Michael Jackson Dies and World Stops
I think that Michael Jackson was an incomparable artist in very many ways. I leave the tribute to his talent and fantastic artistry to two people who are much more qualified than I to point out artistic substance:
“Oh, God! That boy moves in a very exceptional way. That’s the greatest dancer of the century”. - Fred Astaire
“I didn’t want to leave this world without knowing who my descendant was. Thank you Michael!”- Fred Astaire (shortly before his death)
“The only male singer who I’ve seen besides myself and who’s better than me – that is Michael Jackson.” – Frank Sinatra
He deserves that tribute. He really does. Of course, he also deserves scrutiny over the questionable and undeniable tragedy of his existence. Shakespeare would have a ready-for-publication script of Michael’s torn nature in a relatively short period, because the plot would already be written. The excesses and contradictions of celebrities so often mirror our own – just magnified on the all-too-public stage coupled with the all-too-private bubble of genius and wealth. It is like our own psyches on steroids at times. Marilyn, Elvis, James Dean, Brando – and now Michael. All represent part of our psyches, all became archetypal figures. Otherwise, they would not be cultural icons.
But, there is another serious problem with high-powered celebrity. We need to pay it its due, but…we need to not be distracted for too long from those things happening which have an importance exceeding ALL celebrity. I think the following cartoon captures that pretty well:
See Cartoons by Cartoon by Stephane Peray – Courtesy of Politicalcartoons.com – Email this Cartoon
Some will stay with our celebrity fascination too long. But, some of us won’t. And some will make the mistake of not paying tribute.
Michael, your music and your dancing were fantastic! I salute your incomparable artistry. Truly you were the non-pareil.
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Tags: Celebrity, Death, Michael Jackson, News, Tragedies
I was always fascinated by Michael Jackson’s singing & dancing. And the media ruined him.
He never had a childhood & so he created Neverland & was sooooo happy being among kids. He wanted to make little boys happy to fulfill what he missed as a little boy.
He felt sad passing a playground full of kids playing, on the way to his practice which lasted all day ’til bedtime. His unrelenting father pushed Michael to his full potential, but that included ridicule & beatings.
Sex was not involved with his love of boys. The media invented that. How do I know so much about Michale Jackson? I was in the hospital with my new “wheel” (hip) & I watched TV for 2 days which was all about him. I’ve always wanted “Thriller”. Now I’ll get it!!!
bhb, it is great to have you back! And, might I just chime in with you that as they replay so much of Jackson’s vintage performances, he was simply incredible! His singing was excellent, the music fantastic – but it will always be the dancing and the ease with which he did it that will hold me in thrall! That is a trifecta at just the right time that will probably never be matched, evidenced by the unbelievable sales of Thriller.
I guess that I am getting myself into deep trouble here. I could not stand his music or his dance.
rummuser’s last blog post..An Utopia In The Making? Auto Ban??
No deep trouble at all, Ramana. Artistic likes and dislikes are personal. I just gave mine, bhb gave hers, you gave yours.
Michael Jackson was an artist in his own right and I always felt really sorry for him. He was an adorable child and abused in so many ways it is a wonder he lasted as long as he did. There is so much that has been reported (so we should take it for Gospel) to make money for so many people that makes the real truth hard to know and understand. It was sad to see him go from what he was as a child to what he seemed to be as an adult.
As far as I am concerned, he should have been judged on his fantastic ability and nothing else…….if he was to be judged at all.
I hope you continue to improve BHB and know that it feels good to have your new “wheel” installed and working.
I’m sure we all wish Michael peace and feel as sorry for his children as we did for him because they will not have an easy row to hoe.
Corky
Amen to that! I did like some of his songs. But I shall be honest in admitting that I had a sprain or two trying to imitate his dance moves. That bloke had no bones I swear!
Its a pity they never get to lead fulfilling lives befitting the kind of contribution they make to their respective fields. A tribute to a man who forever changed the face of music and dance! May his soul rest in peace!
Ashok’s last blog post..Mysore trip
Love him or hate him – you have to admire his genius! So often these people are so tortured at living in our mundane world. They somehow are on a different plane. It was pretty much over for him after Thriller, though!
Yes, Corky, the kids – that is so tragic!
BHB – good to have you back – hope all is going really well!
What? Michael Jackson died? It’s not true, is it, that CNN is having 24/7 coverage of his body’s decomposition? Frankly, that is a bit bunch, even though I did like his music too.
GL Hoffman’s last blog post..Recent College Grad Kristin Hits the Real World
Er, Much, not bunch.
GL Hoffman’s last blog post..Recent College Grad Kristin Hits the Real World
Well, Mother, with that analysis, one would think we are from the same family. I am in full agreement.
The shame is that his dad, who had so much part in screwing his life up, is now shamelessly trying to cash in. Ashok, it is a real shame, like you said, that they did not get to lead fulfilling lives.
Deb, I can’t even dance like him in my head! That’s really bad.
Yes, GL, 24/7. Fortunately, there is nothing of great import happening in the world right now.
What do you mean nothing of great import happening in the world right now? I can list half a dozen things, which will of course take the spotlight off the subject!
For instance, I was cornered by four, yes four widows, earlier this evening, all wanting to mother me! Can you beat that for import?
rummuser’s last blog post..An Utopia In The Making? Auto Ban??
I can see why the women are chasing you, your picture reveals a “real stud”!
Ramana, Gail is right! I don’t think those widows are wanting to “mother” you.
Google the words hunk and pune together and it immediately shows your picture! I have no idea how you did that…
There are other momentous things happening too! Try
Money power Conrad, money power! The lack of it, I mean!
Sarah Palin for size. Or BHB back home and resisting the temptation to do cartwheels; Grannymar waking up in her own bed and most importantly, my getting an invitation to a highbrow dinner with a proviso which I shall send you by email for you to incorporate if you feel it would be appropriate!
Gail, you are absolutely the tops. You have just given me the biggest boost to my ego that I have ever, ever received. Thank you and let me know when and how I can ever repay you.
rummuser’s last blog post..An Utopia In The Making? Auto Ban??