My son was moving around the tv channels while munching lunch and he noted all the cameras, all the microphones being shoved in people’s faces, all the hucksters selling tee-shirts, buttons.
Jackson’s funeral will be on the Jumbotron at Times Square, and at three other public venues in New York City.
Performing for the ever-present cameras, people smile and say, “I’m all broken up; Jackson will always be in my heart.”
Everyone sounds like a politician, these days. Americans have learned the art of the superficial, meaningless soundbite. Jackson will always be in their hearts, even if he hasn’t been a blip in their musical consciousness for, oh…20 years.
Another smiling woman, selling Jackson paraphernalia. “Yeah, I’m sad, but I’m happy, too, because it’s a celebration for all African Americans!”
Yeah. Because Michael Jackson was all about being African American.
Jesse Jackson, nothing but media-appetite, blathered on to one reporter about I-can’t-tell-he-blathered-so much, something about transcendent greatness. It was hard to hear what he was actually saying, because one was too distracted by Jackson’s darting eyes, which were on lookout for an A-list reporter/camera to talk to.
The Mayor of Los Angeles asked Michael Jackson fans to “donate” to help defray municipal costs arising from this freak-show spectacle. A reporter wonders, wouldn’t the Jackson family be the place to go, to recoup those costs? Daring reporter. No answer was forthcoming.
The television press and anchors all seem so mournful, so somber. It’s all so very, very grave, isn’t it? Buster and I wondered if there would be a single reporter who might say live-on-camera, “this is ridiculous. He was just a man with an addiction, a sad life, and big hit records a long time ago. Where is Al Gore decrying the use of inefficient Rolls Royces and Range-Rovers in this funeral cortege? Why are we not hearing about what this freak show is doing to the planet? All the private planes, all the klieg lights! The motorcades! All the trees dying to make programs, souvenirs, posters!”
The reporters will not say it, of course. The spectacle is partly their own making. From the chopper/cams that zoomed in at the UCLA Medical Center, to the reporters outside his rented home filing breathless reports about a tour bus operator “who passed by the house just 30 minutes before the ambulance arrived!” to the excesses of today, the press needs these crowds and wants them. Without them, there is no story, just terrifying dead air. The information beast must be fed.
Without a camera to smile for and a mic to speak into, would the “crowds of mourners” be gathering for this “event?”
Rep. Peter King (R-NY) calls this coverage absurd, and he goes where no one else dares, without mincing words. Very undiplomatic. Very intolerant. King is quickly excoriated for it.
Yes, his words are excessive; regardless of what King may believe, Jackson’s due process found him “not guilty” of the sexual abuse of a minor. But King’s larger point is valid: that servicemen and women sacrificing their lives in Afghanistan are going to their graves unknown, unwept-for and unsung by the American press, who are too busy lavishing ceaseless hype, praise and attention on the death of one man who, if he ever sacrificed anything, sacrificed it – ultimately – for the Almighty Dollar.
We don’t hear grim daily reports about the tragic deaths of our armed-forces members, anymore. Apparently, the press only finds such war-time deaths worth covering when they can be used as a handy stick to browbeat a president they hate.
For a president they adore, things go unnoticed.
The television did not stay on for long. Buster had to go to work, and at the urgent news that Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey and John Mayer will be performing, that Magic Johnson would be speaking, and that Michael Jackson’s coffin will grace the stage of the Staples Center, my son snapped off the set and said, “the only thing that could top all of this is if Jackson opens up the coffin and jumps out and spins; that would just be perfect.”
And the revenue-bleeding press would have their next week’s air-time filled, without ever having to mention the The Storm Ahead in Iran, or the movement to measure everyone’s individual carbon output, or the madness of Al Gore. They wouldn’t have to wonder why Obama is making a big show of Missile Defense with Russia, while underwhelming Medvedev, or mention Putin’s sly rebuke to them. They could ignore the fact that the Democrats have admitted their Cap-n-Trade bill is a job-killer. They won’t have to report on their own malfeasance.
The US press talk about issues of substance, or dare to question the president they put into the White House by dint of their own incuriosity and slobbering adoration? Report on the frightening economy or ruinous policies without a proper whipping boy?
No wonder the show goes on. And on. And on.
Fausta has more
WELCOME: HOT AIR and Big Hollywood readers, and thanks, Ed, and BH for the link! While you’re here, please check out this heartwarmer of a video: 50,000 Baseball fans helping one handicapped kid to sing. Also, for the Cat’licks in the crowd, my take on Benedict’s latest encyclical is here, and since I am no genius, I use a cartoon to discuss it! Also, please note, my new rss feed!
July 7th, 2009 | 1:51 pm | #1
My older brother died just a few days before Michael Jackson. They were about the same age and they were both addicts. Both my brother and Michael Jackson died from their drug abuse.
Like Michael Jackson, my brother was filled with pain and self-loathing, although manifested in different ways. Unlike Michael Jackson, my brother was (as much as his complusions allowed) a man of quiet dignity.
