Comments on: Rest In Peace, {CelebName} http://www.chrisnielsen.com/2009/07/rest-in-peace-celebname/ Just another WordPress weblog Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:02:23 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Jason Kleinberg http://www.chrisnielsen.com/2009/07/rest-in-peace-celebname/comment-page-1/#comment-36 Jason Kleinberg Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:26:41 +0000 http://www.chrisnielsen.com/2009/07/rest-in-peace-celebname/#comment-36 While I agree that it is ridiculous the way that the media has covered every single detail that has come out since it was reported that he collapsed and was taken to a hospital, I think that the memorial was very appropriate. First of all, it is impossible to truly discount Michael Jackson's humanitarian work when it was such a large part of this life. He is known to have supported 39 charities, not the least of which is the Heal the World Foundation, and the money raised by "We Are the World," which is still one of the highest selling singles of all time. On top of his humanitarian contributions to society, he added a lot to the humanities. "Thiller" was one of the first music videos tht really was used to tell a story, and show that it was a legitimate art form. Following in the tradition of James Brown any of his dance techniques have both inspired contemporary dancers and have expanded the art with his unique style. As for his music, whether you like it or not, two generations have grown up with his voice as the soundtrack of their childhood. Thriller and Bad are still some of the highest selling albums of all-time. If you are to ask just about anyone for 10 defining things from the 80's he will likely be on just about everyone's list. Some have called him the Elvis of our age, but this isn't quite right, since Elvis didn't write his music. MJ wasn't perfect. Far from it. He is a tragic figure who coped in strange ways, and ultimately it looks like unhealthy ways, and he made some poor decisions. The controversies that surrounded him also shaped our culture. His work both as an entertainer, and in his other work has touched millions, and he has inspired many others how will go on to do great things. His death is culturally significant for these reasons, if only because of how significant his life was. While CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and the rest will beat this dead horse into a fine gooey paste, it doesn't mean that poor horse wasn't something special. His death is a cultural tragedy, and his life will always be a treasure for the world. While I agree that it is ridiculous the way that the media has covered every single detail that has come out since it was reported that he collapsed and was taken to a hospital, I think that the memorial was very appropriate. First of all, it is impossible to truly discount Michael Jackson’s humanitarian work when it was such a large part of this life. He is known to have supported 39 charities, not the least of which is the Heal the World Foundation, and the money raised by “We Are the World,” which is still one of the highest selling singles of all time.

On top of his humanitarian contributions to society, he added a lot to the humanities. “Thiller” was one of the first music videos tht really was used to tell a story, and show that it was a legitimate art form. Following in the tradition of James Brown any of his dance techniques have both inspired contemporary dancers and have expanded the art with his unique style.

As for his music, whether you like it or not, two generations have grown up with his voice as the soundtrack of their childhood. Thriller and Bad are still some of the highest selling albums of all-time. If you are to ask just about anyone for 10 defining things from the 80’s he will likely be on just about everyone’s list. Some have called him the Elvis of our age, but this isn’t quite right, since Elvis didn’t write his music.

MJ wasn’t perfect. Far from it. He is a tragic figure who coped in strange ways, and ultimately it looks like unhealthy ways, and he made some poor decisions. The controversies that surrounded him also shaped our culture.

His work both as an entertainer, and in his other work has touched millions, and he has inspired many others how will go on to do great things. His death is culturally significant for these reasons, if only because of how significant his life was. While CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and the rest will beat this dead horse into a fine gooey paste, it doesn’t mean that poor horse wasn’t something special. His death is a cultural tragedy, and his life will always be a treasure for the world.

]]> By: Nancy Nielsen http://www.chrisnielsen.com/2009/07/rest-in-peace-celebname/comment-page-1/#comment-35 Nancy Nielsen Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:46:52 +0000 http://www.chrisnielsen.com/2009/07/rest-in-peace-celebname/#comment-35 I agree with most of your comments. I think the media always has their 'story de jour' and they pick the bones to death. Prior to his early death Michael Jackson was not even a story that lasted more then a few seconds of occasionally mentioning his come back. I saw very little of the coverage in the last few days (I stopped watching due to the constant coverage). I did see his little girl speak of him today. My heart went out to her as well as all children who loose a parent so early in life. Michael did not loose his parents early in his life he lost his child hood. How many of us know what that would be like? We have not walked in his shoes so we have no way of knowing. What is obvious to me is that he was a tortured soul who never found his way back from the abusive robbery of his child hood. I have tolerance for any one wishing to grieve in any way they choose. Even if some did not support him in life they want or need to support him in death. I for one want to let them do that for what ever reason they choose. Tolerance for each other is what is needed. My ending thought though is where was all this when he needed it the most? I agree with most of your comments. I think the media always has their ’story de jour’ and they pick the bones to death. Prior to his early death Michael Jackson was not even a story that lasted more then a few seconds of occasionally mentioning his come back.

I saw very little of the coverage in the last few days (I stopped watching due to the constant coverage). I did see his little girl speak of him today. My heart went out to her as well as all children who loose a parent so early in life. Michael did not loose his parents early in his life he lost his child hood. How many of us know what that would be like? We have not walked in his shoes so we have no way of knowing. What is obvious to me is that he was a tortured soul who never found his way back from the abusive robbery of his child hood.

I have tolerance for any one wishing to grieve in any way they choose. Even if some did not support him in life they want or need to support him in death. I for one want to let them do that for what ever reason they choose.

Tolerance for each other is what is needed. My ending thought though is where was all this when he needed it the most?

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