I posted this on my face book page and decide I wanted to share it with as many people as possible.
I'm not ashamed to say I've cried today or that I cried June 25th 2009.A legend died and beyond that and more important then that a good person.Michael Jackson is a man that transcended race,culture and religion.He was beloved by the world over.From Japan to Germany,From South Africa to right here The United States.He was the greatest performer who ever lived.He was a one of a kind singer and song writer.No pop song today can compare to his relevant songs such as "Billie Jean","Dirty Diana" and "Man in the Mirrior".Everybody knows who Michael Jackson is.His music all touched us in some way.Maybe you danced to "Don't Stop 'til you get enough" at a wedding or party.Maybe you saw "Thriller" and were amazed as I was when I first saw it.He gave us all wonderful memories.But above all else he was a man.A person.A person who cared about the world.He taught us about Love,Compassion and helping one another.He raised millions for those in need.He helped the sick,the poor,the unfortunate souls who yelled for help and Michael was the only one who listened.How did we thank his gifts.We tore him apart.Teared him up until he was gone.But why?Because we didn't understand?Because he was accused of something that was never proven.Here's food for thought.Michael had hundreds of children at Neverland Ranch.Only two came forward with allegations.Both under dubious circumstances.Also we questioned Neverland's motives.Well I never did.we ridiculed for trying to recapture his childhood.But don't we all do that to some degree?When we listen to song of our youth.Talk amongst ourselves about our childhood cartoons.{Or even watch them again}When we ride a rollercoaster or play a video game don't we act like big kids?So because he did on a grand level we judged him?I myself would have loved to visit neverland.But then again I've never lost the kid I am at heart.Perhaps that's why they judged Michael because we as a society have purged ourselves of the Kid within.I'll never forget Michael,His Music,His Compassion and His Love.Thank you Michael Jackson for everything you've given me and the world."We are the World".Michael Taught us that.
R.I.P
King of Pop
I'll see your blog & raise you...
14 days
For 14 days now, the world has been without a King Of Pop. I must admit I'm still a little overwhelmed by it all. As I said before, I was a longtime devoted fan & his absence just feels...wrong. I celebrated his 50th birhtday, never dreaming he wouldn't make it to 51. I think about the concert that will never happen, & hope they make the rehearsal available for purchase. Much has happened since June 25th. Of course, his CD's & DVD's have been flying off the shelves. Last I checked, he held 5 of the top 10 slots for album sales-not counting the ones that people just haven't been able to get. The entertainment world has been going on & on about his genius & how he inspired them, from rappers to actors to singers and, of course, dancers. He's all over MTV, VH1 (this is what it takes to get them to play a damn video on what is supposed to be a music station?!?!?) BET & everywhere else. You can go to your On-Demand cable menu right now & play just about anything of his that you want. I have mixed feelings about that. Where was all that love & support while he was here? Why couldn't you buy his albums while he was here? Why couldn't you promote his music while he was here? Did the quality of the music somehow improve when he drew his last breath?
His face is now all over the newsstands. Only now it's to mourn his loss & celebrate his career. Many of these same publications made millions by trashing his name, spreading unfounded rumors, exploiting his sshortcomings and ecentricities, & perpetuating hateful nicknames like "Pale Peculiarity" & "Wacko Jacko". I figure the tabloids are gonna milk his death for all they can for a good 3 months or so, then when they can't get anything new they'll turn on his kids. Or start reporting sightings like with Elvis.
THen there's the merchandise. I just saw a collector's plate in Entertainment Weekly. THey clearly didn't waste any time. "Hustlemen" abroad are pushing T-shirts. I admittedly did get one, but I just really wanted it. It does kind of piss me off, though, that now he's in vogue & it's cool to like him, but a month ago was a different story.
Unfortunately the atrocities of which he was accused keep being brought up, along with the financial windfall that followed. Let it go. Nobody talks about the mistakes of Marvin Gaye or Elvis Presley, & some people would stab you in the eye if you did. Speaking of which...
I had some choice oscenities I was going to post with regard to Peter King & his remarks. I think instead I'll say the following:
1-he was acquitted of the crime. Therefore, in the eyes of the law, he didn't do it. To publicly accuse him after the fact is slanderous, unprofessional & unbecoming of a career politician.
2-not everyone believes he did it. It is wrong to beat us over the head with your viewpoint. And again, unbecoming of a career politician.
3-if you have no respect for the man & his legacy, that's fine. But for God's sake, 3 people lost a dad, 2 lost a son, 8 lost a brother, I don't know how many lost a friend and, like it or not, agree with it or not, MILLIONS lost an idol. Show some respect for them at least.
In contrast, my fedora's off to those who have been casting a positive light on his legacy, particularly Madonna. Yes, take a few minutes out of your show to honor the man who helped get you recognized.
It's just a hard concept to fathom. The media circus is pretty much what I expected. The rumors about his ghost at Neverland, the battle for his money, the emotional impact on his family-Janet in particular, are all pretty much par for the course. But let us remember why we even care that he's gone. Let us never forget the music, which can never die. And in doing so, we can make him immortal.
