Michael Jackson: Born to Entertain

Since Thursday, June 25th, 2009, when we all learned that Micheal Jackson was dead, I've been listening to news reports on the radio, reading the papers, watching broadcasts and following blogs. On most, the consensus is the same: poor, poor Michael. He will be sorely missed.

I've been trying to log this entry for just as long. I mean, what can you say that hasn't already been said? Everyone, for the most part feels the same--sad. Numbly sad. So every time I try, I stall; get the proverbial "writer's block," then move on to something else, vowing to finish this later. Well, later is here. So I guess it's time for me to just spit it out.

A different perspective...

A source I routinely connect with who was working on MJ's tour building back drops called and chit chatted with me about how he felt. Wow. What a different perspective. Despite how well and vibrant reports say MJ looked, my source noted that he looked frail and skinny--except when he danced. Then, he came alive.

Nevertheless, MJ's death leaves as big a mess as the controversies surrounding his life. For example, the promoters lost $85M on tickets that probably need to be refunded. But who in their right mind would want a refund? The sentimental value of having one of those tickets is priceless--definitely on the "conversation piece" list, and equally, the monetary value of those tickets will be phenomenal if not already.

There is also a $20M price tag on the investment of the sets, all the people connected who didn't get paid won't, and many jobs will be lost.

But here's a thought: as it's said, "the show must go on." So why not show recordings of the preparation of the concert on a big screen; add some other aethetics and clips from the past and present and have a few celebrities show up and do a tribute? That way, people still get paid and memories from the experience by workers, performers and fans will last eternally.

Megastar...

Cartoonist, Mike Luckovich, is under the gun for his sketches of MJ in life and death. The most profound one to me, which shed light on just how big MJ is/was/always will be, is the one interrupting the Savior's second coming for a Michael Jackson update. That's big. And so not far from reality. In fact, the word "megastar" was created to describe MJ some time after he started his solo career because he had become so successful.

Bad taste...

As I sit here still watching and listening to clips and stories of MJ's life, especially about his debt and personal struggles, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth, all the leeches surrounding him sucking out of him of any chance of normalcy. His addiction to narcotics, the controversies and finally his death..I can't help but note, Michael was just tired.

Unfortunately, this is one of the most numbing, historical tragedies that I've had an opportunity to live to witness. That's not to discount the indescribable events of 9/11, the senseless assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger or any other worst calamities of this century.

MJ's death is uncomfortably tragic in the sense that it seems that despite all his giving and kindness, his entire life was riddled with pain: emotionally, physically and mentally.

Self-imposed defeat?...
There is one thing that unnerves me to the core: everyone is looking for something or someone to blame. I get that the pressure from the media, family, fans and work was over-the-top. But at what point do we take accountability for our actions, behavior and seek help? If you see that being around little boys gets you caught up, untangle yourself from the web. If you become addicted to narcotics and your love ones plead with you to get help, surrender. If you find yourself changing from a cute little black boy to a distorted, white man, seek counseling. If you see your finances slipping from under you, make some adjustments.

Abuse or desperation...
Fingers are consistently pointed at Joe Jackson for pushing MJ into his Neverland fantasy. But when I think about celebrities: Tiger Woods, Venus/Serena Williams, Beyonce, Michael Jordan, Mike Tyson or any person who succeeds at what they do, I conclude that it takes practice, dedication, commitment and persistence to the craft to become "the King." Afterall, isn't that what they all strive for? And even though our parents might push a little harder than "normal," was Joe's intent to catapult all his children toward success abuse? Or a father's desperation to save his children from the poverty he endured most of his life?

In some interviews Michael says it was because of his father that he became the star he was. In others, he claims the abuse made him want to succeed to get away. But, from the many biopics of the Jackson family's rise to fame, inclusive of the hard work, the kids are laughing, singing, dancing, playing outside and interacting with other children their ages. What more did they want? Friends? Overrated. In most large families, your family members are your friends. I'm living proof. Did they not want the fame? Did he not want to sing and dance or be in a position to afford to do all the good he did?

As parents, don't we all want success for our children? I find myself wondering, if Joe Jackson said f%$k it and left him to his own notions, would he have become the legend he was? I tip my hat to Joesph Jackson. He did everything he could, the only way he knew how to provide for his family.

Throwed or Genius...
"He didn't have a childhood." That statement is overrated, a cop-out and justification for MJ's mental seclusion on fantasy island and bizarre behavior with animals and kids. But did his weirdness classify him as "throwed" or did it just bolster him to the genius category? After all, Einstein, Freud and Beethoven were considered off, but geniuses nontheless. Yes, he occasionally walked around with a damn monkey around his neck, but MJ also broke several world records during his career. You decide.

In or out...
Was MJ a closet homosexual? Who cares?!

Born to entertain...
Of all the songs that have been playing on television and the radio, one that has been playing over and over in my head is my favorite Jackson song, "We're Here to Entertain You."

When we were tiny little boys
We used to dance, we used to sing
Before we even learned to crawl or walk

As we grew up, we didn't change
Somehow we knew, right from the start
We'd love the spotlights and the stage
Because we were born to entertain...

...he did that. Sleep well Michael.

Visit my other blogs: www.thawriter.blogspot.com, www.thagagg.blogspot.com.

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