OC Music Magazine

Michelle Richardson

    There is not a soul on this Earth that is not aware of Michael Jackson’s death. Since his passing on June 25th, the media has bombarded us all with news of his life, his family, his will, and his drug habits. There are questions of where his children will be taken, where his pets are, what drugs were in his system, whether or not he was the victim of enablers, and many, many other things that are unknown – most of which are unimportant and are only being exploited by the media simply because they can, and because they are taking advantage of his death in order to trap in viewers. It seems that what was originally a very shocking and emotional loss is now a dollar sign in the eyes of every reporter. Flashes of sorrow and reminiscence have collided with nosy curiosity about the will, the debts, custody battles, family entanglements and even the extravagant cost of his memorial ceremony.

    Tuesday was probably the peak in the interest of the media, as Michael was remembered in words and song by celebrities, athletes, musicians, and family members at his memorial service held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Luckily, as the day wore on, past scandals, plastic surgeries, and toxicology reports were set aside in order to focus on Jackson’s music and his contribution to civil rights. Millions requested tickets to the event and only a handful were chosen to attend while the remainder had to settle to watch the event on TV or streamed over the internet. An estimated 20,000 people were in the Staples Center as Jackson's flower-draped casket was brought to the venue in a motorcade under law enforcement escort. Those who gathered constituted a visual representation of Jackson's life: black, white, and everything in between, wearing fedoras, African headdresses, sequins, and surgical masks. Acting as pallbearers, Jackson's brothers wore a single white sequined glove and sunglasses in an effort to show respect and admiration for their brother.

    The event was comprised of back-to-back tear-jerking speakers and performers including Pastor Lucious Smith, Jennifer Hudson, Lionel Richie, Brooke Shields, Magic Johnson, Stevie Wonder, and his own children, among many others. "I just want to say ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine, and I just wanted to say I love him so much," Michaels 11 year old daughter, Paris, said before bursting into tears. Also very tearful, Brooke Shields shared her memories of Jackson. Brooke and Michael dated for a while back in the 1980's and she shared her memories of their friendship and relationship. Finishing with her thoughts about Michael, she expressed "Michael was caring, funny, pure and non-jaded. He cared so deeply for his family, friends, and his fans." Magic Johnson said that the singer made him a better basketball player, and Bernice King, the daughter of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., gave him ringing praise. That homage, as much as the music, was the measure of the event’s success. For at least one day, the Jackson camp managed to take command of the coverage, setting the agenda for the news media as well as the mourners.

    Beyond the incredible music that he created, Michael stood for so much more. He advocated “healing the world.” He worked diligently on bridging racial gaps wherever he could. He believed that we were all brothers and sisters and deserving of love, respect, and equality. He believed in the perseverance, innocence, and importance of childhood (for those that believe he was guilty of his past charges might argue this point – but that is a whole different debate for a whole different day).

    For those of you who are "sick" of the media coverage, then turn off your TV's and let Michael have a fitting farewell. The only reason we are so tired of the coverage is because of the media’s vicious and exploitive motives. I, for one, am happy to see him get the love and credit he deserves. I never expected to cry when I watched the memorial yesterday...but I did. I've always been a fan, but I guess I never really contemplated the nature of Michael's work (love, peace, tolerance, unity, hope), and failed to realize the vast impact of his success over the decades. Words cannot capture the magnitude of his influence on us all.

    Rest in Peace, Michael...