Of course the hot topic has been the passing of Michael Jackson. It was shocking to say the least and yes, I was saddened to hear that the entertainment icon was deceased. Generally, over the course of my existence (27 years), I’ve loved his music. I remember listening to my dad’s Thriller record as a kid, especially every Halloween since it was so apropos. I have loved his videos (Smooth Criminal is still my favorite) and to this day I believe he produced one of the best pop songs ever (Billy Jean). I always wished I could dance like him, and that the sidewalks would spontaneously light up one day like they did in the Billy Jean video.
It's interesting to watch the 'news' to see how his life in retrospect is being covered. I use the word 'news' lightly since it's hard to take CNN seriously when their "In the Situation Room" segment consists of two lawyers and a celebrity pundit discussing Jackson's alleged will. If "In the Situation Room" was intended to be modeled after issues discussed in the White House's own situation room, then I'm fairly certain they missed the mark since a celebrity's will and testament is likely not on the agenda for Obama and his Secretary of Defense.
I digress. The news, the fans, and the fellow celebrities have called him genius. Some have called him tragic. For every high note Jackson hit, there seemed to be an equally low and controversial one, and all of this is being played back for us like a record on repeat. Everyone agrees he was incredibly talented but his life was flawed with personal issues that often played themselves out in the public sphere.
I have to admit that while I haven't subjected myself to this constant news reel (in fact I've made efforts to avoid it) it has all made me take pause and think about my own mortality. How will I be remembered, and how do I want to be remembered? I don't think I'll be remembered as an icon in any industry nor will I have the buzz of scandal keeping my memory alive. There won't be biopics done on me or roundtable discussions disecting my every move through life. I'd like my memory to be much more subdued and simple than that. I don't feel like my life has to be spotlight-worthy. I just hope that if I can approach each day now with a smile (even if it's a small one or tired one) and laughter from the heart that the contentment reaped will be palpable and remembered. I never want my family and friends to doubt the love I have for them or to question just how much I embraced life. It's because of my family and friends that I can give life a big hug every day that I'm on this crazy and wonderful ride. I can only hope that for everyone, even if you're just an icon in your own world.
It's interesting to watch the 'news' to see how his life in retrospect is being covered. I use the word 'news' lightly since it's hard to take CNN seriously when their "In the Situation Room" segment consists of two lawyers and a celebrity pundit discussing Jackson's alleged will. If "In the Situation Room" was intended to be modeled after issues discussed in the White House's own situation room, then I'm fairly certain they missed the mark since a celebrity's will and testament is likely not on the agenda for Obama and his Secretary of Defense.
I digress. The news, the fans, and the fellow celebrities have called him genius. Some have called him tragic. For every high note Jackson hit, there seemed to be an equally low and controversial one, and all of this is being played back for us like a record on repeat. Everyone agrees he was incredibly talented but his life was flawed with personal issues that often played themselves out in the public sphere.
I have to admit that while I haven't subjected myself to this constant news reel (in fact I've made efforts to avoid it) it has all made me take pause and think about my own mortality. How will I be remembered, and how do I want to be remembered? I don't think I'll be remembered as an icon in any industry nor will I have the buzz of scandal keeping my memory alive. There won't be biopics done on me or roundtable discussions disecting my every move through life. I'd like my memory to be much more subdued and simple than that. I don't feel like my life has to be spotlight-worthy. I just hope that if I can approach each day now with a smile (even if it's a small one or tired one) and laughter from the heart that the contentment reaped will be palpable and remembered. I never want my family and friends to doubt the love I have for them or to question just how much I embraced life. It's because of my family and friends that I can give life a big hug every day that I'm on this crazy and wonderful ride. I can only hope that for everyone, even if you're just an icon in your own world.
No comments:
Post a Comment