Michael Jackson; A 21st-Century Advocate

Why is it that Michael Jackson’s story has touched so many of us, most especially the media and CNN?

Is it because from the onset, they have seen their own journalistic standars challenged through the TMZ Breaking News Report?  Or is it because producers saw a ratings opportunity they had to be a part of with millions tuning in? 

Is it because the greater-than private life of the largest publicity icon has now been exposed for everyone to see when previously, not many could have dreamt of witnessing  head-on?

Is it because despite the controversy, the exhuberance, the make-up and sparkled sequined $20,000 plus, price-tag  jackets, Michael truly was an exceptional human being gifted beyond any other contemporary recording artist alive?

No matter the views, the critiques, the doubts, Michael’s story is a too-close -for-comfort, blown-up reflection of success and stardom made in America.  If we are honest, we in America  can see our own personal struggle, our own hopes, our wishes and dreams for uniqueness, power, fame, victory, and money all wrapped in one story that ended up in tragedy.  If this can happen to the KING, then what about the rest of us? 

An ending almost too real to understand, to phantom, to imagine the degree of pain such an incredibly gifted talent and visionary prodigy could have been living under.  Makes our own personal issues seem frail, uneventful, and not that challenging or bad afterall.  If this is the exchange to fame, who wants to accept that burden?

In all, details behind his celebrity veil give the rest of man an answer to the price of fame, the price of living for material gain, for befriending individuals with no spiritual connection for had there been more of these around Michael, perhaps he would have gotten help and even would have learned to love himself the way millions love him.

The specifics with his years of pain and struggle in accepting his identity, of being unable to be at peace with himself, his years of sleep disorders where a Dr. Death was incharge of “putting him down and bringing him back,” makes anyone with a heart empathize with his anguish, sadness and trauma.  No one can blame the drug use for it was all supported by others who knew better.

After all that Michael gave, his philanthrophic contributions, his music and creative force that changed and transformed the music industry, the video world, the black and white integration of soul and pop with lyrics that touched the globe, he remains in all of us a child who was forced to grow in an adult-driven world.

We owe Michael the beautiful feelings he shared with us, the rhythms and messages he’s left behind and the lesson that if we are to make this world a better place, we must look at ourselves and make a change with ourselves first.

For those of us who believe in a higher force, we know Michael is singing and dancing above.  Having seen and experienced the love he fougt for,  we will always appreciate  the  commitment, perfection, and God-given magnificence he shared in his soul with all of us.  He paid a price, but he also lived the passion he was brough to this world for.  May he be resting and glowing in God’s Kingdom Today. 

The world will always miss you Michael; your spirit will live on like you once said.

Advertisement