There’s a fundamentally personal aspect to the end of a person’s life, one I’ve never spent much time peering into. It seems like some final invasion of privacy, something that celebrities (in particular) long ago traded away. It doesn’t seem like asking too much to give a little back at the very end.
Certainly there is always a deep impact felt upon those closest to them, but for my own part, I’ve never quite understood the imprint that celebrity deaths have upon the cultural zeitgeist. The Hobbit wept bitterly when Lady Diana was killed in a car crash – of course, she cries when the laundry goes out. But as for myself, I’d never met the lady.
We are all born, we travel through out allotted time the best we can and eventually come to the clearing at the end of the path. All of this is banal, the mystery starts where the tale ends.
But it is interesting, from a clinical perspective, to see the sudden upwelling of interest among people who share nothing else in common but the awareness that someone who had once been famous – or even infamous – is with us no longer. If you can take the common pulse by refreshing Twitter – I think you can, at least for the world that’s wired that way – you’ll note that the “trending topic” of #iranelection, which had been white hot for the better part of two weeks, has finally been thrust aside in favor of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.
I wonder what the temptation is in this sort of behavior: Some sort of communalism, a shared moment in a world grown too large for that sort of thing? Or is it a way of attaching oneself to fame at its seventh echo?
Beats me.
Update: Jonah does it better.
“Strangely Unmoved.”
My sentiments exactly. And don’t forget, we’ve got the Luau at the White House tomorrow(?) night to oooh and aah over, too. What Nork missile launch? What nukes in the Nork tramp streamer? (With the USN pathetically trailing and hailing: “Hey there, anybody home?) And what nationalization of health-care–or “cap & trade” multi trillion dollar tax on the economy? Let’s talk about the REALLY IMPORTANT things…. It’s sickening enough to make the proverbial Jackal wretch.
Tapping …
Nope, “Give-A-Damn-O-Meter” still broken.
I find myself feeling like that, too. I can’t quite understand the celebrity-worship in this country these days. There’s not a lot I see to admire in most of them. Have to admit, though, that as a younger person I mourned a bit over the deaths of John Wayne, Patsy Cline and Elvis Presley.
Check.
The only Michael Jackson who moved my Give-A-Crap Meter was the one who wrote The World Guide To Beer.
Alo/
First time I’ve ever heard of you, but you’re obviously a man after my own heart.
There was another one?
Hey Now!!
The news scared me when I first head it. The LT. on our department is Micheal Jackson. One of the squads was in a fender bender yesterday,( it was backed into at Wal Mart ) so a local radio station reported that the PD had been in a car accident. Then, about an hour later, I heard that ‘Micheal Jackson’ was dead. Got my atention. Hate to say it, but I was releaved that it was the one from California.
When I was a kid, I always wondered why girls screamed and fainted over Frank Sinatra. I’ve been puzzled ever since about the hysteria surrounding public figures, alive or dead. No sense of communalism, I guess.
As you were saying . . . .
Madonna ‘Can’t Stop Crying’ Over Michael Jackson
vs
Identity released of teen found dead in Carlsbad
Speaking of celebrity worship, fellow Californians, notice who our governator is. His qualifications were? Are?
I just figured Ahnald was not Jerry “Moonbeam” Brown. (Haven’t lived in the golden shower state for 14 years so this observation from afar.)
Lex, I think part of it is that we are accustomed to thinking on a grand scale. Tracking world events, sometimes even participating. To us, celebrities might be physically appealing, but most of them are uninteresting. We’ve bigger fish to fry.
But to some people…they don’t have much of a life. They are consumed with celebrity.
And I pity them.
Same here, strangely unmoved, while my wife was reduced to mush. Looked at me as though I’d just backed over one of the dogs.
Me: “What?”… “No really, WTF did I do now?”
Nothing, which seems was precisely the problem.
What about Ed McMahon? He wasn’t just Johnny’s sidekick. He was a full Colonel in the USMC, and a fighter pilot in WWII and Korea.
And only those who take the long look and take the time to look beyond the glitz would consider those most noble of attributes. . . alas, our culture is filled with people who know more of pop culture than of history and current events.
A great man indeed, Ed McMahon.
Of course, on a side note, I wonder if Corpus Christi will erect a monument to their daughter Farrah Fawcett now that she gone into the great beyond?
Taking nothing away from Ed McMahon, he wasn’t a fighter pilot although he was a Marine pilot, and he saw no action in World War II. However, he flew dozens of FAC missions unarmed and unafraid in Korea after he was recalled to active duty, and his service to his country stands in stark contrast to the others this country goes hysterical over.
Don’t get it either. People were out in the parking lot of the grocery store blasting his music, and watched a guy trying to explain to a kid who Jackson was. And I agree that to some this is the most important event recently.
