Michael Jackson memorial service

[Ken Palmer]

Hello. As most of you probably know, an elegant memorial service was held for the late pop singer Michael Jackson at The Stapes Center in Los Angeles this past Tuesday. It lasted approximately 21/2 hours and was broadcast around the entire globe. I myself had to work that day and was unable to attend in person. However, I recorded it through my V.C.R. by timer and watched it when I came home from work. It was really put together quite well and extravagantly. There were numerous people who sang and also gave speeches throughout the service. His brother Jermaine sang Michael's favorite song "Smile" as a tribute. But the most memorable and difficult part was when Michael's 11-year old daughter Paris ask to speak. She spoke two sentences and broke down as she said "she loved her daddy so much" and then collapsed into singer Janet Jackson's arms. I think that affected just about everybody there, men and women. I know it sure got to me! I was surpised to see that the family decided at the last minute to have the casket brought there because originally that wasn't the plan. But they kept it closed the entire service. Anyhow, did anyone see it at all? Just wondering. I am hoping I did not touch on a bad subject here. I say this because I know a lot of people did not like Michael Jackson due to either his bizarre personality or the child molestation charges levied against him in the past.

Ken Palmer

[LamontCranston]

Too much, too long (days and weeks too long, not the 2 1/2 hours). No I didn't see it.

I find it a startling contrast between the work Jackson developed between the 70's and 80's and what he did during the past twenty years.

I believe we need a public discussion on drugs, excess money and materialism destroying promising talent (and likely millions of people without talent). It happens far too often in our society. Instead we get this endless, glitzy, empty hero worship.

I also find it distasteful when broadcast entertainment outlets make profit off a tragic death. Are the ratings high due to actual demand or because there's nothing else to see with the 24 hour coverage?

I am sorry he passed and I wish his family comfort during this trying time.

[Home Nudist]

I didn't watch it either.

I am indifferent to Michael as an "artist." It's just not the type of music I enjoy. I am objective enough to say that he was good at what he did, but what he did does not appeal to me. I can say the same about Elvis and the Beatles. We don't all have to like the same thing. So, no, I don't feel any sense of personal loss at his passing.

Public personality that he was, anyone one would be curious about his many idiosyncrasies (many would call it weirdness). I won't address the allegations against him, but I can't help but wonder what kind of madness made him want to alter his face to the point of a deformity. If you came out of an accident looking like that, you'd be shopping for a doctor to fix it.

That said, the media hype around this man's death is something short of sickening. God bless and rest his tortured soul, but he was a song and dance man, for God's sake. He didn't give us world peace, or a cure for cancer or aids.

I'm willing to bet much of this 24/7 coverage is to pander to his fans -- and for ratings, as stated by the poster above.

What puzzles me most of all is how and why Al Charlatan, I mean, "Sharpton" positioned himself in the center ring of this circus. Old Al sees a camera and feels he has to jump on front of it. I wasn't aware that Michael's passing had anything to do with "race" until Al told me so. Why does everything have to do with race where Al is concerned?

I thought it was in very poor taste and disrespectful for Al to elevate Michael to the status of Martin Luther King, a true hero.

And, imagine President Obama's shock and surprise when he learned that Michael paved the way to the White House for him.

On that note, I'll retire to Bedlam.

[riptidenj]

Michael Who? No I didn't watch it. One of the Great Lessons of Life I have learned is the
Fine Art of Tuning Out. Michael Jackson, along with Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon and Karl Malden were on My List of People I Pay No Attention To. I have seen some of Michael Jackson's videos, they were well done, well choreographed, not suggestive and entertaining. I saw Farraah Fawcett in "Logan's Run" on video and once on Donahue, I watched Johnny Carson 3 times in 30 years, I saw Karl Malden in "Patton", that's it. Michael Jackson meant something to a lot of people, that's fine. My TV and radios have channel selectors and on-off switches.

[Bob S.]

While I didn't see it live, I did happen to see the part where Paris spoke, probably the most poignant part of the entire service. It just goes to show what I said previously, when it all comes down to it, this is a tragedy where three children lost their father.

Regarding the coverage, it has all to do with ratings, not necessarily newsworthiness. That is what happens in today's 24/7 news cycle. The questions about whether a certain fact is relevant or even the business of the news people or the public is ignored as everything becomes news. I was happy with how the doctor who is suggested may be the biological father of the oldest two children handled the question of his biological connection by telling the reporters, basically, that it was none of their business. And it isn't .I wish like anything the reporters will leave that story alone. It is irrelevant.

Bob S.

[Gunther Netzer]

Sorry if I conflict with people's viewpoints here, but I found the whole thing a freak show and distasteful in the extreme. I thought it was shocking the way the children were mawkishly paraded in front of the world's media the way they were and I also find that what he did in his life to be the worst part of him as a person. He's a conman at best and, at worst, well....

[Naturist Mark]

I also find it distasteful when broadcast entertainment outlets make profit off a tragic death. Are the ratings high due to actual demand or because there's nothing else to see with the 24 hour coverage?

The networks actually lose a lot of money when they drop their regular programming and commercials for these round the clock news orgies. The few commercials they actually do play (you'll note the breaks are mostly filled with promos and public service announcements) don't come close to making up for what they would have received.

So why do it?

Good question. Mostly to develop brand loyalty for their channel.

[gmoney]

Sad for his family. Other than that a waste of a week on TV.

[Croydon]

As I write this, I am actually listening to MJ songs.

I didn't watch the service b/c I really didn't care to. That aside, I love MJ. One of the first albums I ever purchased. I remember the wall of my room being plastered with MJ posters. Like many, I was saddened and shocked by his death yet I was not all that surprised.

I have always found MJ to be a troubled soul. Despite his talent, he was a lonely and troubled man. I also believe that everyone around him was out to use him. You have to ask, why didn't anyone tell MJ to stop his eccentric behavior. At the end of the day, I believe many around him followed the motto: "If MJ is making money, we are all making money." This probably explains his attachment to children and distrust for adults.

As for accusation of molestation. Remember, he was never found guilty of molestation. I don't think he actually molested anyone BUT I do believe he had an inappropriate attachment/fixation to children. Because of his eccentric personality and wealth, he was an easy target for people who are looking to make money. In fact, the young boy who first accused him of molestation ha recanted his accusation. His lawyer was recently questioned on this and he neither confirmed or rejected the claim. The man is just easy target but he is partly to blame for that as he makes himself so vulnerable and easily accessible to lawsuits.