Michael Jackson’s death has had a huge impact on me, and of course just about every other person in the world. Bob Marley was the only other entertainment icon, whose passing caused me such sorrow. In both cases, I’ve collected and continue to reap benefits from the real legacy they left behind. Yes, I knew I’d catch your attention. No doubt you want to know if I’m some ‘secret scandal’ of Michael, perhaps a personal disclosure of another Billie Jean or Dirty Diana?
Sorry to burst your bubble. I’m just one of the countless ordinary folk who grew up listening to and being influenced by his amazing music. And as a result, I simply have to share my thoughts. I’ve been writing this since his death but just haven’t been able to complete it until today, Tuesday July 7, 2009 the day of his Memorial Service. I couldn’t let this day go by without revealing the share of his legacy that I got.
For me, MJ’s real legacy is the powerful, deeply meaningful and magical music he shared with the entire world. There is no doubt that this man, through his song deserves his iconic position as one of the few individuals who have walked this earth to have touched the lives of young and old, across so many different cultures.
And if for nothing else – I’ll be happy for the culturally sensitive and educational rather than mindless videos and messages he spread through the medium of music. The images of faces of the world’s most marginalized and vulnerable peoples have been branded on my mind since my youth. His messages were supposed to be entertaining, but most were in fact vividly challenging with either a plea or rebuke toward eliciting transformation.
Hence my claim of his legacy. No he was no great Christian leader like Martin Luther King, but his messages were no less powerful. A comparison of the two would be unfair, but their intention to bridge and transcend the boundaries of Black or White were the same. They have long ago been my personal aims as well. And yet, it is still painfully evident that there is no bridging or transcending where we do not admit the painful and shameful conditions of life of both races – across the world.
My share of the legacy came through such songs such as:
We are the world
Man in the mirror
Heal the world
Black or white
Earth Song
They don’t care about us
Michael Jackson’s music exuded his keen understanding of global issues including but not limited to – Race, Poverty, Peace, Sexuality and Environmental Issues. Who could remain unmoved at the sights of the faces of the poor, who live in the worlds most economically dis-advantaged and destitute places. Who else was able to take these images into our personal space even when we shun the day’s bad news. I know I was never untouched by the graphic images, and they helped to stir my Christian commitment to service to humanity – no matter their race or religion.
So thanks Michael, you’ve left me with a remarkable share of your real legacy – the capacity to see and be moved to compassion for the world’s destitute and vulnerable, the children, elderly, women…and they are not just of my race, or colour. Thank you.
And I’ll not sit here and pontificate without saying you’ve been more than a prophetic voice challenging us. Brother you were just downright Bad in the way you got me and countless other teenagers of the 80′s to move and groove. And for me, those days (like every generation claim) were good days. There were for me the days when I just danced like there was no stopping, and the worries of the teen years are hardly remembered for me to this day – all lost in the haze of the endless dance. And again, I thank you for helping me mold and shape that special gift God gave me and helping me give expression to the rhythm of my soul.
So moonwalk good my friend, as you glide away physically. You remain forever enmeshed in our minds and hearts. King of Pop, you asked Will You Be There? So sorry we can’t be there with you, as you spin and stomp your way to your destination. While some speculate about where that is, I have no time for that. God alone decides, I’ll instead spend the time making sure that I put in action what your music challenge us to do as I try to ensure I find my place with God.
Rest In Peace,
Marvia