Ten of us gathered to commit my brother’s earthly remains and read a passage from the Psalms. Would that the thousands of freaks, vultures and desparately needy people in Los Angeles could muster the same reserve.
July 7th, 2009 | 2:55 pm | #2
If the Michael Jackson story is so unimportant, why have you written so much about it? Between Jackson and La Palin, you’ve written about almost nothing else for the last 10 days.
Ultimately, the pajamas media is no different than the mainstream media for their love of gossip.
July 7th, 2009 | 3:15 pm | #3
I’ve been able to almost completely avoid the coverage of Michael Jackson’s death. But I can’t seem to avoid the talking about the coverage.
“Jackson will always be in their hearts, even if he hasn’t been a blip in their musical consciousness for, oh…20 years.”
You’re exactly right. Hardly any of these people gave a thought to MJ the day before, week before, year before he died. He doesn’t have a place in their hearts, he’s just a poor tortured soul who released some catchy tunes many years ago. But so many are trained like seals to clap and bark and place teddy bears at memorials.
Andrew, my condolences on your loss, and for your family and your brother.
July 7th, 2009 | 3:17 pm | #4
Excellent post!
On July 4th Fraters Libertas, a blog out of Minnesota, had a piece about a Catholic priest, Chaplain (Major) Henry Timothy Vakoc who succumbed to wounds he suffered 5 years ago in a road side bomb attack returning from saying Mass in Iraq.
Be sure to read the linked story from the Minnesota Sun about Father Vakoc in their post. As America watches the Michael Jackson circus I only wish the lame stream media could find the time to honor people like Father Vakoc instead of a a bunch of celebreties/politicians and hanger ons wrestling for the spotlight at the funeral of a singer/dancer.
July 7th, 2009 | 3:52 pm | #5
Good for Buster – turning off the television. The reason we are remarking upon the Jackson story is because of the excessive nature of the coverage and the rank stupidity of it as well. I would guess that most, if not all, of those in attendance at this spectacle are there for their own self-aggrandizement and not because they gave 2 cents for MJ. And whether or not he was convicted of the molestation charges, most people (myself included) would hesitate to leave their child alone with Mr. Jackson for any length of time.
July 7th, 2009 | 4:09 pm | #6
Anybody want to guess how many showed up to Bing Crosby’s funeral in 1977? Any guess over 35 gets you automatically disqualified.
July 7th, 2009 | 4:10 pm | #7
Hey, Michael, can you count? Can you tell the diff between “Almost nothing else” and “a few”? The Anchoress has written five (5) articles on MJ since he died. They were not lengthy articles. She has written a couple dozen other articles (some exceedingly lenghty) on Sarah Palin, Obama, Saints, nuns, more Sarah Palin, Mystic Monk Coffee, weird dates, the Church, more Obama, Robert Gibbs, Iran, American soldiers,Iranian demonstrators, the MSM… want me to give you an exact count?
July 7th, 2009 | 4:26 pm | #8
Michael Jackson is an apt metaphor for modern society, government and politics — a veritable freak show and circus rotting from within.
And his trademark moonwalk — appearing to walk forward while actually moving backward — could easily be mistaken for Obama’s signature moves as well.
July 7th, 2009 | 4:34 pm | #9
I guess you didn’t hear, Anchoress. His daughter spoke at the end. No kidding.
July 7th, 2009 | 4:40 pm | #10
I am puzzled by the intense emotional connection that so many seem to have to Michael Jackson.
Mr. H
http://www.allhands-ondeck.blogspot.com/
July 7th, 2009 | 4:41 pm | #11
I love this blog, but I am surprised that our beloved Anchoress did not mention the recent death of Karl Malden. It seems that few people today know or care that Malden’s crusading priest from “On the Waterfront” was a striking portrayal of Fr. Pete Corridan, a real Jesuit whose ministry to longshoremen helped illuminate union corruption. Fr. Corridan’s tireless efforts helped reformers curtail an age of widespread union abuses, an age which our president seems to want to relive.
July 7th, 2009 | 4:48 pm | #12
I am grateful that the Anchoress watches — so I know I didn’t miss anything! And if I do miss something, she reports it, then I know about it, and I still didn’t have to watch one minute of television.
The cost of a TV — $x.xx
The cost of cable — $x.xx
Service rendered by the Anchoress — Priceless!
And Buster’s comment — hilarious!!
July 7th, 2009 | 4:48 pm | #13
Andrew, my condolences on the loss of your brother. I lost my son from a drug overdose…all I can say is that I will say a prayer for your brother’s soul, as well as Michael’s soul.
July 7th, 2009 | 4:54 pm | #14
The star set in Los Angeles thinks the world revolves around them and their issues and peccadilloes. That’s why normal people terrify them to death, as we see when they pontificate about politics. The whole country being full of normal people rather than their own people is probably a thought that would keep them up at night if they entertained it.
July 7th, 2009 | 4:57 pm | #15
What a pathetic joke. What are we “celebrating” again? Although the popping out of the casket part was a great line.
