The Eulogy: Michael Jackson’s Controversial Legacy
Michael Jackson is dead, and the reality is starting to settle in. Finally.
[Bauer Griffin Online]
He died nearly two weeks ago, but who has had time to process it? No one. Certainly not his family. His kids are caught up in an epic war over guardianship. His 79-year-old mother is battling for control over his estate. His dad is promoting new business ventures. And, his famous friends are twittering.
Many would say it’s time to put all of that aside and celebrate only Michael’s artistic accomplishments today, but that’s short sighted. Michael was a man with tremendous talent and a complicated life. It’s ok to acknowledge that, discuss his eccentricities, analyze his legal battles, and praise his phenomenal art at the same time. To do anything else would not help us mourn, heal, or learn.
So, as we eulogize Michael in unison throughout the world, let’s remember it all — the moonwalk, the glove, jesus juice, bubbles, neverland, brooke shields, elizabeth taylor, debbie rowe, the grammys, the wiz, skin bleaching, elephant man, the pepsi fire, air chamber, lisa marie presley, thriller, human nature, macaulay culkin, diana ross, child molestation acquittal, drugs, face mask, billie jean, beat it, bad, ch’mon, we are the world, martin bashir, the oprah interview, the speaking voice, the singing voice, pyt, smooth criminal, and the balcony.
With all these memories — amazing and terrible — perhaps all Michael really wanted was for everyone to leave him alone. When you think about it, who could blame him?
R.I.P., Michael.
A classy farewell. Good job, Popsquire.
Ch’mon!
I’m just sorry everyone in the Staples Center didn’t get to hear you read it.
Jesus Juice were not his words!
It is not ok to remember shit that was imposed on him.