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Michael Jackson, hero?
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Michael Jackson at the White House (1984)
There's been some recent debate about the media's coverage of the death and life of pop superstar Michael Jackson.
Some say its been lurid and focused too much on reports of drug abuse, allegations of child sex abuse and, of course, well-documented strange behavior.
One critic of the coverage suggested possible by racism at root because when Elvis Presley died way back in 1977 the media supposedly focused on his legacy and talent and not his drug abuse and other problems.
Well, just saying it doesn't make it true. The fact is the media spent a lot of time and ink looking at the sordid side of Elvis' life.
Like Elvis, Michael Jackson was exceedingly talented and that talent should be celebrated and honored. His talent, after all, did come from God.
But that celebration of his talent and his life has sometimes veered toward hero worship.
It may depends on your definition of a hero. If you describe a hero as a role model to be emulated, Michael Jackson would not seem to be the obvious choice.
In all honestly, like Elvis, Michael Jackson's life reads more like a cautionary tale of excessive indulgence and the ultimate emptiness of celebrity.
This is not to denigate Michael -- or Elvis -- as human beings worthy of love, respect and prayers. Certainly no one can judge either of them.
But it's important, I believe, to be careful regarding our choices of heroes. They reflect our values.
Our culture places much value on attaining legendary fame and fortune -- to the extent that, among some, acquiring them is deemed heroic in and of itself. But real heroism has nothing to do with those flashy, but ultimately unreal, things.
Real heroism inspires. It is the teacher who takes extra time with a student, the firefighter who runs into a burning building, the parent who sacrifices for a child. Real heroism is sometimes celebrated -- but, unfortunately, usually isn't.
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