Posted by Serenity in Hollywood, in the news | 8 Comments
Don’t Diss Michael Here
I watched the coverage of Michael Jackson’s public memorial, and I cried. There are things you could say about his questionable life – certainly a very mysterious one (to most of us). There are jabs you could take at whether or not he deserved the attention, the praise, the honor, the overwhelming emotion – the whole world’s notice. You can say those things on Facebook if you want. And you can say them at the office. But do not say them here. Because all I could think was that none of our funerals will be anywhere near that big. The people we judged who stood on his stage wouldn’t even know of ours. The moments he created in the world of entertainment brought the world together in a way not one of us ever will. And the message that it’s up to us to make the world a better place is hardly one to scoff. All I know is, when I watched that service, I wanted to end every pursuit, every dream, every conversation that doesn’t Heal the World.
Thank you, Serenity, for putting into words what I just don’t have words for. Man in the Mirror is my favorite song of Michael’s.
WidneyWoman, your tribute was beautiful too. And I’m definitely thinking about the message of Man in the Mirror right now.
I heard so much hype about Usher’s part in this celebration of life today that I was what I call, “over prepared” so while I did find it moving, I made it through it. Where “I” lost it, was when those people were lined up on that stage in 4 ROWS, kids in the front, singing together.
Isn’t world peace and healing what we all want?
R.I.P. MJ <3
All I could think when I was watching was how much I don’t know – not about celebrities, neighbors that bug me with their loud music, even friends and clearly, Michael.
There definitely is a lot to be said about many of the choices that he made throughout his life but at the end of the day, I think everyone was able to get a glimpse of Michael Jackson the person, the father, the friend, the son. It broke my heart and I wish we’d known before.
And omigosh, those last thirty minutes killed me – everything from the Britain’s Got Talent kid to everyone singing and his brother speaking and his daughter speaking and then Janet ushering her off the stage. Heartbreaking.
One more thing: I fell in love with the value of entertainment all over again. It (music, movies, books, etc) is more than just escapism (even though, what is wrong with that?), it’s pleasure and unity and memories and things that connect us without us necessarily being aware of them. It’s more powerful than most people realize.
Great post!
The thing that really impacted me was people that talked about what Michael had to endure. Can you imagine having mobs of people following you around from the time you were 10 years old??? And having such a soft and tender heart and having horrible things said about you to the world on a regular basis? Making fun of you just because they can? It’s hard enough to know that a couple of people think badly of you. Can you imagine feeling like the whole world thinks badly of you? It hurt my heart to look at that young boy starting out… so innocent… and with absolutely no idea what was in store for him. It’s too bad people had to wait until he was dead to stop mocking him. But will they learn their lesson? Or will they try to run Britney, Lindsay, etc. into their grave as well? It’s so sad.
I think failing to see celebrities as human is both why we idolize them and why we so freely judge and dismiss them. I lean one way, many lean the other.
Tracy, I LOVE what you said about ‘us’ running Britney, Lindsey, etc. into the grave. I’m sure Britney was closer to being there than any of us realize.
I never forgot the movie room at Neverland Ranch. It was setup so cancer kids who had to be isolated could be isolated but still watch movies with other kids. And if kids needed IV hook ups, it was there and all thought out so kids with cancer could have some semblance of normalcy and enjoyment. It’s sad Neverland closed because hundreds, if not thousands, of kids battling an adult illness got to forget about their reality for a few hours and just be kids.
Serenity – thank you for seeing people honestly and with compassion. I grew so angry at some of the horrible comments made on Facebook – we are too quick to judge, period! I don’t pretend to know much about Michael, even though his life was very public, I only know that his music moved me! And what I hope with all my heart is that he is in heaven (as I do for everyone) so that finally he could find that peace of mind so desperately wanted and needed!
“When youre down and out, there seems no hope at all- But if you just believe theres no way we can fall -
Well, well, well, well let us realize that a change can only come,
When we stand together as one!
We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So lets start giving”