Comments on: Michael Jackson R.I.P.

By: Mitch

Mitch — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:47:12 +0000

The thing is that people want to buy Michael Jackson stuff right now, so it’s up to marketers to give it to them. I even put a DVD set of MJ videos on my other blog, although I was thinking about it because I’m going to buy them myself in a week or so. I think it’s funny that I have all that stuff already, all the albums, and I actually have all the videos, but on videotape, not DVDs, of which the entire dynamic has changed. There’s technology for you.

By: Sue T.

Sue T. — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:14:28 +0000

Of course it’s a scary question to think about. I think about all that I’ve been doing, what I’ve been working on to be more healthy… went yesterday made sure I stocked up on good foods I was doing that already but I’m talking about renewing my resolve to continue to work on my personal health. I had other thoughts about this matter too.

Specifically the following: (I put this in my network this morning)

Not that I’m surprise by this but … plenty of companies are already cashing in on Michael Jackson’s death.

I was watching a video last night and a little blurb at the top of the screen says “Get this song as your ringtone”… dial blah blah… then, the smaller fine print said X dollars per month.

I thought… here it comes, the whole emotional frenzy of purchases brought on by companies who understand that this type of thing will bring them mass amounts of money, if they approach it properly.

Heck, the records stores probably are swimming with people.

But, what’s properly? When the fans are so emotional right now with all the feelings and memories triggered by his death. It wouldn’t take that much … like childsplay.

I don’t know that I think that’s … right.

By: Mitch

Mitch — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:00:33 +0000

Yes, this makes us question our mortality, especially when we’re close to that person’s age. As I’m nearing the verge of 50, and then, after hearing that another kind of well known guy, Billy Mays, passed away today at 50; what’s with these other 50 year old men passing away? Yes, it does make up question our own mortality; and it’s a scary question to think about.

By: Mitch

Mitch — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:57:14 +0000

Very nicely written, Sue, and I really appreciate the evaluation of it all. I didn’t cry myself, but I was deeply sad. It’s amazing how we feel, sometimes, like we know some celebrities better than we know some members of our own family. Sometimes, these celebrities bring us much more joy than some of our family members; maybe that’s a part of it. In any case, thanks for what you’ve written here.

Of course, I still have to read the other two messages.

By: Sue T.

Sue T. — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:34:55 +0000

I’m back!

I’m glad he’s in a place, where he will be eternally happy now. R.I.P… You’re free. (MJ)

The other thing that comes to mind for me is, does something like this make us question our own mortality?

We could be gone in an instant. Not under Michael Jackson’s cirumstances (or maybe, you never know) but an accident or … some unforseen “something”.

By the end of today I started to think, wouldn’t this have us considering our own mortality. I have …

I mean, look at this man. Acheived all these things and he was, sadly, a mess.

What about the rest of you? I am in no way inferring that anyone here is a mess but what are the things we just assume will be there?

That’s not true. History tells us this isn’t true, yet we tempt fate all the time and take for granted the time we have and what we do. I’m not saying all the time, I am saying I think it happens to some of us, some of the time.

I think it’s a very interesting thought process…

By: Sue T.

Sue T. — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:52:23 +0000

P.S. Today though, if I haven’t said it above here, I feel a little sad at this loss. It’s a shame… it really is.

By: Sue T.

Sue T. — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:38:34 +0000

On Friday I was talking about this at work and I wanted to know why people cry when someone famous like this passed. I thought it was an immense shame, but I didn’t feel the need to cry.

Over the next few days, radio stations, MTV, and a couple other tv/radio stations began playing the wide array of music that he had done.

One by one, memories started coming back in my mind about different times in my own life and where I was at the time. I watched the videos with great reflection on Michael Jackson’s behalf. If that’s possible…

He was conditioned by an abusive father to be the best. To practice until he got it right. At least these are the stories I’ve heard over the years. His focus was to be “the best singer”, “the best artist” … fame … recognition. All things he was taught were important. And he certainly shinned, didn’t he? I think so…

I watched these videos and I thought about how he never learned the simple things. The things we may take for granted. Although I know he had charities and things the he contributed to. “For himself” as an individual… it seemed there wasn’t very much. You know, as a human being.

Loved by millions, not loved by one. And he was a corky fella… You could see his style in the many video’s I watched, the fire, the dedication the impecable dancing and singing… truly masterfull.

Yet… here’s this guy… bringing so many memories to other, solace from some things and memories from different times, which has now come from his passing and he has to go, in this way… senseless. A waste …

I have a favorite song that he did when he was married to Ms. Presley. “You Are Not Alone” … that song brought me to tears the first time I heard it.

I wasn’t looking out or “for” any new releases of any kind. I kind of heard the music and took for granted the massive amount of talent that he had.

I think this is a good reminder to not let life slip through our fingers. To not take things for granted… and to not assume because someone has wealth and fame, that they’re happy.

I’d take both Myself… happy and wealthy… not necessarily fame, that has it’s own issues.

But… I have to say, now that it’s sunk in a bit… I understand more why people cry when someone like this young fella passes. And make no mistake… he was a young fella. 50 is not old… not in this day and age with people living longer lives.

They hear a song, they’re in a certain place, it brings back memories for them and that hope and that talent is gone. They have an emotional attachment to all that this person has acheived in their life. This guy, meant “something” to so many people… for so many different reasons… I can see it now. It took me a couple days to absorb the whole thing but…

I see it now.

I’m glad he’s in a place, where he will be eternally happy now. R.I.P… You’re free. (MJ)

Sue T.

By: Mitch

Mitch — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:47:12 +0000

Absolutely, Marvin, and I’m still listening to his music again today, feeling like I just continue hearing more and more messages I might have missed before.

By: Marvin Leach (BlueFetcher)

Marvin Leach (BlueFetcher) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:05:02 +0000

With a father that was a singer and went to motown in the 60’s, I feel like a childhood friend has passed. I could not have said it better than your post Mitch. Isn’t it so amazing how many subtle messages about the man-child we can detect in his song’s now that he’s gone? His death rocked the world!!!

Rest in peace! Michael J. Jackson.
Marvin Leach (BlueFetcher)´s last blog ..Top News Stories

By: Mitch

Mitch — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:13:02 +0000

I’m with you on this one, Sire. I really wanted to hear how his upcoming concerts were going to be, and was betting there was going to be a great live recording coming at some point. There’s still an album to be released also; I’m looking forward to that. But I wanted so much more to come over the next couple of decades; oh well, I can live with the memories I already have.