Michael Jackson’s Memorial Distasteful: Paris Exploited
By Kara
Let me begin this post stating that this post is out of complete respect for Michael Jackson. He was a great performer and, like many others, I grew up listening to his music. I am very saddened by his passing, and my thoughts are with his children and loved ones. I am very quick to defend him when people question his actions, as he lived under circumstances the average person couldn’t possibly fathom. However, I am disturbed by the constant media coverage of his passing, and it is getting out of hand. Although his death was tragic, there are actual events going on in the world that are incredibly important to the state of world affairs.
Right before Jackson’s passing, the most important event were the protests in Iran, but now we hear nothing about it. There are people who are being arrested and dying for protesting against an oppressive government, yet all we can think about is a singer’s death? That doesn’t sit well with me. This week there were very serious riots in China which, subsequently led to the Chinese government shutting down Twitter, Facebook, and censoring the Internet even more than it already is, but again the news stations instead cover the memorial service for Jackson.
To take it to a whole other leave, the memorial service itself was a little bit over the top and felt completely staged. It felt like it was more about the people involved in the show than it was about Jackson. It was especially tasteless when Jackson’s daughter, Paris, spoke. This child has just lost her father and people are literally shoving her in front of a microphone in front of millions of people. People are over-crowding her, touching her hair, re-adjusting the mic a million times, and it looks like they’re all trying to get into the shot. Then once they force her to speak, the first thing Janet says is “speak up” when we can hear her just fine and then when she does speak up, she tells her to “speak into the microphone.” They don’t even give the poor girl a chance to say what they’re forcing her to say. When she finally breaks down, instead of hugging her they re-adjust her microphone.
If you want her to have any chance at a normal life let her mourn away from the public. Personally, I think her relatives should be ashamed of themselves. It looked more like they were herding her to the microphone than supporting her.
I think people need to remember who Michael Jackson really was including the good and the bad. If there is new information that comes out about him, the media should cover it within reason. However, there are other things that are newsworthy, and the media has a responsibility to actually discuss it. When magazines say “Rest In Peace Michael Jackson” while discussing his drug abuse it is distasteful. Do what you’re saying, let the man rest in peace.
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with me? Vote in our Michael Jackson poll now!
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- Prince Considering A Michael Jackson Tribute Performance
- Videos of Speeches and Songs at Michael Jackson’s Memorial
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Friday, July 10, 2009 12:19AM
You don't understand media. they are not about sympathy, they are about excitments (negative or pasitive) and ultimately about ratings. Also, don't forget that for the most part the rest of the world, specially the west and Euroupe don't give a damn about what happens in Iran if it does not serve their purpose. So don't expect too much. If your purpose it not their's, you are on your own.
Friday, July 10, 2009 12:22AM
How can you talk of democracy when you censor the comments people post?
Friday, July 10, 2009 12:26AM
Beleive it or not, there are more people in the world that Care about Micheal Jackson than they so about Iranian Lives and well being. Micheal Jackson's media coverage will be more than the 8 years of Iran-Iraq war where near 1.5 million died. face the reality and smell the coffee.
Friday, July 10, 2009 12:31AM
I do agree with you on many counts. I was a huge fan of Michael Jackson, especially the Jackson 5.
I also think that this post needs to be the last one out there for him to rest in peace. We've said goodbye and can continue to personally mourn but we need to bring our attention to what is currently happening in order to make a collective difference for the future.
I, however, disagree with your take on Paris and her family members. Yes, it was odd for all his children to be hidden all this time with masks and blankets, then all of a sudden have their debut on TV in front of millions. However, I don't believe she was pushed into making her comment on how her "daddy was the best father you can ever imagine." She was the second eldest and the only girl so I can understand her need to grasp onto one more chance to shout it out loud (as a daddy's girl).
As for her family members behind her, instead of wanting to be in the spotlight – I saw all of their hands reach out towards her as comfort while she said those last words. Yes, Janet could have been a bit more sensitive about speaking up into the microphone but this was a family who was trained to be professional in the spotlight. So even if they are in pain – just as Janet was at the BET awards, they'll be damned in their own minds if someone else communicates with the audience better than they do. Those hands reaching out to their niece or granddaughter was an offer of strength. I didn't notice them adjusting the mic after she buried her chest into Janet, but I did see Janet escort Paris off the stage after she broke down.
What WAS tasteless was bringing that kid from Britain's Got Talent to sing Smokey Robinson's "Who's Lovin' You." Ugh. That, and Joe Jackson plugging his new record label when asked about the death of his son at the BET Awards.
Friday, July 10, 2009 3:41PM
Okay I read your post and I I still don't understand how you think it was tasteless. The family as a WHOLE just lost their brother, son, uncle, father. They all hurt so very much. Paris wanted to speak. They wouldn't have forced her if she didn't want to. And oh yeah those "people' as you say that were over crowding her were her FAMILY! you know the jacksons? They were supporting her. What's wrong with you dude?
Friday, July 10, 2009 6:36PM
There is starting to be a backlash against the perceived over coverage of Jackson's death. In a recent Newsy.com video, coverage of Jackson's death by the news media was analyzed. Don Lemon of CNN said that the criticism pertaining to the over coverage of Jackson was "elitist." Michael Wolff of Vanity Fair said "I think that this is going to be the story of the year, if not of our time." If Wolff is talking about ratings, then he might have a slightly plausible point… I certainly hope he isn't talking about significance. Still, at the end of the day, ratings have shown that audiences are interested in this story. And while the news media provides a social service, it is also a business.