Michael Jackson's Uncensored Obituary

Michael Jackson’s sudden death has drawn the world’s attention all at once onto him likely for the last time. Michael Jackson was unquestionably one of the most famous and admired music icons of the modern world, sharing that pantheon only with a few (e.g. Elvis Presley, The Beatles or Madonna, come to mind). He was a prodigy: a massive-media, pop-culture version of Mozart, only deeply admired worldwide by the rich and the poor alike. And while I understand the fans’ admiration, I myself never was one of his followers. Perhaps because of the objectivity this might confer me, throughout the course of Michael Jackson’s life I couldn’t help the feeling of pity for him. For while Michael Jackson is the prototype of the music idol, whom all the kids and teenagers (and sometimes even a little older ones) imitate and see as the role model, for this very reason he also is an example of the worst abominations of our times. Because he is the pinnacle of modern fame, he also exemplifies in the worst form possible how public attention can corrode a human being.

Michael Jackson was a great pop musician and dancer but he was also a victim of his time. Physically and psychologically Michael Jackson was a freak. He was an eternal child trapped in childish dreams completely unable to understand a world that worshipped him. Now everybody remembers him but only a few days ago he was alone, locked in his Neverland world. In reality, this was not just a bad ending, it was also a bad beginning. Michael Jackson was alone for most of his life incapable of leading a normal life behind the scenes. But this was not the fault of his family and friends. Nor was it his own fault—how could it be, if he never had a choice? Again, Michael Jackson is a product of his times, the result of the unconditional love and admiration of millions who followed him since he was a boy. His case should give us food for thought regarding the values of modern society and the relentless aspiration to fame. Goodbye Michael, may you find peace finally.