Graceland - THE American shrine

If you ever wanted to get the flavor of "middle" America, the country that lies between both coasts, the exourban (just coined this word) who lives in small towns, farms, country . . . then this is the place to go. It's THE American shrine to a celebrity who reflected the culture and flavor of these people.

But it's also like a religion with worship going on constantly not just on Sunday. And they're way more reverent than Sunday worshippers. Not just one day a week worshippers. They do this on a daily basis.

So, what's the pull, the attraction, the calling? Was it his looks, his talent or his story? I'm thinking the secret abides somewhere in his raw sexuality. Not pornographic but sublimely "real". You could be his fan, be fanatic and it was okay. Just about everyone was like you. But you would never be him and there will never be another (Michael Jackson doesn't count - he was black and black doesn't play well in middle America)

Lastly, there is "grace" in Graceland - a serenity that accompanies all real forms of worship. He was an idol and a god for many. Those who go and worship here - they understand this even if they don't.