Thanks, Jacko.
June 26, 2009
I admit being among the many who had written off Michael Jackson as a too-bizarre pedophile worthy of scorn and ridicule. I ignored his music and I cringed at the revelation he was having kids.
Whatever his eccentricities, whatever his motives, whatever his dealings with children, it’s not for us to judge. I realize that now, as I’m sure many others do.
Jackson gave millions and millions of people – of all walks of life, of all races and ages, of all nationalities- a measure of joy and release through his music. His message didn’t need to rely on graphic depictions of sex or violence. He truly had a gift and knew it. I believe he felt like he was paying it forward, and he did.
I’m not going to run out and buy up his catalog, but I have a very newfound appreciation for his contributions. I, much like everyone else, spread hateful jokes and suspicions.
For that, Michael, I’m sorry…and on the behalf of everyone you may have reached through your art – Thank you.
I couldn’t help but think this morning – there is very few people in the world over the age of 5, that didn’t know who Michael Jackson was. WOW! Michael did a lot for the pop culture. I think its sad that he passed at such a young age. It just goes to show that you can have all the money in the world – but when its your time – its your time.
I hope Michael made his peace with his maker and rests in peace.
Legendary entertainer, but a pathetic human being.
Sometimes I wonder if the greatest artists often share a degree of self-loathing that drives them to push the envelope and reach new heights of creativity and performance. Listening to all the hits and seeing those innovative videos, I begin to wonder how much of what Michael Jackson accomplished can be attributed to this.
Harsh indictment on a dead man, Matt. How many other fallen “idols” of yesteryear led lives not to our liking or understanding? Once they’ve croaked, all of their quirks are off-limits and/or revered…or are they?
Let’s not get off-track here though, folks. Sure, an icon passed into that big Neverland in the sky, but the real problem at hand is our out-of-control “leadership” and the life-and-death quandaries we find ourselves in, in this age of “what the fuck?!”