I always feel weird when I see a headline like “Michael Jackson Dies.” Dies; like dying is just one of those things he does. Something he makes a habit of including in his life. Sorta like, “oh, watch out for that dog, he bites.” But maybe it’s appropriate, because let’s not forget, on top of his many contributions to entertainment, MJ is a crucial part of the history of zombiehood.
So yeah, once in a while, he dies. It’s just a little more permanent this time.
I’ve seen some people acting nonchalant about this. Complaining that the story is dominating the news ahead of local or political stories. But come on. This is the bottom line: the arts are a crucial part of history and of what it means to be human. Michael Jackson was a crucial part of the arts; he created the best selling album of all time, for fuck’s sake, and let’s not forget his influence on dance, music video, and style as well. Therefore his life was of great importance, and his death is a globally signficant event. Billions of people will be affected by it. It’s ignorant and naive to think that the media and individuals shouldn’t be covering this and allowing it to affect their hearts.
Also: it’s useful to keep in mind that while his contributions to humanity are not in dispute, his evil actions involving children are. He may have been a very bad person. He may not have. Maybe now we’ll never know.
Look at Elvis’s death. It’s still talked about and disputed today. And I wonder how long it will be before the rumours about Jacko’s death start; “evidence” that he killed himself, or he was murdered, or that he’s still alive. Careers will be made impersonating him. Maybe in a decade, one of his kids will end up marrying the current Queen of Pop. In any case, he will live on; cheers to one of entertainment’s greatest zombies.
Edit: See also:
Phronk.com 
Comments
22 responses to “Michael Jackson is Dead”
It kind of seemed like he'd always be around… It's Thriller time…
LikeLike
It kind of seemed like he'd always be around… It's Thriller time…
LikeLike
Although I was never really into his music, I always had sympathy for the guy. He didn't have it easy, and if anything he was someone that clearly needed help but because of his stature could never really get it.
LikeLike
Although I was never really into his music, I always had sympathy for the guy. He didn't have it easy, and if anything he was someone that clearly needed help but because of his stature could never really get it.
LikeLike
One of the fairest and well written blogs I have read on his death. Well done!
LikeLike
One of the fairest and well written blogs I have read on his death. Well done!
LikeLike
Very nicely said!
LikeLike
Very nicely said!
LikeLike
He does have this image of immortality.
To be honest, I guess I am one of the nonchalant ones, but I do remember MJ being the subject of some disputes with my hairdresser…on his sexual preference (before the Neverland Ranch scandals). They made for great fun, because it amused me that a flaming MJ fan did not like the rumour I made up, that MJ was indeed gay. (I suppose repression makes sense in Alberta).
Ahh well. RIP MJ.
LikeLike
He does have this image of immortality. To be honest, I guess I am one of the nonchalant ones, but I do remember MJ being the subject of some disputes with my hairdresser…on his sexual preference (before the Neverland Ranch scandals). They made for great fun, because it amused me that a flaming MJ fan did not like the rumour I made up, that MJ was indeed gay. (I suppose repression makes sense in Alberta). Ahh well. RIP MJ.
LikeLike
hahaha thriller time!lol
priceless
LikeLike
hahaha thriller time!lolpriceless
LikeLike
It is a little more permanent this time, indeed. I keep thinking it's a really cruel joke or something.
LikeLike
It is a little more permanent this time, indeed. I keep thinking it's a really cruel joke or something.
LikeLike
It feels weird and sounds weird that he is died. I can't believe he is gone but his music lives. I remember playing the childhood game MJ's Moonwalker on the Sega Genesis. That was a bad ass game. I wished I was able to still play that game.
LikeLike
It feels weird and sounds weird that he is died. I can't believe he is gone but his music lives. I remember playing the childhood game MJ's Moonwalker on the Sega Genesis. That was a bad ass game. I wished I was able to still play that game.
LikeLike
Well said!! I must admit, I was kind of annoyed this weekend because every radio station played MJ and nothing else. I am a horribly selfish person… I know…
LikeLike
Well said!! I must admit, I was kind of annoyed this weekend because every radio station played MJ and nothing else. I am a horribly selfish person… I know…
LikeLike
My favorite thought has been that the Thriller video could now happen for real.
LikeLike
My favorite thought has been that the Thriller video could now happen for real.
LikeLike
Yes!!!! Dear God YES!!!!! A real Thriller would be AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!
LikeLike
Yes!!!! Dear God YES!!!!! A real Thriller would be AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!
LikeLike