Imagine if he were alive.

My Political Law Review professor gave us a project entitled 'ROLE MODELS'. He made us choose our role models in life and we had to give a speech in front of the class. Since I am not really good in public speaking I practically just read my speech, which most in the class did.

Since we are studying law most of my classmates chose as their role models, people who are known in the legal profession. I actually expected it, so since I am a non-conformist, I decided to choose someone who I've been looking up to since I was a child. Well, if only I just have the guts to see my professor flabbergasted then I'll give a speech on Kurt Cobain, who by the way is my real hero.

The speech was more than a requirement for me to pass the subject, it likewise serves as a tribute to my idol and hero, who if he were alive would have celebrated his 70th birthday.

Here's my speech:

Music is my life. Whether or not I am heartbroken or I got a failing grade in school, music is my refuge, well aside from beer. It relaxes me during those times that I am stressed with all the hurdles a law student has to undertake just to pass his subjects. I believe that almost all if not, most of us have musical influences, not just because they write good songs, but because they impart something in their works that inspires us

For me, it’s the man from Liverpool, John Lennon. Even if I was born after his death, I still consider him as my role model. Personally, I know I would have been shattered and would have been hurt to the core, if I were alive at that time when Lennon was shot to death.

No one could contradict the far-reaching impact on popular music culture of John Lennon. Even most Filipino Bands out there could tell that they have been influenced by the music of John Lennon.

I couldn’t think of anyone at least in the history of music who stood up for his beliefs and ideals like John Lennon. He has always been an epitome of doing what he know is right and not trying to be someone else just to be liked by everyone.

He was not afraid to speak out against what he thought was wrong, and also what he thought was an injustice. He willingly took the consequences for his actions, but he was also determined that no one would change his word without a fight.

His thoughts, ideas, and actions may have offended a lot of people, but I think, he was just a person with amazing pride. He didn't care what anyone thought of him and stood up for what was right. And I think everyone should take a piece of his philosophy and live, learn and love.

In one of his interviews, he said:

“Part of me would like to be accepted by all facets of society and not be this loudmouthed lunatic musician. But I cannot be what I am not.- John Lennon

I admire people who do not have to be like everyone else just to gain the attention ofeveryone. I admire John Lennon for standing up for what he believes in and being the person he really is without having to pretend.

His message has always been about peace and love and that we should live the best we can.

John Lennon is best known for his music and his idealistic view of humanity. He believed people could find peace, and could celebrate life with music, harmony, and decency. Lennon's iconic songs came to inspire and symbolize the ideals of the masses. His music spoke to for and about humanity, and this is a gift, which not all artists have.

He dreamt of stopping war and uniting people regardless of religious or cultural differences. He along with his wife Yoko Ono became part of the Peace and Anti-War Movement during his time. He and fellow Beatles members even went on trips to talk about world issues.

A line from the song “IMAGINE”, which one journalist said, would squeeze a tear out of the most cynical among us, goes:

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.”
~John Lennon

The Beatles. It all started with a dream.

The Beatles, started with a dream. A dream of a young boy who just wanted to play his guitar, sing, entertain, and make known to the world his wisdom through his music. It was formed by John Lennon, with his friend Paul McCartney.

The Beatles debuted in 1962 and within a couple of years, became the biggest cultural event in the world. They represented the change in society and became the new visionary of rock and roll.

Lennon’s success as an artist was all because of his hardwork, enthusiasm and a huge amount of positivity. John Lennon was also a person who liked to push himself, and others to the limit. These attributes inspired me to do best in whatever endeavor I put myself into, especially right now that I am taking up law.

In one of Lennon’s interviews, he said:

“You make your own dream. That's the Beatles' story, isn't it? Produce your own dream. It's quite possible to do anything, but not to put it on the leaders and the parking meters. Don't expect Jimmy Carter or Ronald Reagan or John Lennon or Yoko Ono or Bob Dylan or Jesus Christ to come and do it for you. You have to do it yourself. There's nothing new under the sun. All the roads lead to Rome. And people cannot provide it for you. I can't wake you up. You can wake you up. I can't cure you. You can cure you.”

"It's fear of the unknown. The unknown is what it is. And to be frightened of it is what sends everybody scurrying around chasing dreams, illusions, wars, peace, love, hate, all that... it's all illusion. Unknown is what it is. Accept that it's unknown and it's plain sailing. Everything is unknown... then you're ahead of the game.”

John Lennon has touched the world through his music beyond all else. He just didn’t give the world so much music and influence, he gave up his freedom and ultimately his life.

No one knows what else John Lennon would have contributed in this world if his life was not short-lived. But one thing I know for sure is that any man that has a gift like that of Lennon could only do good in this society of ours if he had only been given the chance. For this, John Lennon will live on in my mind not only as a role model but as a true working class hero.

(9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980)

*Some facts or information in my speech have been lifted from www.wikipedia.org