Michael Jackson's Funeral
I’ve been debating on when to write an entry about the death of Michael Jackson and the media spectacle we have turned his funeral into. I gotta tell you that I am not shocked, mad, happy, disappointed or even agitated about how the media has covered Michael Jackson over the years. When Jackson was alive he was ridiculed for being who he was and mocked time and time again. Now that he is dead there are several organizations and people who are trying to profit from such a dire situation. From the person who is currently selling domains on ebay to those that are selling tshirts with his face on the street corner, capitalism is in full effect. I personally feel that our country always tends to appreciate an individual’s contribution after they have passed away, but while they are here we beat them down to the lowest points even if the slightest mistakes are made.
I live about 30 minutes from the Staple Center, where the Michael Jackson funeral reception is currently taking place. While watching NBC today it was mentioned that our state is currently fronting the bill for the security at the Michael Jackson estate, the Forest Lawn Cemetery as well as the Staples Center. Currently the state has spent $4,000,000 for the security alone, which consists of police and private security personnel. Our state is deeply in debt, but I have to say as a fan of Michael Jackson I feel his family has done us justice to provide people around the world with an opportunity to celebrate and morn such a creative force. Our state will stay deeply in debt, regardless if they fronted the bill for security or not and I could care less about politics right now. I do feel that the $4,000,000 could of gone to public programs for helping kids, but then again that’s purely political.
I didn’t know Michael Jackson, but I will continue to reflect on the fact that I had a chance to go to one of his concerts when I was younger. I remember going with my mother and seeing green smoke on the stage. That’s about all I remember as I was so young, but it definitely is a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life. Rest in peace Michael Jackson, you’ve definitely lived life and helped a great deal of people.