Celebrity Obsession

You are in my head girl. When the news broke, for me, I was saddened, I will admit. MJ was a significant component of my growing up - as far as the soundtrack to my life goes and my decisions to go into the music business. But a day after, I was feeling very cranky about the whole thing - because here we had all this news over MJ and Farrah even, but not even a significant portion of our news dedicated to the real atrocities that are happening all over the world. Hundreds of thousands of people died the day MJ died. Nobody but family sheds a tear for those unsung heroes, ravished refugees, starving children, abused women, innocent civilians or casualties of war. Some say its because we don't connect with them like we did with MJ because he was all over the media in our faces - a celebrity, and these other people are just nameless faces on the other side of a world most of us really know nothing of.

What does it take for people to stand up and show indignation over the injustices that are taking place with regular citizens just like them? When the tragedies are on our own doorsteps? When we are physically in pain? Every time this issue comes up I think of one of my favorite quotes by Thomas Paine "My country is the world. My religion is to do good." And I hope. I hope. And I hope some more. What should we do?

What you both have said is exactly what I have been discussing with my friends. There are more important and crucial stories in the world at the moment that it seems a shame to have to watch helplessly as the numerous channels of the American media is clogged with reports of Michael Jackson and his life. But all that aside, I have grown tired of hearing the hundreds of people who have suddenly popped up claiming that they have been behind Michael all this time. I remember not too long ago Michael faced numerous counts of accusations that need not be listed. While these events were happening I heard many people rip his reputation apart as though he was never an idol who changed the world with his music. And now that he has passed away these same people and other previously invisible supporters are all rising up to announce how Michael changed their lives or how his music moved a nation. Like a friend of mine put in: "There is something disingenuous about a person who re-negotiates their relationship with someone once they have died." I remember the night after Michael had passed away, I went out with my girlfriend to some local bars in the city. It seemed as though every car that drove past us were playing "Thriller" and shouting praises to Michael Jackson. I do not recall such praises when Michael was down on his luck in terms of celebrity reputation. No disrespect to Michael, he was not my favorite but I did like some of songs. As for the rest this story, I would just like all these useless reports and shout-outs to stop. It has gotten tiresome and I think it is time to move on, people.