Replay
Jacko! As you can see, SoMi Speaks made no mention of the celebrity deaths that took place last week. Ed McMahon. Farrah Fawcett. Michael Jackson. And that’s largely because there isn’t a hole in my heart. It’s not that I’m an ice queen. Not at all. But, while these people may have come in and out of my life as entertainers, they weren’t part of my life. I didn’t know them. I didn’t know their thoughts, feelings, dreams. I didn’t share family gatherings with them. And I wasn’t in the know when most major events happened in their lives (until the media told me I should know). And so, while I feel bad for their families who must mourn in public. And I feel bad for the children left behind. I don’t necessarily feel sadness. Based on what many of you have said on your blogs and Facebook updates, I know I’m in the minority. But, I know at least one other blogger who shares these feelings. And she states her case quite well. {credit: Punch It In}
Icon! Despite my feelings about Michael Jackson’s death, one thing is for sure: he was a pop icon. Chere wrote a very thorough tribute to the King of Pop. His presence was felt on stage, on CDs, on the radio, in movies and around the world. Her post got me thinking. I do indeed feel sadness. But, that sadness is directed towards his life more than it is his death. The brutal spotlight that was on him for most of his adulthood (not to mention living in the spotlight his entire life). The pounding pressure he must have felt. The shame he felt when he just didn’t seem to fit in with mainstream society. And while many people were looking forward to his comeback tour, the odds were great that it would never exceed all our expectations. That he’d leave us shaking our heads in disappointment. During the height of his career, he set a damn high standard and I’m not even sure the King of Pop himself could beat it. And so, in death we celebrate a man’s lifetime of accomplishments instead of the stumbles towards the end. {credit: Teasingly Diverse}
And that’s all I have for you this week. Partly because Michael Jackson dominated the news and airwaves this week. And mostly because I was so busy with work and starting physical therapy for my elbow that I was somewhat absent from the blogosphere. Here’s hoping everyone has a really fantastic long weekend (for those lucky enough to have a holiday on Friday). I’ll see you on the flip side!
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:21 am
You are not alone. I feel the same way. Celebrity deaths don’t upset me at all. :( Well, I do feel compassion for their family, but I don’t dwell on it.
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:32 am
It’s not even close to being over. Someone still has to make an MJ tribute song!
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:47 am
MJ was a troubled soul. I think you can see that in many aspects of his life. I see it so clearly through the self-imposed mutilation of his face and body. He was clearly not happy with what God gave him.
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:16 am
I have to agree with you on your first point. I’m not sad about these deaths like I am sad over my grandparent’s deaths. Or, like you said, someone close to me. I feel bad for the families, but I’m not personally mourning. Besides, MJ will live on through his music. My son will know all about Thriller and Bad and all those other good songs.
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:33 am
I always want troubled stars to get it together. But sadly, sometimes they don’t.
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:14 am
I actually agree with what you’re saying. For me it’s more the memories that were formed listening to his music and that will forever put a smile on my face.
I hope your physical therapy goes well and that elbow heals once and for all! Have a wonderful weekend lady!
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:21 am
I totally agree. It’s a sad situation and so unfortunate how damaging the public eye can be. I’ve heard quite enough about it and am ready to move on.
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I hope that elbow is back to its full elbowiness super quick! Have a great holiday weekend!
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:38 pm
I do not mourn the deaths of most “icons” or “stars” as we have deemed them. I mourn the reflection of memories that were created while listening to the songs. I remember and think of how cross generational and influential music and particularly MJ’s music was in my family’s lives. I can think of my siblings, my mother, and my grandmother all watching the same music performance, listenting to the same songs, and buying the same albums. Not since the era of “Motown” or similar music label has there been such cross generational music that can pull all family members in the same way.
I agree that some folks have taken it too far with being so involved in the lives of “stars” as though they are personal friends, however, I think it sad that a whole generation of people are missing out on a potentially bonding experience through quality music and family bonding time.
That’s just my 2 cents!
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Aw, thanks for the shout out lady :) I don’t know how much of a minority you’re in, it must be pretty strong. And I think it’s healthy! I normally don’t have much reaction to the news of celeb deaths, but MJ’s touched me in a way I wasn’t expecting. I think (like somebody said earlier in the comments) it’s just sadness for the pain in his life and then feeling like a bit of all those happy memories you made is gone. You don’t realize how pervasive his music was until you stop and think about it. If anything good is coming from this, I think people are holding closer to their families. I like what Dee said about the bonding experience families can have over music. Definitely something to try and make a priority!
Enjoy your weekend!
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Have a great weekend and a happy 4th Nilsa! I just picked up This Is Not The Life I Ordered from the library this afternoon and am halfway through it, I already have a few people I want to pass it on to. Thanks so much for the recommendation.
July 5th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
I’m with ya. Thanks for the music, Mikey… but I’m not gonna cry about someone I didn’t know who may or may not have touched little boys.
Though, the best line I’ve heard about the whole thing is that Michael’s dancing with James Brown now. ;-)
July 5th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
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July 5th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Michael Jackson was all over the place. I will always be a fan of some of his music. Especially the early stuff. Check out this week’s People too, they did a nice issue almost totally dedicated to him. But along with liking his music, I can’t help but really feel bad for the guy seeing him change so much.