A makeshift shrine for Michael Jackson is seen outside the O2 arena in southeast London, Tuesday, June 30, 2009, where he was scheduled to play 50 shows from July 2009. Now that the reality of Michael Jackson's death has sunk in, some Londoners are assessing the economic impact of his sudden departure and they don't like what they see. The demise of the pop legend means the cancellation of 50 planned shows at London's 23,000 seat 02 Arena, which was sold out for the long anticipated Jackson run. Some replacement events will be scheduled in their place, but the loss of the superstar means lots of empty hotel rooms, half-filled restaurants, and quiet nightclubs. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Michael Jackson was not known for a particular sensitivity to many of the principals of ecology and green living in the way he lived his life.  He kept wild animals in captivity, treated his chimp like a child--until it got too big-- and was knows for a lavish lifestyle that is inconsistent with sustainable living.  He did, however, apply his evocative artistry  to concepts essential to the spirit of conservation in some of his work.  In his videos Earth Song and Heal the World, his words and the production of the song show a surprising awareness of the abduction of the earth resources. The videos explore the resultant suffering for children and the "common man." The videos also portray our estrangement from the land and from wilderness.    

While Jackson's life and legacy may always be peppered with controversy, his world-wide influence is undeniable.  It seems appropriate at this time to appreciate those contributions which will continue to inspire millions for decades to come.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MICHAEL JACKSON - Heal The World -