July 7th, 2009 | 5:03 pm | #16
My friend just said people “won” tickets to jackson’s wake….that is just sick. This man did some amazing things as a performer and some truly evil things as a man, I hope his children fair better but I doubt it.
July 7th, 2009 | 5:08 pm | #17
Hopefully, the freak show is over. I haven’t heard anything about the “King of Pop” popping out of the casket but I’m surprised that the Hollywood special effects people weren’t able to arrange it. It would have added so much to the freak show!
July 7th, 2009 | 5:13 pm | #18
We don’t hear grim daily reports about the tragic deaths of our armed-forces members, anymore. Apparently, the press only finds such war-time deaths worth covering when they can be used as a handy stick to browbeat a president they hate.
Interesting comment, because during President Bush’s tenure, there was a ban on photographing caskets of servicemen returning to the states. The Press complained about not having access to show the story of the toll in losses of American lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, in late February, Obama changed the rules. The press can now photograph caskets. And since the rule changed, it seems nobody cares about actually taking a photo.
It’s almost as if the issue was about Press access rather then any real concern about the dead (and that’s giving the benefit of doubt that it was really just to bash Bush). Well, I guess they got their access today in LA. But on the other coast, 7 more caskets will soon be coming home. I wonder when the wall to wall coverage will start for those Memorial Services…
July 7th, 2009 | 5:15 pm | #19
Bender – You refer to Jackson’s “trademark moonwalk”… Hard to trademark something as unoriginal as that. The inventor of that dance move was Pearl Bailey’s brother, Bill. He called the “backslide”) He can be seen doing it in the 1943 film, “Cabin in the Sky.” (About :41 into this YouTube clip)
)
Bob Hope copied it in “The Seven Little Foys” in 1955 (About 1:34 into this YouTube clip –
Some see genius. Others see plagiarizers.
July 7th, 2009 | 5:18 pm | #20
I agree that Buster’s comment was soooo funny. I almost fell off of my chair!
Michael it’s important to cover the ABSURDITY of it all; clearly a snapshot as to where we are as a culture. Thank goodness for the few writers like the Anchoress who does write in “reality.”
So sorry for the loses of loved ones mentioned.
Also, I couldn’t bring myself to watch it, but I did watch a clip on Drudge of his daughter. The kids I do feel pain for; pray they will at least now get some chnace of a somewhat normal life. From the few photos I saw, that little one sure did look like him, but from what I understand, he isn’t the biological father.
It was interesting to see the kids, and my heart does ache for them, ALONG with all of men who have lost their lives for us and their families.
July 7th, 2009 | 5:27 pm | #21
Oh, and let’s not hear any more talk of glass coffins.
July 7th, 2009 | 5:31 pm | #22
Andrew B,
I am sorry for your loss. I will pray for you, your family and your brother.
July 7th, 2009 | 5:55 pm | #23
Anchoress: As a fan of Egyptology, all I can add is that the Pharaohs never went out with so much pomp and circumstance.
July 7th, 2009 | 6:06 pm | #24
Yes, but . . .
Weeping and moaning and melodrama at funerals are a venerable black tradition: The maudlin extravaganza that was the funeral of the Lana Turner character’s black maid in “Imitation of Life” comes to mind.
An apt title?
“Unreservedly the one picture you must see,” Original Trailer 1959 for your viewing pleasure.
July 7th, 2009 | 6:17 pm | #25
[...] rightfully terms “the Michael Jackson Death-Spectacular.” Her commentary on it is scathing and a must-read. It’s sad, and repulsive – people are exploiting this man’s [...]
July 7th, 2009 | 6:26 pm | #26
Andrew B – sorry about your loss, my heart and prayers to you and your family.
All I have to say about the funeral, at least it is over.
July 7th, 2009 | 6:53 pm | #27
Off topic again – but I just read this and it disturbed me. I realize that the papers can spin things, but a number of items mentioned seemed off-putting as described (population for one). I know I should read the whole encyclical, but I’m pressed for time and love your insight.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/cc9150d0-6af4-11de-861d-00144feabdc0.html
[Heather, read my take on the encyclical here. As to the rest, both JPII and Benedict have been clear that capitalism IS an imperfect system that can sometimes result in the exploitation of human beings. That's nothing new. But what ELSE would you expect the FT and the leftist/statist press to glom onto and splash on the headlines? If you have not got time to read the encyclical - and right now few of us do - then please read some of the links at the end of my post and in the body - I link from "left" to "right" and there is no need for "oh my GAWD, he's a commie and we're all gonna wear the mark of the beast " hysteria about this encyclical. But the press would be happy if you thought so. admin]
July 7th, 2009 | 6:55 pm | #28
Let the dead carry the broadcast of the dead burying the dead to the dead.
July 7th, 2009 | 7:00 pm | #29
I am not a huge MJ fan, but I think the press coverage is well deserved because he has been one of the most influential artists of our lifetimes.
I find it in poor taste for the politician to call him a pervert. I looked up Peter King and found out that he gives money to the Irish Republican Army so he is not credible himself.
