Despite the controversy surrounding him, Michael Jackson is undeniably the greatest entertainer of all time. His combination of Rock and R&B created an unprecedented genre of music. His music appeals to blacks, whites, hispanics, asians, Christians, Bhuddists, Muslims, atheists, men, women, and children. He is the most famous person in the world currently. His music is not boastful or rude, and isn't loaded with curse words. Some found his movements vulgar or offensive...that's reasonable. As for other allegations against him, I believe he was just a confused child. Even into his adulthood, he was child-like. These are psychological issues that I'd rather not delve in to! But to be an artist with as much influence as he had, I am a fan because of the words in his music. His songs speak about healing the world, looking past racial boundaries, and making changes within yourself to be a better person. Who can argue with that?
For me, Michael's music is a part of who I am. Those who know me well know I was a dancer for many years as a young girl. Though I'm not technically a dancer anymore, when you love something as much as I did it never leaves you. All of those hours in the dance studio were spent learning and creating new dances to Michael Jackson's music. Dancing was my life. The people at the studio, my team mates, my teachers...that was it. It consumed my thoughts all the time. His music ran through my veins. I remember when I learned how to moonwalk and I still can today! Most of my early memories that have defined who I am would not exist if it weren't for his music. I am deeply saddened that I will never get to experience him perform in person and that we will never have a new album from him. Some people are awestruck by the works of Van Gogh or the compositions of Mozart. For me, Michael was like my Mozart and I respect him because of the art he created - his personal life is not a factor in that. If personal lives were relevant to artistic ability...there would be no art! Van Gogh makes Michael Jackson look like John F. Kennedy. (Who, by the way, also had a questionable personal life)
What makes me so passionate about this is not Michael Jackson just as a person. I don't know him. My day to day life isn't going to change because he has passed. My passion is the binding force of music. When you create something like he has, the world sees past the hate, greed and prejudice of their everyday lives and takes a moment to simply listen. Music crosses all borders and speaks all languages. It reminds us that we as people are one.
Though his reputation was questionable, his positive impacts are undeniable. I wish people could have just given him a break and let him create and make beautiful art the world could enjoy. I hope that his legacy is his music and philanthropy and not his controversy. Rest in Peace, Michael.
"In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with dispair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe." - Michael Jackson
No comments:
Post a Comment