So…do the Iranian protesters now fall of the world’s radar now? What does that say about the twitter revolution and the power of the masses?
And how long until the “Michael is not dead!”-truther movement start?
I can’t recall so many blogs that I agree with. Believe me this phenom cannot be explained by anything from the Olde Navy. The great unwashed american public has “lost it”. Ask me about the F9F aircraft or Cubi Point in its infancy and I’ll try to help.
God better help the Iranian protestors. No other source can handle the job.
Jackson’s dead. Karma.
I had a neighbor just a very short while ago get all raging angry at me because I referred to Jackson as a pedophile.
My neighbor was spittle-flecking screaming that Jackson wasn’t a pedophile, that he was acquitted of the charges.
Okay, I responded. remember when you were screaming about OJ getting away with murder?
I also don’t get it. Good, honest, hard-working people pass on every day, with little note of their death, let alone their life’s work, beyond a few lines cobbled together by a reporter filling spaces for his obituary column.
Yet a celebrity dies and the nation’s citizens go into mourning.
I find the whole thing more than obscene.
respects,
I’m sure no disrespect was intended, but it is spelled “Fawcett”, not “Faucet”.
yup, what AW1 said.
Hey, we all die. We all accomplish something important to someone.
We need perspective……
The “Lady Di” thing was a watershed. I watched the TV screen in disbelief, thinking: “If the BRITISH, of ALL people, are acting like this now, the Oprahfication of the world is complete.
Years earlier an incident in the late 70s started me thinking about all of this sort of thing. When I was in college 62-66, almost NO ONE watched the “soaps”–not even the co-eds. Life was too exciting, and we were too busy living it on our own. When we lived in Louisville in the late 70s my wife had occasion to go to a professional conference at UK in Lexington, and I tagged along as I had not seen the campus since the 60s and I wanted to see their new 15,000-seat gym. While she was in the meeting I wandered around and finally headed over to the Student Union where we were to meet for lunch. All the students–male and female–were PACKED in TV rooms watching the soaps!! I literally couldn’t believe my eyes! Not having coffee chatting with each other, meeting new people, “mingling” etc., oh no, no, no. ALL were starring vacantly at the boob tube like housewives taking a coffee break, not out of boredom, but hanging on every word,TOTALLY KEYED IN, VITALLY INTERESTED. Amazing!! The first burble, as it were, in the approach to a cultural stall. Oh, we hadn’t pulled a sudden departure from normal societal flight yet at that stage, but the very beginnings of slavish worship of the artificial world–as opposed to the real–could be seen that fall day in Lexington, Ky., long go back in the late 70s.–and I thought so at the time. None of this, NONE of it surprises me anymore, just yet another indication (as if I needed any) I’m no longer living in the universe I grew up in…
PS: I had, of course watched totally fascinated, glued to the TV set, the funerals of JFK, Churchill, and MacArthur when I was a college student. But these were real people, substantial people, who had done monumental things that shaped our world and had determined whether we were to live as a free people or as a subjugated race. Not even close to the others. “Reality” vs. “virtual.”
I may have only been a grade school kid at the time but I remember those funerals and General Eisenhower’s.
Here in Wichita, we had the coverage of the murder of George Tiller. It got worthless very fast and lasted for about ten days.
And how soon the passing of Ed McMahon, Colonel, USMC Reserve, Retired was forgotten.
I, like most of my buddies had a huge crush on Farrah,back in the day, and am somewhat sad at her passing.
jacko, I think, finally overdosed on Cocaine. What? You don’t think his nose was ruined just by too much plastic surgery.
I think maybe the connection people feel is more personal than we give credit. Farrah was an “Angel” during my teenage years, her passing brings back some memories of the time (I was much more a Jaclyn Smith fan, if she goes I may have to seek counseling
)
Michael Jackson on the other hand doesn’t jar any time capsule memories for me to care much one way or another.
Isn’t it pretty simple? People feel closer to celebrities because we in effect invite them into our homes. We watch their TV shows, go to their movies or concerts, buy their records or CDs etc. They in turn have to live with complete strangers walking up and talking to them as if they were old buddies.
The situation in Iran? Not so much. VERY important news, but do you know an Iranian or anyone in that country? It doesn’t hit most folks the same as someone they’ve “known” for years.
Next Page 1 story might be Walter Cronkite. I saw a small story in the weekend paper that he’s very ill.
Oh, and Virgil, you’re right. The way things are changing so fast, NONE of us are living in the same universe we grew up in.
The issue is that the passage of all of these folks recognizes the end of that which during the 60′s and 70′s folks thought was not going to end.( At the time).
Dude! That’s truly profound….