July 7th, 2009 | 7:56 pm | #30
Michael Jackson in gold-plated wooden pajamas at the Staples Center is hardly newsworthy. The media has lost all credibility in this country. Kind of like Al Gore and his hot air farce aboiut hot air.
July 7th, 2009 | 8:10 pm | #31
It’s bread and circuses again fast forward a couple of millenia. With an unconscious citizenry, distracted by a media that does not objectively inform, and instead plied with the mind-numbing entertainment that passes for news today till that citizenry is drunk in addition to being dull, it is my sad opinion that tyranny, oppression and a depressing future is what awaits us all. Shame on you mainstream media. You are a discredit to your profession and you will be the ruin of us all.
July 7th, 2009 | 8:19 pm | #32
James, It’s been a long time since I lived in Rep. King’s district: but 25-odd yrs ago, to donate to front groups for the IRA was not unusual, it was popular, on Long Island, NY. Harping (pun intended) on King’s bad taste in referring to MJ’s “habits” misses the point of his remarks. Some press coverage, of course, of a notable passing would be understandable; but coverage of a damaged, pathetic has-been as if this were the death of a god is, in fact, perverse. That’s worrying about our country and its priorities.
Rep. King always says what he means. He is pointing out that men and women of our armed services are risking their lives, and dying, every day to defend our country, selflessly, dutifully. Where is the coverage of that? Where are the stories of their families, their friends, of their sacrifices? There was coverage aplenty when it could be used against the previous administration; but now that another surge is happening, under another President, those stories of honor, duty, sacrifice—not so compelling anymore, it seems.
My hope for the future of this country, is that those who survive the war, have seen through all this, and understand how poorly they have been used, will go into public service as politicians. They will be the next wave; like the last “greatest” generation, even now passing away, they know what their country means to them, and won’t let it go down to poseurs and frauds and felons without a fight.
July 7th, 2009 | 8:43 pm | #33
I’ve been listening to Bob Dylan’s new album, Together Through Life, while watching all the Michael Jackson hoopla. Dylan is now 68 years old and had a cardiac infection 5 years ago so his mortality has to be discussed. While most consider Dylan’s best work behind him, and he was amazingly prolific in the mid 1960s, I looked up some discographies. Starting with Off The Wall in 1979, Jackson released 6 albums. After the first two, including the monster hit Thriller, each album sold worse than the one before it.
During the same period, Bob Dylan released 15 albums. Six of them were certified as gold records and three of those reached platinum status. In addition to commercial success, many of those 15 albums earned critical acclaim as well. His recent albums, Time Out Of Mind, Modern Times, Love And Theft, have been generally regarded as evidence of a resurgent career, and have sold well. Together Through Life was #1 on the UK charts, the first time Dylan’s done that in years.
Jackson was a talented entertainer, but can anyone seriously argue that he was a songwriter of Dylan’s rank, or that Jackson will end up being a greater musical and societal influence?
One other thought about the race pimps like Shirley Jackson Lee, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton calling Michael some kind of landmark “Jackie Robinson” character who broke through barriers for black entertainers. This does a tremendous disservice to amazing artists like Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder. I don’t regard getting videos on MTV to be a great achievement.
I respect Wonder and Quincy Jones as great, great musicians, and I’ll take their word that Michael was a great musical talent, but as a music fan (who is old enough to remember that the Jackson 5 were Motown’s bubblegum band intended to compete with the Partridge Family and the Osmonds), I’m entitled to my opinion that Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones and Jackie Wilson were/are better musicians.
Jackson was a great entertainer and he sold a lot of records. Between the Jackson 5 era and his solo work, he maybe made two albums of first rate material. When you compare that to the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Muddy Waters, and others, I just don’t see Jackson even in the same league.
July 7th, 2009 | 9:03 pm | #34
Thank you, you put in writing what I’ve been mumbling to myself all day.
July 7th, 2009 | 9:14 pm | #35
All the MJ hoopla is the MSM version of bread and circuses, with an emphasis on the “circuses”.
One of the best decisions I made for my spiritual life was to turn off the T.V. about six months ago except for an hour to an hour and a half of Masterpiece on PBS on Sunday. I don’t miss it in the slightest.
July 7th, 2009 | 9:30 pm | #36
We witnessed over time the unraveling of a deeply disturbed human being. It was like peeking through the windows of a residential treatment center. His bizarre behavior overcame his talent – his achievements – and that was really hard to do. It’s sad that he didn’t get the help he needed. But most people with his power and his problems don’t, and they die before their time. His send off reflected his life. Given all that had gone before, how could it have been any different?
July 7th, 2009 | 9:45 pm | #37
Micheal Jackson. He’s dead plant him he must be getting ripe by now.
July 7th, 2009 | 9:57 pm | #38
“Jesse Jackson, nothing but media-appetite, blathered on to one reporter about I-can’t-tell-he-blathered-so much, something about transcendent greatness. It was hard to hear what he was actually saying, because one was too distracted by Jackson’s darting eyes, which were on lookout for an A-list reporter/camera to talk to.”
Boy, did you nail that!
He and Sharpton are absolute parasites. I think most people know that.
