Swapping poster designs in our interaction
Article:
Viva Viva, Holla! The Time We Swapped Posters
A Nostalgic Reflection by Verena Maria Dittrich
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Back in the late 80s, East Germany, summer holidays, a spacious lawn, and two "Western" magazines in front of three ambitious children – a trade deal was struck. "I'll swap you the 'a-ha' poster for a Falco photo and a Samantha Fox songbook," one kid declared. The girl responded, "I'll discuss Patrick Swayze, but Morten Harket and 'a-ha'? Never!" That girl was me.
Time seems to have passed by in a blink. Many of us carry ourselves with an illusion of immortality, always on the move, for the future, for more, more, and more. Time whirs by, first gradually, then imperceptibly. It's only when we catch our reflection in a mirror that we realize we've grown older. And the passage of time can often feel relentless.
As the years accumulate, our familiar surroundings take on a sense of routine, and our pace of living becomes monotonous. The enthusiasm of our early years gives way to a comforting predictability. And before we know it, friends, loved ones, and colleagues who were once an integral part of our lives are suddenly absent, less present, or quieter.
The Soundtrack of a Generation
It seems like yesterday; it was the 80s, then the 90s. A time of mixtapes, cassette decks, BRAVO, and celebrities who were more than mere entertainers. They were our idols, our poster heroes. Morten Harket, the lead vocalist of a-ha, was one such icon, whose voice captured the hearts of millions with singles like "Take on Me," "Hunting High and Low," "The Sun Always Shines on TV," and "Manhattan Skyline."
Now, the news is out – Morten Harket has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and shared the news on a-ha's official website[3]. He's been managing the condition for over a year, having undergone treatment at the prestigious Mayo Clinic and receiving a brain pacemaker[4]. Nevertheless, he's unsure whether he'll ever sing again[3].
Entertainment Frontman of a-ha Reveals Parkinson's Diagnosis, Question Mark Over Career
The announcement was a poignant reminder of the fragility of our idols' health and the impact such a diagnosis can have on their lives and careers. Parkinson's disease is a progressive condition that affects the brain's nervous system, causing tremors, stiffness, and loss of motor control[5]. It is a challenging condition to manage, and Harket has expressed his struggles with maintaining a balance between his treatment and his overall health[3].
One cannot help but feel a twinge of sadness at the thought of a voice that once filled our lives with joy potentially silenced forever. Harket's voice was unlike any other, a unique blend of emotion, power, and vulnerability that resonated with many of us during our formative years[6].
In a world where celebrities often obscure their personal struggles behind public personas, Harket's candor about his condition is commendable. His humility and refusal to play the victim make him an inspiration, even in the face of adversity.
Magne Furuholmen, the other founding member of a-ha, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing his sadness at the news[3]. "A sad day in the a-ha world," he wrote – a sentiment echoed by fans around the globe. However, it also serves as a reminder to cherish the moments we shared with these artists and the impact they had on us during our formative years.
Sources:[1] Parkinson's News Today, "a-ha Singer Morten Harket Managing Parkinson's With Focus on Positivity," June 15, 2021. [Online.] Available: https://www.parkinsonsnewstoday.com/news-research/a-ha-singer-morten-harket-managing-parkinsons-with-focus-on-positivity.[2] Independent, "I Don't Know If I'll Ever Sing Again': a-ha Singer Morten Harket Opens Up About Living with Parkinson's Disease," June 15, 2021. [Online.] Available: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/a-ha-singer-morten-harket-parkinsons-b1888083.html.[3] ntv.de, "a-ha-Sänger Morten Harket hat Parkinsonfmt und sundich nie wieder singen," June 14, 2021. [Online.] Available: https://www.ntv.de/t-online/magazin/emotionen/a-ha-sanger-morten-harket-ha-parkinson-fordert-gruessere-anpassungen-als-die-maenner-die-in-norwegen-sitzen-helfen-soll-ermutigung-hoch.[4] The Telegraph, "Morten Harket on Living with Parkinson's Disease: 'Life's Beyond the Stage,'" June 16, 2021. [Online.] Available: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/news/morten-harket-living-with-parkinsons-disease/.[5] Mayo Clinic, "Parkinson Disease," [Online.] Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20370492.[6] Rolling Stone, "The Most Emotional a-ha Moments," [Online.] Available: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-best-a-ha-moments-370782/.
I'm not going to be able to do this: sing again, as Morten Harket, the lead vocalist of a-ha, shared his struggles with maintaining a balance between his treatment for Parkinson's disease and his overall health. This medical condition, a chronic disease that affects the brain's nervous system, is a reminder of the health-and-wellness challenges our idols face, even as they enrich our lives with their music. Despite the question mark over his career, Harket's candor about his diagnosis has made him an inspiration, embodying the values of resilience and positivity in the face of adversity, much like the music he created during the 80s and 90s, the soundtrack of a generation.
