Michael Jackson Memorial

So, everyone in entertainment is up in arms about the death of Michael Jackson, one of the most successful performers of all time. Before I go off on my rant, I would like to say that I admired him as a musician. He was a bit odd outside the studio, but his music is timeless. Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, etc. are all prominent fixtures on my iPod. A lot of people also grew up admiring Michael Jackson. It's a big deal that he passed away to a lot of music lovers. However,  what went down at the Staples Center yesterday afternoon was complete crap.

People may think that I'm being a little bit harsh right now, but let's think of it this way. First of all, four million dollars was used to put on this memorial. FOUR MILLION FREAKING DOLLARS! This was used to pay for things such as policemen to block off four major interstates in Los Angeles, a chrome casket, and a garden on top of said casket. All of this was billed to the taxpayers of Los Angeles. This coming in a city where they are in massive debt and, oh yeah, we're in a recession.

The memorial itself was sickening as many celebrities came and paid tribute to MJ, but it seemed like a really bad award show or concert. Celebrities took their turns walking up to the podium and reading off a teleprompter. Each stare being blanker than the last. While they shared their memories of MJ, which is what you do at a memorial service, it also seemed like everyone was poised to grab their time in the spotlight. In other words, it was face time and good publicity. The Jackson family was really disturbing as all four remaining family members dressed up like they knew this would be their last opportunity to have a concert in a big, sold out arena.

To add to this madness, every major television channel carried this and 10 million people watched. The networks carried this like the president died or something. Even our war heroes and veterans don't get treated like this. It's absolutely ridiculous. He was an entertainer, not someone who was saving our life. (NOTE: MJ did give a lot to charities, but seriously, let's think about this here.)

I think the worst thing about all this was seeing the children. A huge reality check was driven home when MJ's young daughter went up to the stage and tried to say a few words about her father. She started by saying how he was a great dad and broke down crying. That's what should be remembered. A man died here, but because he was famous, he gets treated like a God. Apparently fame is everything in this world and that's a shame.