July 7th, 2009 | 10:03 pm | #39
Michael Jackson he sang some really amazing songs like that one about how where if you want the world to be a better place you should start by making yourself a better person. Barack Obama doesn’t think that’s a very sensible place to start. He turns that formulation on its head really.
But Michael Jackson is dead and you think that the media is making too big a deal out of it. Well, you’re wrong. You’re wrong and I will tell you why.
Michael Jackson was spectacular and he was a phenomenon and he was a spectacular phenomenon that was simultaneously American and global. And no one told nobody that he need must be so. People decided. People everywhere. You don’t see that today. You see people like the Hannah Montana cultivating enthusiastic and goshawful lucrative niche audiences. And you see the Barack Obama being every bit as force fed to the American people and much of the world as the banana pudding what is shoved down the throats of highly recalcitrant Gitmo inmates.
You don’t see people these days what universally resonate where there they are, innocent of iconography or expectation, and then quietly they offer up something of themselves and bam they are invested with many meanings. Meanings they could never really hope to control or interpret. Maybe Heath Ledger was like that kind of, but he had to keel over dead as a doornail to make it happen so I think we can all agree that that’s a different sort of thing.
It’s a big damn deal what Mr. Jackson did and if you’ve forgotten the way he did it or if you never really knew then that is a sadness of a whole other different kind than the it’s sad that Michael Jackson is dead kind.
July 7th, 2009 | 10:20 pm | #40
I honestly don’t understand this horrid crucifixion of Michael Jackson…..many of the comments posted here are pathetic and abhorant …..really nasty stuff…..and unquestiuonably not of the mind of Christ……it really stuns and saddens me…..so many of Jacksons songs are filled with deep sensitivity and meaning…..albeit, both warm and uplifting spirituality……the tribute to him today was remarkable and moving…..and his daughter was so brave in speaking with deep love for her father……the man was exonerated of any semblance of pedophilia…..undoubtedly, falsely accused and extorted in man ways. In any case, I am totally repulsed by so many of these harsh, unjust and vitriolic comments.
July 7th, 2009 | 10:32 pm | #41
I’ve always had a tin ear for pop music so I will leave the question of Mr. Jackson’s talent to others. However his memorial service at the Staples Center (from what I saw of it) really creeped me out. It was a shabby event that seemed orchestrated for the sole purpose of juicing up MJ’s music royalties that are payable to his estate. Then there was the hypocritical embrace of him as some sort of civil rights icon by Rev. Jackson, Rev. Sharpton and the usual hustlers. The whole thing had a bizarre carnival feel right out of Billy Wilder’s film “Ace int he Hole.” The only things missing were humanity and dignity.
July 7th, 2009 | 11:23 pm | #42
I have never understood celebrity worship. It’s completely delusional.
I also avoided much of the circus today but even the radio had coverage during the news. The media coverage has been nothing short of obscene.
Rev- No one knows the mind of Christ, you know his teachings not his thoughts and besides Christ has nothing to do with MJ, he converted to Islam.
God bless the troops and comfort the families who have lost their brave loved ones in the past few days.
July 7th, 2009 | 11:24 pm | #43
Michael Jackson was a musician. Every musician touches people in different ways. He wasn’t any more special than any other 20th century musician, no more than the Beatles, or Elvis. He entertained people. How many people at the funeral even spoke to Michael in the past year? His family that is morning him now didn’t stop him from killing himself. They were afraid they would lose their meal ticket. He was so disturbed and suffering, but none of those people offered him any comfort. The media didn’t help. To them he was the accident at 11:00 and we just had to look. It’s over, finally.
July 7th, 2009 | 11:32 pm | #44
If he wasn’t anymore specialer than why is the media making such a big deal you think?
July 7th, 2009 | 11:39 pm | #45
Michael Jackson was a talented man, and I can only assume that maybe becuase he grew to fame as a cute and very talented child… maybe that is partly why he is being so immortalized in his death.
But I will never understand it. I’ve never understood how people go crazy over celebs to begin with. And to see photos of people literally weeping over a man they did not know is disturbing. I can understand feeling sad, but to weep over him?? Something “bigger” than Jackson’s death is going on in those persons, I believe.
The media basically disgusts me and has ever since the Obama election. They remind me of a bunch of obsessive teenagers. They are soooo caught up in what is popular, or poplular culture. They are also now gossip hounds, and bottom line, Jackson is a money making story. His death equals ratings and sales. Sales of merchandise and sales of tabloid magazines.
I was home today but did not watch the funeral. I’ve watched a couple of the TONS of specials on him because his life was intriguing, but in a very sad, psychological-study sort of way. The only thing I did watch was a clip of his daughter breaking down in tears as she said how much she loved her “daddy.”
And that reminded me that ultimately, Michael is a human being, and the media’s obsession with his death has lost that because it’s all about the “story” of Michael, what he did, his face, etc. But he is dead now. We all die. And the bottom line is he is a human being who has died.
