The Michael Jackson Media Coverage

An opinion I respect…

“Whenever an event like this happens, there are always complaints about the coverage–the amount of coverage, the tone of the coverage, etc. I am certainly not enamored of celebrity culture, and I actively avoid gossip rags and “legitimate” celebrity news outlets alike. Having said that: It is beyond ridiculous to argue that pop culture does not have a profound and direct impact on Americans. Pop culture affects sociopolitical points of view, the perception of morality and justice, and the place of art as a mirror of culture, just to name a few of the important roles it plays in American lives.

Musically speaking, it seems likely that his death will ultimately loom larger than, say, Kurt Cobain’s and at least as large as Elvis Presley’s. Jackson was far more well-known, far more popular, and arguably far more influential to a gigantic worldwide audience than most politicians and spiritual leaders could ever dream of being–despite tabloid-style controversies that would have driven any politician I can think of from office straight away. When it’s thought of in that light, it’s hard to see how Michael Jackson’s death could garner any less than the amount of coverage it’s gotten.” – David P. -*End Quote*

And, honestly people, do you remember the coverage after Princess Diana? Both Michael & her were worshiped. All of folks expectations & hopes were funneled into them. It shouldn’t be surprising at all. Let them mourn. Let ANYONE mourn ANYTHING they feel hurts them.

It took me forever -an embaressingly long amount of time- to get over the death of Aaliyah. I was just crushed. crushed. crushed. This time around, I’m not nearly as sad, but I’ve always felt that we should never tell people they can’t mourn or feel sad about whatever they articulate is upsetting them -no matter how big or small. No matter if it’s the death of a celebrity who they never met or the death of their goldfish. Let people be sad if they need to. That’s what I say.

And besides, media coverage sucks, we all know that. We all know they should be talking about Darfur every day & not like Britney Spears. Let’s just get over our disappointment with the media once & for all!