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This picture of Justin was taken last year in Hawaii. He was in the lobby of a hotel trying to buy a pack of gum when he was mobbed by some 'fans.' Basically, RFFB is just trying to raise awareness that the guys of *N SYNC, and other celebrities, are physically attacked many times. It isn't right. They don't deserve to be attacked and/or hurt. (Pulling on their clothes or hair, clawing at them.) Now this is where you all come in. None of us want this to continue, so the real fans, who know that this isn't right, need to band together and get this to stop. We need to do everything we can to raise awareness of this. So as I type this, a letter is being written-a very long letter-to *N SYNC and somehow we'll get it to them. We need everyone's help to get this going, so surf through the site to find out more. We can't let stuff continue that isn't right. They deserve respect.
(Along the lines of the other campaign.) |
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The letter Dear Chris, Joey, JC, Lance and Justin:
You get thousands and thousands of letters everyday and I know that you don't have time to read them all but I am hoping that you would take a moment out of your crazy and hectic lives to read this one. There is something that needs to be said and I think you deserve to hear this.
I saw a picture recently of one of you, a picture that can only be described as heartbreaking and it was all I could do to keep from crying. The picture was of a sad, and very frightened looking Justin Timberlake. It was then, for the first time that I felt ashamed to call myself an N SYNC fan. I have never been so angry in all my life because anyone who could create that kind of pain is certainly not worthy of calling themselves a "fan."
Webster's Dictionary defines the term "fan" as follows:
1.: an enthusiastic devotee (as of a sport or performing art) usually a spectator.
2.: an ardent admirer or enthusiast (as of celebrity or a pursuit)
Nowhere in that definition did it say anything about invading someone's privacy or threatening his or her well being, and that is what this letter is about. For so long I watched and did nothing while people who called themselves your "fans" did these things. I could, however, only tolerate so much. When I saw that picture of Justin and the fear in his eyes I knew something had to be done. I knew someone had to tell you that you shouldn't have to feel threatened or afraid every time you walked out in public. Every story I hear about "fans" following you, ripping your clothes and harassing your friends and family makes me angry. Finally, after hearing and seeing more than I could tolerate, I snapped! I couldn't take it anymore! No one, regardless of occupation or position, should have to feel that way. You are only doing what you love and people should respect that, not hurt you for their own selfish purposes, and that's why I've decided to do this. I want to let you and anyone else who will listen know that your "true fans" won't stand for such behavior and it has to stop now, before one of you or someone close to you gets seriously hurt.
I've started a campaign called "Real Fans Fight Back".
Its purpose is to inform the public and the media that we've had enough! I've seen that kind of behavior firsthand. I've stood in the ticket lines, been to the concerts and listened to people talk and I'm often appalled and disgusted by the behavior of some so-called fans. How could anyone who behaves that way call themselves a "fan?" You live in a world where every part of your life is subject to criticism and scrutiny but it shouldn't be that way! A "true fan" is someone who can look past the image, the rumors, and the hype to see what really matters-the music. I've heard some discussion about how you've changed, that you look tired and that you don't seem as happy as you once were. Well, frankly, if I had to put up with half the crap that you do on a daily basis I would be tired and unhappy too! I have no tolerance and no respect for anyone who would treat another human being that way. You deserve to be happy! You deserve to have lives aside from your work! How quickly people forget that you are human, you have feelings and you make mistakes so why should you be punished for doing what you love? The answer is that you shouldn't.
The question always arises about girlfriends. In my opinion, that's really nobody's business but yours. If you have girlfriends, then I sincerely hope that you are happy and if you don't then, I hope that one day you find that person that makes you smile. Just because your talents are on display doesn't mean that everything about you must follow that same pattern. I know that there are several things about myself that only a few people know and I do everything I can to keep it that way, so why should you be any different from me? You aren't any different from me, you're human. You cry, you hurt, you bleed the same red blood but because you are entertainers everyone seems to think you are fair game. That's not how it should be.
You have a gift, a God given talent and I applaud you for having the courage to share it with the world. I don't think you realize just how special you truly are. You have the ability to touch people simply by opening your mouths and singing. That is something to be proud of. It kills me to see this type of thing happening when you have done nothing to deserve it.
I feel it is my duty and privilege to let you and the rest of the world know that these so called "fans" are not the norm. The "true fans" are those that respect and admire your talent but are content to only show their admiration from a distance without interfering your personal lives.
"What would you do if you met 'N SYNC?" is a common question among those that call themselves "fans." As someone who respects your incredible abilities I think there is a right and wrong answer to this question. Regretfully, it is the wrong answer that you hear about happening the most. I've been asked this question on several occasions, and I always have the same answer:
" 'N SYNC is a group of five, extremely talented vocalists who have made a name for themselves doing what they love. Yes, they are entertainers and that means a large portion of their lives is subject to public display and scrutiny, but that doesn't mean that every part of their lives should be as such. Before there was 'N SYNC they were just Chris, Joey, JC, Lance and Justin, regular guys and I don't think that should change simply because of the fame they have achieved.
If I met any or all of the members of 'N SYNC I would hope to behave with a level of maturity that many "fans" lack. I wouldn't scream or cry at them, and I certainly wouldn't do anything to harm them or embarrass them and myself. If they were in an environment or situation where I felt they didn't want to be bothered then I would simply, smile, wave and be on my way. If it were in a public setting where I felt approaching them would be appropriate then I would calmly and politely introduce myself and talk to them like I would any other human being. They are human beings so why treat them any differently than I would one of my friends?"
This I believe is a right answer to that question, and as "Real Fans Fight Back" suggests there are many "true fans" out there that share my beliefs.
No one affiliated with "Real Fans Fight Back" including myself, expects anything in return for their efforts. We simply wanted you to know how we feel, and that we won't sit quietly while others destroy what it means to be a fan.
Sincerely,
Becky J. Lewark
"Real Fans Fight Back" Founder
Copyright © RFFB 2000
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