His death is no greater or no less than anyone else’s. It’s very sad that the deaths of soldiers are not even mentioned because the media is so utterly obsessed over Jackson. It’s really pitiful actually. It shouldn’t be that way. Farah Fawcett died the same day, and her death was just a blip in news coverage compared to Jackson.
I don’t understand it other than the media built it up tremendously, plus it was a surprise, and the media also played on the people’s reactions, which ultimtely, for them led to money.
July 7th, 2009 | 11:46 pm | #46
Thanks Andrew… My brother, who was 50, died 2 years ago in August(on his son’s 6th b’day) to alcholism..
MJ’s passing is tragic, but it happens to alot of American’s.
Where were all these people that showed up at the memorial when he was going thru his toughest times, no-where, they only flock to him now to get air time..
July 7th, 2009 | 11:46 pm | #47
I also don’t believe that Michael’s songs were so spectacular that his death calls for this huge media spectacle. Yes, he was very talented, but his songs were not that life-changing nor were they really timeless. They were pop music at a time when pop music became really big on MTV, which I know because I was a teen then and watched all his videos and liked his songs. But they did not change me in some profound way. And his lyrics are no more life changing than many of these other artists who sing about unity, etc.
I also think part of the “obsession” is that he was black. It seems like it is majority of black persons and celebs, esp. black celebs as well as those close to him who were not black, that seem to be sooooooo deeply “affected.” Jamie Fox said something about “he was ours.” And that, to me, as a white person, I also will never understand. Can you imagine me saying about some white person that he was “ours?” Or celebrating a white person because he was white?
I get irritated with the way the black community seems to be the ones who seem to be so focused on race and skin color. But anytime, in Hollywood, if someone is black or gay… those are the people who get lots of media attention when some news story concerns them. If Michael had been a white man, I doubt we’d be seeing what we are seeing today.
July 8th, 2009 | 12:06 am | #48
To “FrankMann,”
Which songs exactly are you referring to as being “filled with deep sensitivity and meaning?”
Would it be “Thriller:” ‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night. Girl, I can thrill you more than any ghost would ever dare try. Thriller, thriller night. So let me hold you tight and share a killer, thriller, ow!”
Or maybe “Billie Jean:” ‘Billie Jean is not my lover. She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one. But the kid is not my son. She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son.”
Or how about “Smooth Criminal: ‘ Annie Are You OK? Will You Tell Us That You’re OK?There’s A Sign In The Window that He Struck You – A Crescendo Annie. He Came Into Your Apartment. He Left The Bloodstains On The Carpet. Then You Ran Into The Bedroom. You Were Struck Down. It Was Your Doom.”
Or maybe “Bad?” Or how about “You Rock My World?”
Sure he had a few with some good lyrics… although they weren’t his most popular songs. But to weep one’s eyes out and wail like he’s a dearly lost friend when the person didn’t even know him… that goes beyond just feeling for someone who wrote some good songs.
I can understand the mourning that took place over M.L.K. Jr. He actually and truly changed people’s lives, their children’s lives, their futures. He fought for them, he walked with them, he knew them. But Michael Jackson wrote songs to make a living. He did not profoundly change the world. He might have changed pop culture, but he did not contribute anything that was so utterly significant that it had life changing ramifications like M.L.K. Jr.
It doesn’t mean his death is not sad or that he should not be shown respect, but the amount of media glorification of his death is excessive and pitiful. It is shameful and it is obsessive.
But we live in a society in which singers, actresses, and athletes make millions. It shows where our priorities are. We idolize and worship “stars.” Even though we don’t know them, even though their character might be poor, even though they might be wretched people, we love them because of their star power, their skill, their beauty, etc.
Meanwhile, there are soldiers out there fighting for freedom whose deaths go unnoticed. And there are police officers killed in the line of duty, and firemen and other heros working hard every day. They don’t have Peter Pan complexes. They don’t live in huge sprawling Neverland fantasy worlds. They work hard saving lives and contributing to their communities. Nurses, doctors, teachers, many others do the same.
And to bury Jackson in a gold coffin and have this huge funeral where people had to fight over tickets, blah, blah… in my opinion, it totally demoralized Jackson as a human being and it makes a mockery of death and human dignity.
July 8th, 2009 | 12:10 am | #49
oh. It seems y’all are having a hard time coming to terms with his death is all.
July 8th, 2009 | 12:14 am | #50
Y’all just bug me cause I don’t believe there’s a one of you that would have missed the mark very much at all if I had asked you a week before he died what you thought the media would be like if say for example Michael Jackson died suddenly next week of a heart attack.
July 8th, 2009 | 12:30 am | #51
Put another way, all of you would have more better recognized Michael Jackson’s cultural significance before he died than you’re willing to now that he’s dead.
July 8th, 2009 | 2:05 am | #52
But I bet everyone who did attend Bing Crosby’s funeral actually knew and loved him, the person and not the caricature of him.
July 8th, 2009 | 2:42 am | #53
Meanwhile, a musician who used his talent to be a witness for Christ is now a quadriplegic. Would that his plight received 1/10,000th of one percent of the attention being paid to Jackson.
