Yesterday when I woke up in the morning, I read the news that Kobe Bryant, along with his daughter had died in a helicopter crash. I felt a little bit sad but I also knew that for the next few days, my news feed and social accounts was going to be flooded with articles, pictures and memes about his passing. I didn’t know much about Kobe, except that he was a phenomenal basketball player. I do not know what went on beyond his association with the game because I had no interest in it. I knew my cynicism about this would reign true and throughout the past two days, all I read about is his death and how it has affected so many people.
But do you know what I also read? I read about a plane crash that was noted 12 articles deep with 8 articles above it just about Kobe Bryant. This plane crash was not headline news, nor is the number of regular deaths we have become desensitized towards. The Iraq conflict and others around this region are just a few examples. But yet, Kobe Bryant news hit the headlines hard and continues to do so today. Like I said, I do not know much about Kobe Bryant but from the dozens and dozens of articles that I have skimmed through, I do have a better idea of what he has achieved. But remember, death makes every rose brighter. Kobe did do a lot, through his make a wish foundation, contribution to the development of Black Art etc. But let’s not forget the context of where he is to do what he did.
By now, I know some of you think I am heartless but hear me out. What Kobe Bryant achieved on global platform, is also achieved by others on a smaller platform. Victims of war, natural disasters and other circumstances that were beyond their own control, also were something to somebody else. They were supporters, bread winners, listeners and in every respect were trying to fight their own battles and make the lives of the people around them better.
Kobe had his own flaws, as we all do. And as much as I would like to join the hundreds, if not thousands of commentators on their take on a man that they perhaps assume they knew better then they actually do. I simply can’t. But what I can do, and will do, is take this as an opportunity as a lesson to appreciate the people around us. More so, and what would make life better is to understand and acknowledge the lives that are lost everyday through vicious circumstances.
Kobe, I hope the people who have truly been impacted by your loss find the strength to get through this. I also hope that that same strength finds its way to all those who are dealing with the loss of loved ones.
