Karen Was Quite Complex

[Rob813]

We recently were discussing whether Karen was complex or not. I believe she was. I recall always thinking how self confident Karen was when I listened to her sing "Love Me For What I Am" from the Horizon album. In actuality she was quite insecure about herself. This dichotomy has always puzzled me.

So I've been wondering what others think regarding Karen being complex. Can you think of examples from her life and music which illustrates the point?

[Rob813]

Too bad Karen didn't meet someone like you Dave.

[Sammy]

Karen was complex in her way. While she was alive I thought she was a simple girl next door type. After she died she became a different person to me. There was more to her than just a radiant smile and golden voice. All of a sudden she became a woman full of turmoil and pain. I really miss her, ther will never be another like Karen.

[Rob813]

Boy do I feel the loss of Karen especially tonight. The publicity machince painted Karen as a two dementional goody two shoes. After her death, we learned so much more than before. If only they had let Karen be a whole person, everybody would have benefited. Of course the irony is in the songs - mostly sad songs that so captured the real Karen. I'm thinking of "I Need To Be In Love". When you really listen to the lyrics of this song, you understand just how lonely and frustrated she must have been. I totally indentify with this song. I too am perplexed that it was not a smash hit. Oh well, let me grab a tissue and read on.

Have a good week-end everybody.

Rob

[smoothie2]

???Good thoughts everyone! Dave, you are very blessed to have such a supportive wife and I know that's really a long time for a marriage to last as long as yours has.
Every individual has several complex parts to their personality, and it's true that celebrities especially get consumed by their success. To be successful, often they have to choose between family or a career.
As far as Karen is concerned, it's exactly as Rob brought out, the world then realized after she died that she was even more human than we thought. Of course, the media
digs up any dirt they can about any celebrity.
I was in my early 20's when she passed, so , mostly, I still had in mind the naive perspective that Karen was since she was so successful, that I figured she might be getting really tired of just staying with Richard, but I had no ideal exactly what eating disorders were.
Her passing didn't make me like her any less...I felt such a loss and compassion toward her. I really was so surprised that she'd had such problems.
And then, watching The K. carp. Story, really made me realize what pressures and depression she faced. It made me respect her and love her even more.
But to leave on a happier note...we love her warts and all of course...wasn't any warts on her!
I believe when she was in front of an audience, that she was doing what she loved. More than ever, she was a fun loving and funny gal. She enjoyed people.

[Rick Henry]

##

I have the same feelings about Karen. when she was alive she seemd like the perfect person. she was the one everybody seemed to love. The media portrayed her as one who never had a problem. You never read anything scandolous about Karen Carpenter in the press, not until February 3, 1983.

After her death, we did see a different Karen. She did have many problems. A whole lot more than anybody ever let the public know. We never knew just how alone she was in her illness and in her fame. She was a fabulous talent and I guess greatness like that is followed by pain and sadness - that's really a shame.

[smoothie2]

&^ yes, it is really a shame...I think we should appreciate even more the people we're close to and to try to be of help when we can to even those we aren't that close to. Small gestures of kindness, or just a smile might make someone's day just a little better.