Michael Jackson

Just before I got to sleep last night (Algeria time, +0100GMT), there was a newsflash on the TV that reported that someone was taken by emergency services to hospital from Michael Jackson’s home in L.A. There were concerns that it does not bode well for Michael. I was woken up almost 3 hours later by a message from a friend in Singapore that Michael Jackson is pronounced dead.

An icon is dead.

After an empathetic half-century of wars, world wars, recessions and urbanization, there is a sense of dissent that creates the root of the hippie culture of the 70s that is antiseptic at the very least. To escape, people took to music as a form of solace and rectitude from the chaotic and sad world that they live in.

Up step a young black American boy called Michael Jackson who was to mesmerize the whole world with his dazzling dance moves, singing and amazing talents. In my personal view, Michael Jackson accelerated a phenomenon that is still in motion today – modern pop culture. He was the “solace” that the world had looked for after the “hippies” age. In my opinion, pop culture provided some equilibrium of sanity in this chaotic, fast-paced, overloaded world of ours.

I believe that because of Michael’s hard work, achievements and talent, he laid the foundation for many of the mega stars today to be recognized and rewarded according to their talents. These included divas like Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Tina Turner, Shania Twain and younger megastars like Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Shakira, Justin Timberlake, Robbie Williams and the likes.

When Michael sings about world peace, everyone joins in the chorus and it became the key issue of debate all over the world. When Michael shows his concern for plight of children in impoverished countries, all of a sudden, they became the center of attention. When Michael campaigned against use of landmines, everyone joins in the fight to outlaw the use of landmines.

He is the first international superstar. He is the first and biggest icon of pop culture.

Michael was a pioneer in something that world had not known until then and does not know how to correctly and fully react to. No one was ready for this and so wasn’t he! He struggled through his life with numerous challenges. It saddens me that his life turned out the way it did.

One fact does make me happy – Michael’s sacrifices and his work helped to bring about the trend of mega-stars who are socially responsible, using their influence to bring about improvements, progress and campaigned for key issues that had needed attention long ago.

Truth should be told and known that for all his quirks, abnormal behavior and strange outlook, Michael Jackson remains one of the biggest, most talented, most influential and iconic entertainers of our generation. (I would touch my heart and say he is number 1 but that is my personal opinion.)

I grew up in a world with radio playing Michael Jackson’s songs and talking about him almost every day. It will take some getting used to not having that anymore.



One Response to “Michael Jackson”

1. Hansen says:

   28 August 2009 at 11:24 am

   Indeed he was the most talented ever. No one has ever surpassed him, yet.