How can I not mention Michael Jackson in this blog? I mean, honestly, the guy was a legend. A legend who passed too quickly in many people's opinions...mine included. Yet, the infamous MJ was also a mystery. I can't even list all of the strange quirks that are related to the name "Michael Jackson." There's the skin color issue, the pedophilia issues, oh and dare I mention, the Hang-Your-Baby-Over-A-Balcony issue. But these are all negative portrayals of the man who lived such a mysterious life. And this is what makes me cringe at all of the media's coverage about this man, as these suspicious parts of Jackson's life are being largely overlooked.
They are saying "a great man" has died. They are saying "the greatest ever" has died. Now, not meaning to be a pot stirrer...well okay, maybe a little bit...I beg to differ. Not only was Michael Jackson a mystery, but he was like a metal pole to a giant controversy-magnet.
I will admit, he was an outstanding performer. It could be argued he was the "the best performer" or "a musical genius". I cannot argue with that, and I will even vouch for it having grown up with his music and his videos. The man was brilliantly talented and created timeless music that I think will last forever.
But to call this man who was so riddled with problems "the greatest ever" is a little over the top in my book. I know there are die hard fans of his who would probably slap me if they read this blog, but it is simply my opinion. I will never underrate his music, his artistic vision, or his genius in the recording industry. I stop short at celebrating his personal life and his oddities. Sure, they made him an individual, but I don't believe they merit any unnecessary labeling.
Maybe all of the media over the years were completely off base about Jackson. Who am I to judge what he did in his personal life.
Except we're all judges. We all see celebrities in the media, and we all judge. Some call it living vicariously through the rich and famous, others call it creepy stalking.
Call it what you want, we're all guilty of it.
Sometimes what we view in the media spotlight molds our beliefs, just like in the coverage of Michael Jackson, where only the surface is being discussed. Look closer, look deeper, and make up your own mind.
