As a student of culture, I am fascinated by the public response to the death of Michael Jackson. Driven by a media frenzy, many are left scratching their heads - Why? Similar to the world's response to the death of Princess Diana twelve years ago, I was left me wondering if MJ was indeed considered an American version of royalty - the King of Pop. Curiously, I don't remember the same kind of stage craft around the death of the King of Rock and Roll - Elvis Presley.
As Princess Diana's death overshadowed the deaths of other luminaries like Mother Teresa and Victor Frankl, so MJ's death overshadowed other deaths and news coverage. Not even the death of American presidents (save JFK) garner this kind of public attention.
So what is it that has enamoured so many about Michael?
First, his music defined the GenX generation that came to age in the 1980s. Moon walking, sequenced glove, and music/dance videos became part of the culture. In some respects he recast and continued the civil rights message of the 1960s. I thought Al Sharpton's eulogy captured the heart of this theme.
Secondly, I find it curious how many "white guys" border on being hyper-critical of Michael and this media circus. On the other hand, women and many "so-called" minorities seem to express more compassion and mercy about this broken man.
Next, in regards to the actual funeral and accompanying hype - Michael lived on a big stage. His art/craft was exhibited on the world's stage. His foibles and flaws were also showcased on the world stage. It make logical sense that his funeral would take on similar magnitude.
As an artist, Michael was extraordinary. As a person, he was broken vessel. Try as he might, he never was able to recapture his lost and broken childhood. As an adult, he lived in a place called Neverland - a place for "lost boys." Maybe this too resonates with many of the people who mourn his death. I hope he finds peace in the next life. RIP
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