I cannot shed a tear either, but I think I can shed some light on why people are moved by the passing of celebs. If you had invited a celeb into your living room every week for 30 minutes (via TV) or enjoyed music and films in which they played a major role then you do have a faux relationship that borders on friend if not family. The celeb has been a part of your life and you have invested (invented) a familiar relationship. They become more real than reality. After all, the actor who played Dr Kildare (sp?) used to get letters asking for medical advice!
And in a sense there is a deeper reason. The “big names” are a piece of your time and place. Their passing does remind all (whether we consciously realize it or not) that the world within which our lives have been played out IS circumscribed. Their passing is a disturbing reminder that we too are moving to that great mystery.
Yes, there are far better and more significant people — unknown heroes — for whom we should shed tears and whose passing should be marked by solemn reflection. Unfortunately they are for the most part anonymous. Our entire world has been made possible by these unrecognized unknowns who stretch back in time for a span of millions of years.
But we are all known by the only intelligence Who really matters. And that is all that matters.
So I get a phone call this afternoon from my brother, who tells me that in his area (Detroit metro) unemployment is now officially 23 percent. But what’s the entire news devoted to?
That Madonna is crying over MJ.
I don’t get it either.
Why the fuss? Because, lacking an indigenous royal class we Americans have substituted instead Hollywood’s glitterati. Which, of course, doesn’t mitigate the fact they are still societal leeches.
- SJS
Like you, I’m not moved to grief but will still say a prayer for them.
As far as the famous though, I was most moved by the passing of both Pope John Paul II and Ronald Reagan. They actually did something big for the world, and when they spoke, they spoke to the individual.
I think the death of a celebrity reminds people of our mortality, and an early death the usually hidden fragility of life.
I always think of their families & friends. No matter what we may think of them and their lives lived in the public eye, they have parents, siblings and friends who will miss them as people, not as celebrities.
I used to be disgusted by such things.
Now, I’m just amused…
Chapter 1 closed. No tear shed for his passing. Chapter Two – And now we get to look forward to the food-fight over his estate. I’m sure the entire Jackson family while grieving in public are all getting their lawyers to start the haggling over the remains. Hyenas at the kill seems appropriate. Sad to see how much air time wasted on this “tragedy”. But – the positive – children everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief.
Yeah, little boys especially. I did read that plastic surgeons everywhere are crying…
I am a night shift Badger, so I woke up at about 1300 this afternoon. I turned on Wisconsin Public Radio, to listen to Science Friday. The news at the hour was on, and NPR said that Jackson was about to embark on a tour, to try and get his finances back in shape, as he was $420,000,000 in debt. I was not aware that you COULD be that much in debt.
Part of the disconnect, I think, is the generational gap between those of us at this stammtisch, and the mourners. For those who came of age in the ’80s and early ’90s, Jackson was a solitary figure. I don’t think “our” generation had a figure like him. Also, the ethnic gulf is part of it. In some ways, to the African American community, Jacko was like Obama (and even OJ). They are incapable of seeing the flaws in anyone who, while being black, has credibility in the white community. (also, according to Flight Lead, there are significant cultural differences in responses to illness, expressions of grief, mourning, etc, in the African American community — things that cause not-insignificant “culture clashes” between the two populations in her hospital, when you have mixes in semi-private rooms.)
There are some things, that while I don’t understand, I understand. This might be one of them.
When Farrah Fawcet arrived in heaven, God granted her one wish.
She wished for all children to be safe.
Six hours later, Michael Jackson dies…
Why should we faint and fear to live alone,
Since all alone, so Heaven has willed, we die,
Nor e’en the tenderest heart, and next our own,
Knows half the reasons why we smile and sigh?
Each in his hidden sphere of joy or woe
Our hermit spirits dwell, and range apart,
Our eyes see all around in gloom or glow -
Hues of their own, fresh borrowed from the heart.
from TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY, John Keble, The Christian Year
I would also add these words of Donne:
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manner of thine own
Or of thine friend’s were.
Each man’s death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
Perhaps I’m speaking as a child of the 80s here, but I can understand some of what’s going on because Jacko WAS music when I grew up.
He was also the King during the formative years of many of those who are in charge in the world of media (it’s a relatively young crowd if you think about it). So to them, an idol has passed.
But, I’m not broken up about it and full of wailing tears for someone I never knew either. If anything, I’m moderately glad that his legacy as an incredible entertainer will not be further marred by the incidents he continually found himself in later in life.
Michael Jackson will finally face a Judge and Jury who cannot be swayed by smooth talking lawyers, nor influenced by payoffs to the witnesses and family of the harmed. His sentence will be final, there will be no appeals and it will certainly be unpleasant.