[Edited to admit link; you can use html in comments. I was going to link to that story today. It's an interesting juxtaposition, and also one of those "questions"...one serves the world, hand has one sort of life, one serves God, and has a very different life...one of those things you can think about for hours, and in a way reflective of what we discussed here. More later -admin]
July 8th, 2009 | 3:10 am | #54
Astounding.
How can any Black person with any self respect at all think well of Micheal Jackson? The man obviously hated being Black and may well have hated Black people. He had so many surgeries, each making him look less Black and more White, until he overshot and looked more and more like some kind of space alien. It is pretty obvious that he used a lot of skin lightening ointment too even though he had never been that dark. Additionally, all “his” kids look White. Why didn’t he choose a Black woman to donate the egg and if the sperm was not his, as it very likely was not, why didn’t he choose a Black man as the sperm donor?
July 8th, 2009 | 3:34 am | #55
Why is it a city can forbid a political gathering such as a Tea Party if the cost of extra police security is not paid for, but LA happily covered it for MJ’s memorial?
Double standard, much?
July 8th, 2009 | 4:43 am | #56
Thank God the internet allows the truth to get out. MSM deserted America long ago. You get more truth from Pravda
July 8th, 2009 | 8:35 am | #57
There is a passage in Gore Vidal’s novel of Juian the Apostate about the emperor’s self restraint. Julian is bathing alone in a pool and he playfully splashes some friends attending him by the side of the pool. He is stunned to see the looks on their faces flash from surprise to anger to instant fear that Julian, lord of the Roman Empire, had seen their anger. Then they are stunned again at his effusive apology never imagining its meaning, that he had glimpsed in their faces their justifiable fear of Julian their Destroyer if he ever wanted to be.
And forgive me for us thinking about MJ, Michael, but if I give it a thought now it’s only to make up for these last years of total neglect in that regard.
His life makes me grateful for God’s gift of the restraints He places around me. It always feels so good when I stop beating my my head against the wall of sin, neglect of His will for me, and turn toward His voice and freedom. I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for MJ to hear His voice while living his Rorschach test of a life.
What saddens and horrifies me is the thought of MJ at the end of his life. At 6′2″ I would weigh 120 lbs. if I was to be his size at the end of his life. And he was up against a 50 gig tour to begin in a few weeks, a tour meant to bring to life a moribund career, a tour that could only end in humiliation. That is worse than my worst nightmare of my own insufficiency.
“…and lead all souls to heaven, especally those most in need of thy mercy,” which would be all of us.
July 8th, 2009 | 10:33 am | #58
Rev. Mann I hope you are just as “repulsed” by the lack of our MSM to cover important stories that will impact ever American (for the worst). Never mind that we won a war in Iraq this past week, had more of our brave men killed in Afghanastan, or passed a Cap and Trade which is the biggest theift and lie in American History.
Futhermore, myself being one of them, we actually DO care about Michael Jackson’s soul, and also his family, especially the kids. Most of us also don’t disagree that he was a great talented entertainer. But let’s face it, a “role model and world hero”, he is not.
I’m not usually a big O’Reilly fan, but I suggest you listen to his talking points from yesterday. He pretty much nails it. And as one guest said, “How many of the folks going ga ga over Jackson would ever, even despite his aquittal, let their kid have a sleepover with him.
Honestly Rev., would you?
RIP Michael
July 8th, 2009 | 11:48 am | #59
I think there is entirely too much attention going towards Jackson’s death. All of the important, newsworthy items are left unattended. Maybe the excessive coverage on Jackson’s death is intentional- so that other news doesn’t come to the public’s attention.
July 8th, 2009 | 12:10 pm | #60
I had no love for Jackson, but I’m not going to begrudge those closest to him for grieving. They are beyond entitled to treat this what it is to them – a personal tragedy. However, I am truly disgusted that people who had nothing to do with Jackson (and as said above, never gave him a second thought until he died) are treating this as a personal tragedy for them. One of my friends said he almost quit his job because of what he perceived as a lack of respect to Jackson. I regret not calling him an idiot to his face for that.
Jackson may’ve been a talented singer, but that is hardly of lasting merit or significance. The men and women in the military (not to mention police officers, fire fighters, first responders and so forth) do/did far more for society than Jackson or any of us could possibly hope to accomplish. They deserve this level of honor and praise, and it’s truly disgusting that they don’t get anywhere near it.
July 8th, 2009 | 12:39 pm | #61
‘I honestly don’t understand this horrid crucifixion of Michael Jackson…..many of the comments posted here are pathetic and abhorant..’
My comment was not directed at Michael Jackson personally, but at the whole ‘celebration of life’ circus surrounding his tragic death. I’ve lost a spouse, I’ve been there, I weep for his family. But this whole Staples Center media “memorial” with the casket on stage sickens me.
July 8th, 2009 | 2:25 pm | #62
Wow, Father Mann, I really don’t see the “hate ” and “vitriol” that you perceive in the comments. I may be wrong, but it almost seems like you’re creating a caricature of the commenters on this blog without a strong foundation. Using the crucifixion as an analogy for comments critical of the Michael Jackson hoopla seems to be a bit of a stretch. I daresay, using the crucifixion as an analogy for anything in pop culture is walking on thin ice.
