My Take On the Michael Jackson Media Hype
Two very different pictures. One, a young boy, just entering his passion as a singer/dancer, loving the pure joy of it. Pre-seclusion and still innocent. Before he paid the price for entering the world of fame and fortune, paparazzi and media. Happy…. geniunely smiling.
The other photo- face altered, skin bleached, strangely sad look with hauntingly sad eyes. A man who may never be rivaled in his trade. A legend in the music industry, plagued by scandel and odd behavior that caused his public adoration in many to turn from idolizing him to scorning him.
Over the past week, I have been amazed at the amount of airtime given to covering this story. Whichever Michael you choose to remember is just that. It’s a choice and it caused me to reflect over the past few days of watching the media frenzy surrounding his funeral.
When you pass from this life to the next, how will you be remembered?
See, the bottom line is, people will remember you for your mistakes and your failures as well as all the good you’ve done. In this society of “do as you please”, be careful what you do. The public opinion forum will be ever-judging and scrutinizing your every move. No one is perfect, truth be told, but my point is, one decision can follow you a lifetime, so pay attention to that little voice sitting on your shoulder that asks you inside your head “Is this a good idea?”.
Be careful who you judge, also, for one day the finger may point back at you. Be kind and compassionate to those who have screwed up, as one day you may require kindness and compassion yourself.
I’m sure Michael Jackson was in a very lonely place towards the end. Alleged reports of pills found by the dozens suggests a secluded life with his one untouched joy – his children, as his one true happiness.
Once a person passes on, we find ourselves faced with the choice to remember them. I choose to remember people in the positive area of their lives.
A die-hard 80’s child, when I wasn’t being corrupted by my rocker brother into the world, of Journey, Foreigner, Def Lepperd, Rush, Loverboy, REO Speedwagon and Van Halen, I secretly loved to listen and watch Michael Jackson’s amazing videos full of creativity, dance, and yes, some bizarreness as well. Behind closed doors I, along with many of you (you know who you are), tried to moonwalk and, sigh….I remember buying one of those short military jacket things with the patches and loops on the shoulders.
I think when we begin to judge a public figure on what they do instead of the art they bring, we open up the proverbial can of worms into our own misgivings. I have no desire to be labeled a Pharisee- do you?
If all sins are equal…do any of these reside behind the closet doors of your life? Gossip, slander, jealousy, hate, anger, lust or hypocrisy?
Regardless of what your opinion is about Michael Jackson’s life, perhaps the better question is, what is my opinion of my own?
Have a thought on this topic? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you.!