And Swiss Bob? Classic, gotta remember that line
That was pretty good. MJ was a very short topic of conversation at work today until I brought up his, hmm, attachment to young boys. Was not received very well.
To add a little “dark humor” (hang with me for this): What do you think he said when they issued him his 72 female virgins?
Comment: It just took over night for The WON to come out an comment on the great icon Jacko was and it has been how many days to get him to finally say something Presidential about Iran? How about the lack of comment for an Army Private being gunned down on an American street, while in uniform? I don’t think he’s commented on that murder by a Muslim who already admitted it wasn’t “sudden Jihad,” but planned personal Jihad.
Society has “slipped the anchor” and is adrift…the leader, IMHO, is too.
Well, we lost two pop culture icons. One, a whole generation of young boys wanted to diddle. The other wanted to diddle a whole generation of young boys.
Byron,
Just to keep the tone low but still on the FF theme:
Whats the difference between Farrah Fawcett and Micheal Jackson?
Young boys loved to pin Farrah to the wall, whereas Micheal loved to pin……….
and
What a coincidence Farrah Fawcet and MJ dying on the same day. One played with majors, the other played with minors…
To see more of this stuff, actually much worse, the ones above are the clean ones see: http://bastardoldholborn.blogspot.com/2009/06/michael-jackson-joke-thread.html
and yes the English are sick.
I got a text at lunch: “Michael Jackson will not be cremated. He has had so much plastic surgery that his body will be turned into Legos so that children can now play with HIM”
Zane … You quoted one of my favorite poets and one of his most famous poems. And it was a reminder that in everyone there is some good that should be cherished and will be missed, by someone. Donne is right. “Each man’s death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind.” I try to remember that. Thanks for that reminder.
But now we need to get back to preventing a big mistake from happening today, from being made into a law. A whole lot of Americans will be severely taxed, and our economy further beggared if the cap-and-trade bill is passed by the House and the Senate. If you can call or email your Representative and express your opposition, maybe, just maybe we can protect our country from the results of a disastrous decision with far-reaching, long-lasting effects, all of them bad.
Marianne
Actually, I read Jonah, which was excellent, but I don’t necessarily agree he did it better.
You are a lovely writer. I will bookmark you and check in once in a while.
Now, I have to take Marianne’s advice and notify my rep again. This time I will use my dog’s name and a different mailbox. Will that work?
It worked for ACORN, it should work for you!
You put it just fine, Lex. Passing is a private thing and the fawning of the media is mere hype for their own ratings. I agree with Marianne, we all could only hope to leave the world a better place than before we arrived… and then we’re onto the next plane.
Let’s get back to the real news… please!
There is a special place in hell reserved for people of Michael Jackson’s ilk. I am not sad to see him go.
Ditto. Big time Lex.
Back to the bunker.
b2
I am sorry that his life became so sad. I must say however, that when Billy Jean came on the radio I stopped and danced to it. He was the greatest recording artist in the world during the 80′s. Nothing will change that.
For a brief moment, Michael Jackson truly was a great entertainer; something rather different from a great artist. At the time more than a few folks compared his dancing to Fred Astaire, no small compliment. And, yes, Thriller was one of the big hits of the 1980s. When you compare it to later genres such as grunge, thrash, gangsta rap, or “emo” Thriller improves by comparison.
I do mourn the man. Not in any fanboy or worshipful manner, but in regret for what might have been.
AW1 Tim’s “logic” is severely faulty. I agree that OJ was/is heinously guilty, and that he was acquitted. Does Time claim that anyone who has been charged with a crime, then acquitted is necessarily guilty? Or that any famous person who has been charged with a crime, then acquitted is necessarily guilty? If not, how does he justify his condemnation of Jackson?
One of my associates recently told me he didn’t think Jackson molested any children. He wasn’t suffering from fanboy adoration; rather my associate said he didn’t think Jackson ever had sex with any one, or any thing. He may have a point.
At the end of the day, I came to pity Michael Jackson, and (were I inclined that way) I would pray for his soul after death, considering what his family did to him in life.
MICHAEL THE NARC-ANGEL
Millions of little members of the worldwide F.F.A. (Future Followers of the Antichrist) have finally learned how to find a certain part of their lower anatomy and quickly touch it while dancing – thanks to Michael Jackson, the highest paid Lower Anatomy Toucher of all time! Special thanks also go to the Jesus-bashing, Hell-bound Hollywood moguls who were just as quick to see higher profits in lower anatomies! [Just saw this opinion on the web. Other grabby items on MSN, Google, etc. include "Separation of Raunch and State," "David Letterman's Hate, Etc.," "Tribulation Index becomes Rapture Index," and "Bible Verses Obama Avoids." - something for everyone!]