Self,
Before I go to deep there is something I must say, and in doing so - I hope nobody gets the wrong idea.
Michael Jackson's passing was a very sad event. I am truly sorry for his family's loss. I along with the rest of the world will surely miss the opportunity to hear any new music that he would make, yet we all can take comfort in the fantastic body of work he left behind.
That said, I don't get all the emotional waterworks from people who are NOT blood relatives; are NOT close immediate friends; have NOT had ANY personal contact with the man. I mean will there be a similar massive outpour of grief when former President George W. Bush dies? (Granted, he wasn't that well liked, so not the best example.) What about either Bill or Hillary Clinton? Britney Spears? Queen Elizabeth II of England? The governor of any of the 50 states? Julia Roberts, Kobe Bryant, Brad Pitt, Michael Jordan, Angelina Jolie, Magic Johnson, Jim Carey, Chris Rock? Are any of these people going to show up at their fans funeral? Would Michael have responded the same way if he heard of the death of one of his fans.
If you were a person who was so emotionally distraught and devestated, please explain to me what you personally loss by his death? I have a friend who was notorious for bad mouthing guys that were "hardcore" Janet Jackson fanatics (ie the type that fell over themselve wishing they could be like her) and he would say "She don't care nothing about those faggots beyond the paycheck they represent" or something very close. (And yes he would say the same about Beyonce fans too.) Aside from the same last names and Janet isn't dead, what's the difference? I mean really it goes for any celebrity.......and those that nearly worship them.
Now, if you happen to be the type of person who reads the obituary section in the newspaper and cry for a good hour or two for all the names that appeared in that issue then this doesn't apply to you. Otherwise ask yourself does his death holds as much significance in your life as say that of your parents, a sybling, any other family member, your oldest, closest and dearest friend, your first dog/pet? (Just watched "Marley & Me.") Would you feel the same amount of loss if I announced the death of one of my family members, Schehimazade, Prince Esquire, The Gayte-Keeper, Darktomahawk etc etc?
Although I've only seen one or two clips from the memorial service I feel it was some what out of line and basically an event just short of a three ring circus. I don't see why the Jackson family and other of MJ's friends had to display their grief for the benefit of the public. I think a better idea of a memorial service would have been if the family had simply announced that they request all of his fans to chant "we love you, Michael" at a specific time, either individually or in small groups at private residences. I heard that some of the artist that performed did a good job but to me, it wasn't that it was honoring Michael but more like saying "look what I can do."
Okay, my "dukes" are up so, I'm ready for the lashing that some of you may want to give me.
Sincerely,
Pharaoh
P.S. For the record No, I'm not just saying this because I'm upset that the City of LA found $1.5 million to pay for the police presence and traffic control despite the Mayor and City Council screaming about such a budget crisis that they're suggesting lay-offs and implementing a 10% salary reduction for myself and other employees. I'm saying it because we have no right to interfere or dictate that familys greiving process.
6 comments:
YOU WON'T GET A FIGHT FROM ME...
I'm not someone who cried over the death of Michael Jackson. Yes the death of anyone is a sad thing but like you said Michael Jackson didn't have really significance in my personal life. Though I still think many people feel like its such a loss because to them it is such a loss. I can't speak for every individual. Some people cried and broke down simply because he was a great artist who is now dead, but others may have had more reasoning being their grief. Some people may have connected with him because the things that happened in his past. They may have felt a bond with him because of that and now that he's gone it feels like a true loss to them. Some people may have been somehow touched by Michael humanitarian efforts, whether it be personally or just by seeing such a giving person. Though they may have never personally met him it's still possible they connected with him somehow. Though again there are some people out there who just cried because "Beat It" was their favorite song and the artist who sang is is now dead. So in a way I agree with you, but then I disagree because he was all over the place doing all types of things so who knows how many people he touched in his life time (physically, mentally, spiritually)
As for the memorial, I truly think it was fitting and deserved. Though he never changed my life in any way, he has changed many peoples lives in one way or another. He's helped out all over the world. There are people who aren't exactly "fans" but are still a part of his life all over the world who may not have been able or fortunate enough to come to LA to say their farewells.
I think if the memorial was done in a show-offy way then I would agree with you. But I think everyone who spoke and performed had only the best intentions. Some people may say his daughter speaking was way too much, but I think it turned him more human in peoples eyes. A person with children who have to live on without their father while the media continues to throw dirt on his name.
[looooooong comment, which is why I shy away from commenting everyones blogs lol]
My dear Pharaoh, my brother, your majesty (LOL)...first....well said. You wrote this post beautifully and got your point across with out hostility or malice. A cry far better than I've seen on other sites.
Second, thanks for the shout out (Ian blushes!)
Thirdly... I didn't cry throughout the whole service but there were moments when I was moved and got misty eyed...Paris at the end, Marlon's breakdown, Brooke Shields...but Michael does represent something comforting and familiar. Somewhere up there for black folks as onto MLK or Malcolm X only in the arena of music...
In the same way that we honor our dead on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Presidents Day, Black History Month, Martin Luther King Day, Malcolm X Day, September 11, Pearl Harbor Day, on and on...we are a community of one great family. Many grew up with MJ and he symbolized many things. To me, the very first concert I ever saw was when Mike was still with the Jackson and they sang in a Philadelphia area venue. Second concert I saw was the Victory Tour... MJ's music had a profound affect on my life.
The song Childhood, especially, because him singing that song felt like he understood the loneliness I felt when I was a younger person... it's difficult to explain.
Mostly though, I think people simply felt they lost someone who was their own. Take this sitch, reserve to the pride many black folks felt when "44" was elected last November...he was ours. Our President...in the same, Michael was ours. Our musician who broke many barriers. He was OUR ELVIS, and you know how bad some folks fawned and fainted when he died.
Finally, the ceremony had its moments when I thought it was contrived. Usher's fake breakdown at the end of "Gone too soon" and Mariah's horrible rendition of I'll be there, but I think this was a send off Michael woulda been proud of. Plus, Rev Al can eulogize my funeral any day. Go' on Al!
Like JCal, I apologize for the lengthy comment, and plus, thegayte-keeper will be jealous again since I never leave comments on his spot. (Tag Back Brother Keeper!)
Long comments on this spot that is!
*sigh*
Hey Acoustic! Is that a good sigh or bad sigh? And towards whom? LOL.
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