you love and respect someone, you have to accept the good and bad things about him. After all no one in this planet is perfect and Elvis certainly is not one of them.
Let us not forget we are speaking here of a human being not God.
Totally agree and have never implied otherwise-to the contrary I have tried to point out that since he was not a God he should not be held to the "standard of a God"-he was an imperfect human. At times its almost like some are angry because he was not a God-only human. I see the good and bad-which every person ever born have. The degree of good and bad should be understood in the context of the person and his or hers life in total. IMO In the first 4 or 5 years of life your though processes are developed-its the most important 5 years of your life as far as your brain and personality development I have been told. So how each person lives in that time is very very important to who and what they become -thats human.

[ksimms2]

what do you mean Elvis was not a god? By golly, I think he is.....lol....okay being serious now.....I worshipped Elvis before I found out all the "bad" stuff....but you know what? After finding out more about his "bad" stuff......well.....I love him more.......I feel cheated by not having him longer than we did.

[ricardo b. prospero]

KPM you made an intelligent analysis and I really love reading the healthy discussion we are having here in this forum. It just prove how learned and fascinating Elvis fans are. By participating in this forum you get yourself updated and learn more about our guy. Thank you people for your time.

[Diane]

Elvis was never a god to me. He was someone I felt I grew up with who had a fantastic voice, I thought he was absolutely beautiful in looks and I loved his personality.

It shocked me completely when I found out he was addicted to pills, I was at first so disappointed in him and a little bit angry but that passed and then I just felt sad that things had turned out that way for him and I found I still cared for him just like I did before.

Diane

[MissyM]

Good for you Diane. That is as it should be!

[suspicious_mind]

I honestly cant say for certain what i didnt like cause i didnt know him. Pretty much everything he was claimed to do - such as the womanizing for example - is from someone elses mouth, usually with some kind of a vendetta.
So any traits that i hear that were negative are the ones from books..."Elvis and Me", "Elvis What Happened", "Me and A Guy Named Elvis"...the list goes on and on. He wasnt perfect of course, no one is or is meant to be, but to go on those alone is something i just cant do. Not when it comes to Elvis i cant cause he had so many great qualities that overshadow the lies about whatever they said he did.