Could you please provide precise examples of the “pathetic” and “abhorrent” comments that you’ve found? From what I’ve read, the comments, for the most part, are balanced and well thought out.
Do you really believe that Michael Jackson’s daughter was “brave” or that she was being used by the same leeches who are profiting from his death? Why would you subject an 11 year old child who has led a very sheltered life to the public glare of millions while she is grieving? These poor children continue to be used.
And where are your facts that show that Michael Jackson was exonerated of any “semblance” of pedophilia? He was acquitted in one case. He paid millions in settlement of others. He admitted to sleeping with children in a television interview that I watched. His explanation of why he slept with them sounded eerily reminiscent of the testimony of pedophiles who somehow feel that they are “helping” the children.
The Catholic church paid huge settlements for allegations of pedophilia. Very few of those cases went to court. It’s astonishing to me that the same media and general public that pilloried the Church (and rightly so) for its mishandling of allegations, turns a blind eye when the alleged offender is a famous pop star. Perhaps Michael Jackson was only guilty of poor judgment, but there is enough evidence provided by his own statements to give one pause. Certainly enough to warrant a more prudent and low key celebration of his memory.
July 8th, 2009 | 3:29 pm | #63
First, may I extend my sincere thanks for all who have offered condolences for my brother’s death.
Second, I have to say that I have a particular dog in the Michael Jackson fight. I work for a youth-centered non-profit. As such, I spend a great deal of time teaching youth members and adult leaders how to spot, avoid and report sexual predators.
I have no idea if Michael Jackson molested anyone, but I can tell you this: he manifested almost every single warning sign we tell children to avoid. Adult male with an abnormal fondness for unrelated children. Obsession with secrecy. Lavish gifts to “groom” the children. Strong sense that he is “helping” or “protecting” the children. Seems more comfortable with adults than children. May offer children alcohol.
Michael Jackson may have been innocent of the criminal charges brought against him (although I do not personally believe he was), but we do an immeasurable disservice to our children when we pretend that any of his behavior was acceptable. If he had been Michael Jackson, plumber instead of Michael Jackson, superstar, there is not a parent in America who would have let him within a country mile of their kids.
July 8th, 2009 | 4:21 pm | #64
It seems to me that MJ’s popularity was a function of being the right man at the right time. He took advantage of MTV, and became popular. When MTV went into decline, so did he. None of his songs have any significant meaning. His most popular song, Thriller, is nothing more than a novelty song. His music is very much of the time: catchy but meaningless.
As for the pedophilia: I’m not a court of law. I don’t need that standard of evidence to be reasonably sure that the man either did molest children or was damn near actually doing it. As others said, he showed all the warning signs. He wasn’t acquitted in all the cases, only one. And his public confessions only confirmed for many of us that he was a very, very sick man who was never going to get the help he needed.
Many of these people mourning him today, even those closest to him, completely failed him. And now they’re cashing in on his funeral. It’s sick. I almost feel bad for the man.
July 8th, 2009 | 4:23 pm | #65
Anchoress, with all due respect I disagree with this:
Jackson’s due process found him “not guilty” of the sexual abuse of a minor.
Jackson never went thru due process; he settled out of court, twice. Doesn’t automatically mean he’s guilty however he’s never been found not guilty in any court in the country.
And I agree – the fawning over a pop singer is overwrought and overdone. He was very talented there is no question about that. The sad fact is he’ll be remembered more for becoming a caricature of himself than for his actual talent.
The circus that was his memorial service is a prime example.
Andrew – my deepest sympathies to your family.
July 8th, 2009 | 6:31 pm | #66
y’all are disdainful of things what are not worthy of disdain. Cut it out.
July 9th, 2009 | 1:36 am | #67
from what I hear, with the record sales that MJ’s death is producing are enough to pay for that coffin by the time i get done writing this comment
July 9th, 2009 | 2:34 pm | #68
I live in the United Kingdom. I have friends in China, Japan, Argentina, Namibia.. all over the world who are mourning the death of MJ. So am I. Why? We are aware of his “alleged” indiscrepancies, but without the influence of same media hype which many are now disgusted by (only positive this time), we remember MJ as someone who gave more to charity in many of these countries than any other celebrity. More than anything, we can each, regardless of our nationality or ethnicity, sing all the lyrics of at least 20 of his hits – songs that bring us the joy of happy memories. The response to MJ’s death is what it is because of what he gave to the world through his music. I am sorry for all the other losses of life in Afghanistan and elsewhere. However, although never being an MJ fanatic, I cannot overlook his legacy which I, my 3 children and the rest of the world will be able to enjoy for the rest of my life. Sorry to the cynics but the world considers him to be the best entertainer who ever lived because he was. May his soul RIP.
July 16th, 2009 | 9:01 pm | #69
Chris said that very well. Alls you hateful hating haters should take what Chris says to heart I think.
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