It has been a while, yes?

Alright. I know whenever something this huge happens there’s going to be a lot of controversy, there are going to be people who care more than others, of course of course. But there are some attitudes surrounding Michael Jackson’s death that are just simply silly. I honestly don’t feel that most of them are worth responding to, because the people expressing them are just looking to ruffle feathers and I’d rather not encourage that. I will, however, give my opinion here, where said feather-rufflers can’t deface it.

I’ve seen lots of people calling Michael Jackson nothing but a child molester and a freak. It even hurts me to type that. How anyone can ignore the simple fact that Michael was a musical and cultural icon, that he gave us timeless music, escapes me. Can any of the people saying they’re “glad” that Michael is dead really honestly say that they’ve never enjoyed his music? They’ve never imitated his dances? No, they can’t. He was (and still is) synonymous with American music and culture, and should be remembered and respected as such.

I’d have to be blind to deny that he became eccentric and, yes, his appearance became somewhat zombie-like. But can you say that you wouldn’t get a little wacky if you never had a single memory of being a normal person? Being a superstar since you were 6? If you never got to go to a grocery store or a bar, never got to meet people on your own? EVER? I know I would start to lose a few screws. People like us can’t possibly fathom that kind of fame. If we can’t fathom the way he lived, who are we to judge how he responded to it? Nobody, that’s who we are. Until you’ve lived your whole life in a fishbowl with millions of people watching you, and until you’ve changed the face of music and culture as we know it, then you should keep your judgemental mouth shut.

I don’t know whether he did anything wrong or not (actually I highly doubt he ever touched a child inappropriately in the first place, but that’s another discussion), the bottom line is this: it doesn’t matter. Everyone has their shortcomings. You’re not perfect. I know I’m not perfect, and when it comes my time to die, I don’t want to be remembered for my mistakes. I only wish that I had the opportunity to do something so incredible that it would totally overshadow any mistake I may have made… and Michael Jackson did that. I suggest getting down from your high horse for a second to respect him for the legend he was, and is. At least for a damn second.