WE IDENTIFY WITH HIM BECAUSE WE ARE DEFIANTLY FACING OUR OWN POSSIBLE DEATH.

WE SEEK SALVATION AND UNDERSTANDING THROUGH HIS SACRIFICE.

I WONDER IF THE IDENTIFICATION IS THEREFORE IN SOME WAYS A DEATH WISH BECAUSE WE FEEL TRAPPED IN SOCIETY, TRAPPED EITHER BY OUR SEXUALITY, OR BECAUSE OF OUR RACIAL, OR MASCULINIST, IDENTITIES.

IN A SOCIETY THAT DEMANDS OUR ASSIMILATION AND ERASURE, DEATH SEEMS LIKE AN APT METAPHOR FOR THE CONDITION OF OUR LIVES.

MAYBE IT'S ACCEPTING DEATH AS THE INEVITABLE PRICE ONE PAYS TO BE FREE.

HE IS SO SEDUCTIVE FOR SO MANY OF US BECAUSE HE MAKES DEATH MEANINGFUL.

(Marlon Riggs & Ron Simmons)