The Death of Michael Jackson
THE DEATH OF A LEGEND
Some people are already tired of hearing about the death of Michael Jackson and the subsequent drama to determine what happened, who gets what, the state of his kids, etc… I don’t follow the news on Michael, every waking moment, but this is the price we pay when someone who’s rich and extremely famous suddenly dies. After all, Michael is one of the greatest - if not the greatest musical entertainer of this generation - who affected the lives of millions of people, with his music and life, across the globe. He wasn’t called the “King of Pop” just because he needed a title. He was undeniably the “King of Pop” (now people are asking who’ll be the next), so why would some think the news coverage to be too heavy? Anyway, I do want to share my point of view about Michael - now that things have simmered down just a bit.
TALK ABOUT SHOCK
I was in Bestbuy getting blank DVD’s when a complete stranger walked past me and said, “Did you hear? Michael Jackson is dead.” I was blown away by the news. Then at the train station (20 minutes later) two city workers were talking about it. Then a guy who I’ve seen at the station, but never talked to came in and struck up a conversation about it. He was in tears. We talked for a long while before the train arrived… about how Michael’s music had affected us through the years and how his death is a wakeup call for everyone - or at least it should be.
MICHAEL’S IMPACT
I grew up on Michael Jackson. I remember having his Thriller album (the record) and singing all his songs while trying to learn the Moonwalk. Billy Jean was one of my favorites. I used to put on the record and listen to his music for hours, while in my room. I remember being at friends’ houses, singing his songs. He truly had an influence on me and my generation. I will admit though, The Thriller video terrified me - the part where he transforms into a werewolf and his girlfriend is screaming. And then the devious laughing at the end of the video with Michael’s ‘animal eyes’. Even to this day I can’t watch it! lol. (But I did love the dancing).
Of course there were other songs that I loved, like Beat It (and Weird Al’s parody, ‘Eat It’) I pretty much loved most of his songs, music videos (like Smooth Criminal) and movies (The Wiz, Captian EO).
NOW ONLY A LEGEND…
It’s hard to believe that Michael Jackson is gone. Yet… his soul has left this world. As I followed the news coverage, it’s evident that he truly impacted the lives of millions around the world. Only a handful of people, in history, have impacted the globe - and he is one of those people. As we all mourn and reflect, I would like to make some observations.
1. Michael Jackson was extremely talented. No one can dispute this. His work speaks for himself. Yet, with his talent, came great responsibility… and hardship. As much as I enjoyed partaking of his talent, I was often saddened by the abuse that he faced as a boy (at the hands of his father) and the rigors of his tremendous schedule - that he was not able to truly enjoy his childhood. As we all know, this took a toll on him; and left a great scar on his soul. The news coverage has made mention that in an attempt to reclaim his childhood through his Neverland estate, it became a kind of prison. It’s important for us to learn how to overcome the scars of our childhood, so that we can truly move beyond the psychological chains they leave behind. Even so, we see that Michael’s scars, helped to press him forward in helping children and the oppressed.
2. Many people are celebrating his life - as they should. Let’s celebrate his achievements - they need to be celebrated. The fact that Michael sought to live life to its fullest needs to be celebrated. He was an African-American man who - though flawed - made great leaps across many barriers that we use to separate us. This should be celebrated. And we can learn lessons from his example: about humility and standing up for people who don’t have a voice; working and creating with excellence and not mediocrity; the nature of the self and self-worth; how unbridled fame and fortune can bring restriction and destruction; the nature of true friendship and being able to relate to the people of the world.
3. Out of all of the news coverage I’ve seen to date, no one has mentioned the most important point: We cannot truly look at the life and death of the ‘King of Pop’ without looking at our own mortality. Our existence is like a coin - on one side is life and on the other side is death. Through his life - we reflect, not only on his accomplishments and struggles, but on ours as well. And through Michael Jackson’s death - we should reflect on the fact that one day, death will come for us too. And everything we have done while on this earth, will prepare us for eternity. Two scriptures from the Bible come to mind:
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things [done] in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27)
FINAL WORDS…
I watched the Dateline documentary on Monday night (the one from 2003). It seemed more profound now, than it was then. There’s so much mystery surrounding Michael - and there are things that we will probably never know.
People are already seeking to ‘cash in’ on Michael’s death. This, to me, is a shameful act.
As we celebrate Michael’s life and mourn his death - may we too celebrate our own lives and seriously consider our own mortality and what God requires of us. May God bless his family and all who mourn - and may we find solace and comfort in the God of the Universe who is called the “KING of Kings and LORD of Lords.” Even the “King of Pop” will have to bow to the “KING of Kings.” And one day we all will have to as well. Life is not nearly as long as we believe it to be. Live your life in ways that are significant and impacting for others.
Tagged with: King of Pop • Michael Jackson • Thriller
Filed under: Announcements • Sociology
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6 comments
Well done. Very well done! Your reflection was personal and global at the same time. It was thoughtful and brought to light issues of life/death that folks seem to be glossing over in all of the commentary surrounding his death. I especially love the line that the “‘King of Pop’ will have to bow to the ‘King of Kings.’” Brilliant. It also issued a challenge for readers, so that we are not simply reading your words for the sake of reading, but have something to be held accountable to. Again, very well done!
Allen, this was nice. It was a nice perspective because you are right, on TV people are npt being taught to reflect on their (our own) mortality and I feel one can’t help but to do that in cases like this because we are reminded of the fragility of life as well as the great importance to be thankful for every breath, and each new day. This was nice to read.
Very insightful and well thought out. I must confess that I’m a bit tired of hearing about MJ’s death too, but I understand - given his unique contribution to the music industry. Like you, I was shocked to hear of his passing. I think you’ve expressed well the impact he’s had on many. I too often found myself singing his tunes -though deemed ‘unchristian’, and couldn’t quite do it in my parents’ hearing. I appreciate that you highlight his creative ability and NOT in terms of his race, though not ignored. Finally, you are right that his death makes us look in the face of our own mortality. Of course the media won’t address that. It’s just not what people want to be reminded of. Let’s remember too that none of his money, real estate or awards will be buried with him, and even if they are, he won’t know.
Nice, Allen! Thank you for sharing.
MJ is the King of POP – the only one.
He is a great artist no doubt about it.
A man could touch every hearts regardless of race.
“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.”
-Michael Jackson
MJ FOREVER!
Thanks for this Allen.
Like Dav, I too couldn’t sing Michael’s songs out loud in the presence of my parents, etc., but man did I try every dance move he ever came up with when they weren’t around! Watching him perform (still)gives me goosebumps! Michael’s legacy is incomparable as an entertainer - which is why this entire episode is so extremely sad… I’m out of words.
Thank you so much for your relection and wake up call! Sometimes we focus so much on what happened…Michael Jackson’s death…that we don’t take the time to stop and think about our lives and what we are doing to make a difference. He was a great entertainer. Was he a great person? Someone to be worshiped? I wonder if he ever realized his life would change when he became the solo phenomenon back in the 80’s. Was he a good and caring person? I don’t know, because I didn’t know a lot about him. I never listened to what the tabloids said about him. They often lie and make the stars miserable. Thank you for reminding us that we need to stop and think about what we are doing in our lives, for Christ and for our children and others in our lives. I want to wake up everyday and ask myself that question!