R.I.P. Michael Jackson

[The Germanator]

Deathshand is right here and it makes complete sense. One dead person = One dead person (for example http://www.time.com/time/health/arti...808049,00.html, everyone has the same value of human life), BUT the guy who died today has a record that went 20x platinum. That is a ridiculous amount of people who have heard, enjoyed and were influenced by his music and his presence.

I don't think anyone is sticking up for the idea of celebrity exactly in this case, when there are things like genocide still happening in the world, but to to be aghast that major news networks are covering this and that many people are upset or at least interested in this is pretty damn naive.

[KillerGremlin]

I agree with DeathsHand and Germy...

I guess to further elaborate, I think it is ironic that Western civilization (you and me) spend millions of dollars on celebrities we idol (we buy movies, music, TV, things that aren't necessary for survival) while there are kids starving around the world, thousands who die daily (families making less than 2 dollars a day, walking 5 miles to get dirty water to drink).

Then, when a famous celebrity dies in this country we look at death as a tragic thing, yet every day we brush off the fact that thousands of starving kids die daily, we really just ignore the fact.

If there has ever been a social juxtaposition, this is it.

The underlying lesson here is life is precious, and don't take what you have for granted.

The obvious lesson is celebrities, athletes, politicians, etc. become idols or heroes that transcend family and friend-relationships which is why so many people feel touched and grieve when these famous people pass on. I have been moved by George Carlin and Bernie Mac, for example, which is why I felt very emotionally touched when they passed away.

Life is strange....

[C.H]

While i don't think this thread should turn into a discussion of morality in contemporary society, but every society has had celebrity deaths which by nature gather more attention than other deaths. Obviously one can comment on the proliforation of celebrities today, and question the validity of them occupying the public eye, but i think thats perhaps better of in a seperate thread.

Certainly suprised by this, i know he was planning a big comeback tour in the UK. I'm not making any conclusions on the various accusations hes had, but he hasn't done himself any favors in last 5-10 years. Which is a shame because it will likely tarnish his legacy in music. Whatever fans say about him, you can't dangle a baby outside a hotel window and not permanently alter your public perception.

Still, some good music.