The White House faced a more complex public-relations problem last week than either Iran or the global warming bill in the House: how to recognize the death of Michael Jackson.
Normally, this would be a no-brainer. Jackson was one of the most popular, profitable entertainers in history; he broke numerous color barriers and helped raise the profile of African-American artists across the musical spectrum; he brought the American brand to the world through his music; his work formed the soundtrack of the lives of millions of people who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s. He died at 50, far too young.
But because this was Michael Jackson, "normal" does not apply.
So, instead of President Obama conveying the condolences of a grateful nation, there was a stumbling assurance by spokesperson Robert Gibbs that while the Obamas had sent their sympathies to the family, they couldn't ignore the "aspects of his life that were sad and tragic."
It was a fair response. How we mourn Jackson while still recognizing the unsavory and just-plain-disturbing parts of his life is a story that is still evolving, and will continue to evolve over the months and years to come.
In death as in life, Michael Jackson proved the lies at the heart of some dearly-held truths. We like to think of ourselves as rational beings in control of our lives -- and to an extent, we are. But we're also creatures of appetites, always wanting to be filled up, satiated.
Jackson cared little for actual food, but had a titanic appetite for love. His relentless perfectionism as a singer and dancer, his dissatisfaction with his appearance, his constant attempts to mold his public persona -- all stemmed from a need to make himself more perfect than perfect, an object worthy of love.
Even his obsession with eternal childhood seemed to have its root in creating a world where he was cherished and protected. "“Children show me in their playful smiles the divine in everyone," he said. "This simple goodness shines straight from their hearts and only asks to be lived."
Over time, this need became twisted into pure self-destruction. He wrecked his body and his mind, destroyed his reputation, and lost his vast fortune. It was finally more than his heart could bear.
Jackson once said that “my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.” That is what has been remembered over the weekend. That is what we may remember in the end.
-------------------------------------
TIP:
Enter the amount, and click "Tip" to submit!
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Janis Jaquith
Emily Holleman
Dave Cullen
Akopsa
iamsurly
Salon.com
Comments
It's a nice thought, but I'm afraid I'm going to keep a vision of soda cans with jesus juice in them and children and an alarm system that trips off everytime anyone approaches the bed Michael openly shared with underage children. Oh yeah, and I'm going to remember all the people who couldn't tell him any of that was wrong on many levels, not the least of which that eventually he would be charged with illegal activity with minors, those same enablers standing in front of cameras and calling the eleven and twelve year old underprivileged kids who made molestation charges "parasites and leaches."
Yep, that's an estate I definitely want my money going to...I guess Michael's enablers were right because if they had tried to help him in any way by saying no to him--they would have been financially cut off. Now every album sale benefits them. They chose wisely. And the multiple children Michael reached out to show his love to by sleeping in the same bed, who accused him of damaging them...those were the real leaches in Michael's life. Good thing they'll still be afraid to come forward because of the way Michael's estate will no doubt rake them over the coals should the leak more gossip about the secret halls of neverland ranch....but they'll probably leak it anyway because the money from the tabloids will also be too enticing to turn down eventually.
And god help blanket and whatever his other child is named. The donor, Debbie Rowe, says she wants nothing to do with these two poor children, but she, another friend of Michael, a "best friend" feels very upset to have lost Michael, the man who kicked her out of his life after it became apparent she could only have two children. Her best friend.
What's most horrifying about Michael Jackson is not that man with the nipped up face, but the mirror in which he reflects our society's obsession with fame, gossip and effing money. How fitting is it that his most famous video depicts zombies following after a guy who ends up a zombie with a werecat's face? I guess we can't say he didn't warn us.
Hrugh....
He is dearly missed, but his legacy of love (for his fans and the whole humanity) and his contributions to music and entertainment live on forever.
Michael Jackson DID change the face of popular music. He revolutionized the music video, and he revolutionized what a "hit album" meant. None of that is changed by his more unsavoury aspects, and we shouldn't let those unsavoury aspects taint the record of his musical accomplishments.
At the same time, we need to remember that musical accomplishments do NOT make a role model or an idol ... they make a musician. We should not forget what MJ did musically, just as we should not forget what he did socially either. We should remember MJ for what he was ... a gifted musical talent who also had severe problems that arguably went as far as criminal molestation. The alleged molestation doesn't change the quality of his music however, nor does the quality of his music change the heinousness of his alleged crimes.
We don't need to downplay either side. We need to remember that artistic ability and social legality are two separate issues, and as we saw with Byron and Keats, being a genius doesn't mean you are also socially upstanding.
There is a hypocrisy in our culture that is disturbing to me. Men can whack women around until the cows come home and it does not seem to affect their work==Sean Connery, as mentioned above... in addition, what about Jackson Browne, who I remember beating the shit out of Darryl Hannah? Chris Brown? Will his career continue, I'm guessing so, and he pleaded guilty. Kobe? Let's not even go there. Recently I heard a 17 year old honor student (female, by the way) defending him and the rape he committed. I cannot separate these abuses from their abusers. There is no doubt these people are guilty. I can still love "Running on Empty" but I cannot love the man. I can appreciate Kobe's skills, however to me they do not matter--he is a rapist, just as OJ is a murderer.
However, with MJ, it's a bit different. There is confusion. There is a lack of certainty. His contribution to music and culture is stunning. I do not have the evidence. I do not have a guilty charge. I will not defend him as I do not know the truth. I feel sorrow for his tragic screwed up life that apparently had a great deal to do with Daddy. But I can celebrate his music , his dance, his joy and morn the sadness that surrounded him and wish for him some peace, finally.
Except for his beautiful childhood voice and the coaching he got from Motown, he is vastly overrated as a musical talent. Unless you consider MTV videos extemely important to the world, he didn't revolutionize anything, and he didn't even do the videos without the necessity of a team of extremely creative people.
I would say Jackson was a talented entertainer who entertained a lot of people. He made millions for record companies and concert promoters and they will miss the profits. That is why they worked so hard to hide the personal Jackson from the world.
http://open.salon.com/blog/robert_brenner/2009/08/07/
michael_jackson_is_alive_and_well_and_living_in_north_korea