I've always felt that sexuality is a really slippery thing. In this day and age, it tends to get categorized and labeled, and I think labels are for food. Canned food.
Michael StipeRead
There was a point in the '80s when I looked out at my audience and I saw people that - were I not on the stage - they'd sooner slug me as they walked by me on the sidewalk. And I realized that I was way beyond the choir.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the disconnect between an artist and the audience, highlighting a realization of broader social boundaries.
Michael Stipe's quote captures a moment of self-awareness as an artist, where he acknowledges the alienation he feels from his audience. He realizes that, while some might appreciate his music, there are others who would not even recognize him as a fellow human being, pointing to the complex relationship between artists, their work, and societal divides. This realization of being 'beyond the choir' showcases the artist's perspective of confronting varied reactions from the public.
Themes
ArtistAudienceDisconnectSelf-AwarenessSociety
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could spark a discussion at a music industry panel about the relationship between artists and their fans.
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