Michael Jackson: The passing of a pop icon

June 25, 2009, was the day the earth actually stood still. Television ratings for CNN and other news networks went through the roof. It was the day that the internet literally shut down because of the tens millions that sought more information about Jackson’s sudden death. Though this page is specifically for religious issues in the Charlotte area, I felt that my first article should at least acknowledge the man who became the “King of Pop”.   Michael Jackson seemed to validate, at least in part, the authenticity of the American Dream. 

He went further than anyone could imagine. He climbed higher than the human eye could see.  He spread his wings and soared above issues of race, creed, or color, sending the barriers of prejudice and intolerance crashing downward engulfed in flames. And with only his great talents and sheer willpower, he set the world on its toes and made us dance; more importantly, he taught us how to dance together as a nation, as a planet, regardless of our skin tones. But no more. Thursday, June 25, 2009 at approximately 2:26 p.m., Michael Jackson spread his wings for the last time and flew home.

He left no note, no words of goodbye. He only left us his music, his dance, his videos, and his memory to console us. We have cried, and some of us are still crying, we have mourned and some are still mourning, we have done all that we can do to shake the pain, the shock, and the dismay. But the grief hasn’t really left us. We watch his videos and smile, then we sob again because we know he won’t be back. We play his CDs and sing at the top of our lungs, and then we slump in a remote corner, whispering “I miss you Michael”. And those who didn’t care for him, those who hurled the accusations and spread the rumors, may ask, why are his fans in such disarray over his passing. But the answer is simple – because when Michael died, he took a piece of us with him and just as we can’t have him back, we can’t have that part of ourselves back again either.   He represented our high school days, our graduation parties, our wedding receptions, our Friday nights on the dance floor, and our children’s births. We took him and his music everywhere with us and he helped us get through the bus ride to school and the long days at work.  

No matter how hard the task, no matter how bleak the situation, no matter how cold the night was, no matter how lifeless the party was, Michael uplifted us. When we couldn’t sink down any lower, he caused us to get up and bounce Off The Wall.  When we fell into despair, he helped us to Beat It and when we lagged in boredom, he gave us a true Thriller. And just when our hopes sunk to the bowels of the earth, he showed us how to walk on the moon. He wasn’t merely an entertainer, he was another part of us, a part that we couldn’t touch, yet we could feel him. We couldn’t always see him, yet we could always see ourselves in him. You see, every Michael Jackson song brought back a memory, a joyous thought from some aspect of our lives.

And now, things will turn ugly; they have already. Allegations of prescription drug abuse, addiction to painkillers such as Demerol, track marks on his body, and requests for another autopsy by the Jackson family, will no doubt cause further speculation concerning Michael’s death. And although his memorial service on July 7th was very moving and recieved great praise from journalists and viewers alike, Paris Jackson's tearful declaration that Michael was the "best father you could ever imagine", proved to be the most memorable moment for many. But there may be more trouble on the horizon for the Jackson family.  The possibly of custody battles over his three children and his estate because of his will purposely omitting his offspring’s’ mother, only adds to the media frenzy. And in the process, his perseverance as a pop icon will be challenged and his legacy may not go untarnished.  Many have said that it is already severally tarnished due to alleged molestation charges and improper acts with a minor in 1993 and 2004. Despite a settlement in the 1993 civil case and Jackson’s acquittal in 2005, critics have basically said that Jackson made his own bed and now he had to lay in it.  But even after being found not guilty of all ten counts against him, serious doubts concerning Jackson’s innocence continued to swirl in the minds of many. 

A good amount of this doubt was based on the outcome of the 1993 case. The very nature of the charges leveled against him was virtually impossible to overcome in the American public eye. But in Jackson’s defense, during the criminal investigation, Dr. Stan Katz, mental health professional, spent hours studying Michael’s profile and thoroughly interviewed Jackson’s accuser. Dr. Katz‘s  assessment was that Jackson did not fit the profile of a pedophile, but rather, that Michael had regressed to the mindset of a 10 year old.  Michael was once quoted as having said, “Before I would hurt a child, I would slit my wrists”. He also made it clear that, “Everyone who knows me will know the truth, which is that my children come first in my life and that I would never harm any child”.   On another occasion he stated that, “When I see children, I see the face of God. That's why I love them so much. That's what I see”.  

No matter what derogatory statements have been made against him, Jackson’s influence on both American and international culture can not be denied or ignored.   And now, his legacy and memorabilia is expected to surpass that of Elvis Presley and Graceland. Reportedly, Michael’s CDs are selling out all across the planet. His talent and success may never be equaled. Even religious leaders have recognized Jackson’s unique greatness and have acknowledged him. From the Reverend Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton, to the Vatican, words of praise, salutation, and honor have been showering down. According to a Rueters Blog headline from June 26th on FaithWorld, “The Vatican daily proclaims Michael Jackson immortal – for his fans” (source - http://www.reuters.com/ - June 26, 2009 news tag).  

Michael once said “The greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work”. Here is a true master at work

Here is my Tribute to Michael Jackson on Youtube -

Though my articles will deal with religious issues from this point on, I thought this topic was worthy of writing about.  I will be starting a series of articles on the topics of spiritual abuse and dangerous doctrines within Christianity that affect the Charlotte area, beginning this weekend.

Be sure to follow my blog at www.waynesfinalword.blogspot.com