Recalling the Day Selena Quintanilla Perez Died: Perspectives from Different Corners
While many can vividly recall the very moment they learned of the death of Selena Quintanilla Perez, for some, the event remains a distant memory wrapped in unfulfilled curiosity. This article delves into the recollections and reflections of individuals who were not yet born at the time of her tragic passing. By sharing these varied perspectives, we provide a broader understanding of how an event can touch and resonate with different lives, and the lasting impact it has had.
Where Were You, Danny?
I was not yet born when Selena Quintanilla Perez took her last breath. However, on that fateful day, I was out at sea, on a Navy warship, fulfilling what many considered a sailor's rightful place. My fellow shipmates and I mourn the loss of this powerful and influential figure in music.
(Danny's Entry)
Were You at Your Grandparents’ House?
When Selena died, we were actually at our grandparents' house. The day was peculiar; our school had dismissed early, likely for a holiday or an unexpected off-day. What made the day even more unusual was that our family didn't have a cable subscription, which was relatively rare for our early 90s neighborhood. We mostly listened to the radio for news updates, under the strict supervision of our parents.
Radio and News in the Early 90s
Our grandfather had a keen interest in nightly news broadcasts, primarily on channels like NBC, ABC, and CBS. These channels were his go-to sources for information. He would attentively watch the news at 6:30 PM EST, flipping through channels as soon as one went to commercial breaks, opting to switch to another channel with similar content.
That fateful day, it was on CBS News that the shocking news came in. A woman had barricaded herself in her red pickup truck outside a Days Inn. Our grandfather, wanting to shield us from the harrowing details, changed the channel immediately after a couple of seconds. At that age, we believed it was just a woman trying to end her life. It took years for us to realize the true gravity of the situation.
The Lack of Information
Without the internet and smartphones, it was difficult to gather more information. We were at our grandparents' house the entire evening, unable to discover the full extent of what had transpired. The absence of modern technology meant that the only information we could obtain was what our Grandfather might share, which was very limited. This firsthand account gives us a unique perspective on how limited and incomplete the understanding of Selena's death was for many young people at that time.
A Global Impact
Selena's death did more than just affect those directly involved or those who had the chance to see her live. It has left a profound mark on the world of music and pop culture. Her legacy lives on through her music, which continues to inspire and entertain generations. At the time, we may not have fully grasped the significance of the event, but looking back, it’s clear how her untimely passing changed the course of music and culture.
Learning about the day of Selena's death through the eyes of those directly involved, like our grandparents, helps us to appreciate the lasting impact of this tragic event. It serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed and the power of music to continue to connect and inspire people.