It is not so much shocking as it is sad regarding the death of Michael Jackson. In a way the American media has blood on its hand as they are partly responsible for the death of a music icon and legend. But in all reality, who believed that Jackson could live to be an old man? That was a fate he so desperately tried to fight.
Instead of recognizing Jackson as a musical creative talent and genuis, the media potrayed him as someone sick and weird. In reality, Jackson was an amazing humanitiarian who had donated more to charities and raised more money for foundations than any other entertainer in the business. He just happened to be a bit eccentric due to the child abuse he suffered and the illnesses that came shortly thereafter. The media refused to see him as "normal" and single-handedly tore his reputation apart. It was easy to do; anyone who could look the way he did didn't deserve to be taken seriously. He became a side show act and the world forgot that he, like everyone else, was a human being in deep pain.
Those who surrounded him allowed him to become the recluse he was. Instead of seeing the plastic surgeries and the Neverland Ranch purchase as a cry for help, they encouraged it. What he needed was therapy, but even his own family was so dysfunctional that they couldn't step in and help.
I imagine that when you are so famous as Jackson was, your perception of reality becomes blurred. You are surrounded by people who never tell you no, and when someone does, you can immediately dismiss them. Unlike Britney or Lindsay, Jackson had a raw natural talent that couldn't be argued with.
The allegations and trials caused Jackson to turn to prescription meds more so than ever. I'm sure all the touring and dancing did take a toll on his body and he used painkillers for that, the stress probably pushed him over the edge. I've been hearing interviews from his friends saying that after the 2005 trial, he was just a shell of a man.
I wonder if his death was really an accident, or if Jackson was just tired and ready to go. Maybe he didn't "fear" dying like Elvis as Lisa Marie blogged. Maybe he wanted it to be this way, to go out on the verge of a "comeback" tour but how can you comeback if you never really left? I don't know how many times I've been in the club and an MJ song comes on and totally kicks the energy up in the room a notch. It doesn't really matter now. What matters now is that we celebrate and remember him for what he contributed than who he was in his private life.
I highly doubt that in 20 years we will be remembering Lady Gaga for her contributions to the music industry. Jackson's music is timeless and will be for generations to come.
While he is finally at peace I just hope that he is truly having the last laugh as all those residuals will now most likely help to pay off at least some of the surmounting debts and help take care of the children he so dearly loved.
Rest In Paradise Michael and thank you for your music, talent and all that you were.
