I remember owning the Greatest Hits I & II set from Queen, released in 1994 in France. At the time, I was still in primary school, unfamiliar with the band’s background and with limited understanding of the English language, yet I enjoyed the music immensely. However, like many children, I was impressionable. When peers told me that listening to a band whose singer was gay made me gay, I succumbed to the pressure. To fit in and avoid being ostracized, I stopped listening to Queen. Reflecting on it now, I feel silly and ashamed, but I must admit this behavior persisted until very recently.
As social creatures, humans have a natural desire to belong to a group, to feel acknowledged and accepted. This inherent need for community can sometimes lead us to suppress our individuality. My epiphany, which ultimately freed me from such blinders, came through the influence of my wife. Her perspective helped me reassess my priorities, paving the way for me to see the world more clearly and live more authentically. This shift was one of the catalysts for creating One Daily Tale.
Why Bohemian Rhapsody Stands the Test of Time
There’s no doubt that Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the greatest songs of all time and Queen’s most iconic piece. Its groundbreaking structure—a fusion of genres from ballad to epic rock solo, opera, and conventional rock—was revolutionary. The song’s lyrics, filled with vivid imagery, remain open to interpretation.
For instance, the reference to Galileo evokes the story of the renowned astronomer and physicist. Galileo’s support for heliocentrism, the idea that the Sun is at the center of the universe, brought him into conflict with the Catholic Church. His findings challenged the geocentric model and led to his trial in 1633, where he was sentenced to house arrest for the rest of his life. This historical tension between scientific progress and societal norms is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo.
I’ve previously written about the manga and anime Chi, which explores the challenges faced by individuals during this era. Those who questioned religious orthodoxy were often labeled as heretics, tortured, or killed unless they conformed to the prevailing norms.
Societal Norms and the Fight for Acceptance
While Galileo’s story unfolded centuries ago, the struggle to fit in—and the penalties for failing to do so—remains a persistent theme in human history. Today, while freedom for women, Black people, and members of the LGBTQ+ community is more widely recognized, disparities still exist across cultures.
At its core, humanity is defined by its diversity—our different cultures, opinions, appearances, and ways of thinking. Yet societal norms rarely acknowledge this richness, perpetuating inequities on a global scale.
The second verse of Bohemian Rhapsody—“I don’t wanna die / I sometimes wish I’d never been born at all”—captures the despair many feel when they struggle to fit into society. This survival instinct often emerges when faced with existential threats or challenges.
A Personal Encounter with Survival Instinct
I recall a pivotal moment from my early twenties when I was living in Paris. One evening, after a rehearsal session with my band, I was walking home when four individuals confronted me. They cornered me, brandishing a knife, and demanded my wallet and phone.
At that moment, my survival instinct kicked in. Despite believing at the time that I didn’t care much about my life, the reality of a potential life-or-death situation changed my mindset instantly. Thankfully, the incident ended without physical harm, but it left me contemplating the fragility of life and the social conditions that make such events commonplace.
The Call for Change
The society we live in, though filled with positives, has many aspects that require change. Norms we now view as immutable are, in fact, malleable. Change, however, demands action.
The question we must ask ourselves is: Do we keep our blinders on, ignoring the suffering of others so long as our own lives remain comfortable? Or do we take action to create a more equitable world, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones?
Your Thoughts Matter
What do you think about the role of societal norms in shaping our lives and actions? How can we collectively work to challenge and redefine these norms for the better? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Lyrics
https://genius.com/Queen-bohemian-rhapsody-lyrics
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