The stuff of legends....

So, as much as I hate to admit what a big baby I am, I will proudly say that I teared up yesterday upon hearing of the tragic death of Michael Jackson. Let's face it people, the man was a musical genius and anyone who disputes that is just naive. He was also a freak, which actually shouldn't surprise anyone who actually takes note of the geniuses of our culture. Prince, a prime example, Picasso, John Lennon (who was said to actually be a really huge ass), Madonna, Einstein, etc.....the list could go on. Eccentricity sets these people apart from society, but I feel like as far as MJ goes, he caught it more so than most. Maybe it is because he had no semblance of a childhood to speak of that he lived the way he did. In my opinion, he more than likely flocked to children for several reasons, the first being that they didn't judge him like those of us who were old enough to recognize his oddities, and second because he could genuinely make them smile and know that they had no ulterior motives. The man more than likely spent 75% of his time trying to figure out who was trying to use him for fame, fortune, or both. I can't imagine what that level of infamy could do to one's nerves, especially when you never knew anything different. The boy was 6 and changing the face of music forever. None of us will ever know that glory or that hardship, the weight that was put on his shoulders, and one he took on because he genuinely LOVED music and his fans. I know that my childhood was shaped by him, and let's face it, I'm in the younger generation. I can't think back to my time as a competitive dancer without thinking of one of my classmates doing a routine to Billie Jean. I remember thinking, "I want to dance like THAT." That's what he did; his dancing and his music inspired generations. I have every confidence that even beyond the grave, Michael Jackson will continue to inspire young artists.

Now, for my five second rant. I would never presume to tell someone that they HAVE to be a fan. Michael's life was plagued by enough controversy to sour anyone, and I know that. But somewhere along the line in this 24 hr news cycle world in which we live in, where we're encouraged to speak our minds constantly, we seem to have forgotten all manner of tact and decorum. A family lost a son, a father, a brother, an uncle, and a friend. For those people who have nothing nice to say, I want to suggest that they say nothing at all. It is infuriating to see such negativity spewed forth from judgmental people who never knew the man, and assume facts that were never in evidence. I hope for all parties that were close to him that they will avoid the media at all costs, simply so that they can find some peace in this tragic loss that came far too soon. To Michael; may you finally find a peace that you never had in your lifetime. You were one of a kind. Moonwalk it up there :)