MJ Mania

Yesterday, the so-called "King of Pop" was eulogized at a memorial service in downtown Los Angeles. While watching the live feed of the memorial service at work, I could not help but find amusement in what turned out to be a media circus instead of a real memorial. For the record, I admire his artistic genius, the way his music inspired others, and the way he gave attention to social needs around the world.

I find it so ironic that millions of "fans" around the world were crying at the loss of their musical "hero" when just a few years ago, none of them would have gone out in public to defend and support him during his several legal troubles involving child molestation. Where were these so called fans who were seen on television weeping and lamenting when Michael Jackson pulled one of his many strange antics in recent memory?

And then at the memorial service, there were a few things that stood out to me. What right did Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson have in speaking at MJ's service other than the fact that they played basketball in the same city where MJ lived? And what the heck was Magic talking about when he claimed MJ made him a better point guard?

Of course Al Sharpton had another one of his moments when he elevated MJ's contribution to the civil rights movement on par with or surpassing that of Martin Luther King Jr's. And he proceeded to say that "there was nothing wrong with Michael Jackson" and turned a memorial service into a rant about racism.

Then there was the price tag on this entire show: $3.5 million. And who would fit that bill? Why, no other than the near bankrupt City of Los Angeles. Nevermind the city closed down a 6-lane freeway just to transport MJ's hearst. After all, it isn't like LA suffers from the worst traffic congestion in the US...(that was sarcasm if you didn't get it). At a time when LA and the state of California faces one of its worse budget crisis that threatens to shut down the government, at a time when jobs such as police officers and teachers are being shed so quickly, the thoughtful family sends a $3.5 million dollar bill to city officials (again, sarcasm). The argument that such a large public event will produce a net economic gain for the city is misplaced since statistical economic analysis of large sporting events have marginal economic benefits. But that is besides the point.

And then the media coverage has been laughable. Is it really "breaking news" that Paris, MJ's daughter, said he was the best father imaginable? Is that what journalism has come down to? At a time when hundreds are dying in the worst ethnic fighting in recent memory in China, when genocide continues to happen in Darfur, when Iran's political situation is still illegitimate, Paris's remarks is what CNN calls breaking news?

At the end of the day, I'm sick of all these "fans" worshipping MJ as if he were God incarnate, without blemish. It was mortifying hearing Al Sharpton tell a revisionist version of MJ's life, that his kids had nothing to be ashamed of regarding their father. Regardless if MJ wasn't convicted of any of the child molestation charges (note: multiple allegations), you cannot possibly say that he's completely innocent when he reached a $20 million settlement with one of his allegers. If you're innocent, why cut a deal with the accuser? Then there's the baby dangling issue, his multiple facial reconstruction and skin issue, his mismanagement of his finances leading to enormous debt, and the list goes on. Yes kids, you have nothing to be ashamed of...just like every child in this world has a perfect dad (again, sarcasm).

Yes, yesterday was a memorial service, and in memorial services, its important for the family and friends to bring closure to the loss of a loved one. And I respect that. I do not argue that it must have been emotionally difficult for the family, especially the children. But to make a memorial into some political, revisionist, and often inappropriate charade (note the horrible performance by Mariah Carey, who wore a rather overwhelming outfit that exposed just a bit too much of herself) was more humorous than anything else.

The world lost an iconic entertainer for sure. But let's not make him out into a saint in the midst of the mania that has somehow swept across the world.