Michael Jackson's memorial service: His kids remind us that he was more than a celebrity

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  Posted by missopinion Wed Jul 8, 2009 2:09am PDT

  Those children have made many aware that Michael was not just a musician icon, but a father and a person. Although he had problems, this has given a glimpse to society that even someone as high as he, can fall short just like "normal" people in today's world. People make mistakes, people can let pressures break them. And Michael was more than just a musician, he was a person. Despite what society deemed him to be in his lifetime, in the end he was jsut another person broken by the pressures and high demand of his industry, his community and his life.

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  Posted by Pat Wed Jul 8, 2009 3:59am PDT

  I watched the end of the MJ memorial and it was really sad when his daughter expressed her feeling for her father and we just have to remember that yes MJ was a little different and he did do some things that were off the wall. But he did have three children and with his passing those kids lives are changed forever.

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  Posted by Numoipre Wed Jul 8, 2009 5:45am PDT

  Michael, is indeed a great hero and a music icon and not only that he is a good father as well, so, no matter what people do or ridiculed him in his life time, he will remained great in the world history. i love him and i will continue to love him even in death.

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  Posted by Beth Wed Jul 8, 2009 7:37am PDT

  I have been saying since the day he died that people who took his lose personally really needed therapy, that they didn't really know him and their reactions were...well, crazy and they made me really uncomfortable.

  And his funeral proved me right. Those people, his friends and family, knew him. We didn't. I was struck over and over again by how different the world would have treated him if they'd had the full picture of the person he was.

  But seriously, to those that were deeply upset by his death....Therapy. Get therapy.

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  Posted by bellarising Wed Jul 8, 2009 7:41am PDT

  I saw the memorial in it's entirety and it was, thankfully, a very dignified and heartfelt affair. Given the scope and range of Jackson's international celebrity and the intense scrutiny he and his family have been under for more than a quarter of a century, I was apprehensive because I expected a media circus and unruly fans. However, it was a respectful memorial and managed to elicit a somber tone, with both moments of humor and authentic poignancy. The poem written for the service by Maya Angelou and recited by Academy Award Nominee Dana Owens (aka hip hop legend Queen Latifah) was particularly moving. For a public memorial, it was very well done, indeed.

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  Posted by amarie Wed Jul 8, 2009 8:31am PDT

  If my children wanted to sleep at anyones house i make sure im familiar with the house. if my child was staying somewhere that had locks and peep holes on doors that would be my first red flag. how would my child get out incase of a fire? i would never let my child sleep at someones house no matter who they are if they seem a little sketchy or had previously been accused of something. i think the parents who allow there child to be around someone who harms them should be charged too. (most likely the case would have been dropped) Whether Mr. Jackson did or didn't we will never know but i think it is funny of all the countries he visited poor or wealthy the only place he touched children was in the USA. doubt it.

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  Posted by Katrina Wed Jul 8, 2009 8:43am PDT

  He was a great person - and a great father to his kids. I cried my heart out when I saw the funeral. His kids have brought his true nature out as a great hero.

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  Posted by keep it real Wed Jul 8, 2009 6:22pm PDT

  Beth H, do us a favor and shut up. While people didn't know him personally, his passing is still painful and shocking because he was so young and talented. You're the one who needs therapy and maybe a dose of Jesus to get your heart and head right.

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  Posted by siri Thu Jul 9, 2009 5:46am PDT

  Beth~ Many of us mourn and love people we've never met... Even you I can bet "love" and quite possibly have shed a tear and moment for someone's passing you "never met." That "someone" obviously "touched" you a certain way or in a moment in your life when you most needed it. Losing a loved one? A breakup? A pet? Anything?

  Music... why many listen is to escape. To cry, laugh, smile... To remember a place and time that was either difficult or quite the opposite. Music, dear Beth, is one of the best forms of therapy known. Obviously not a fan nor a listener to Michael Jackson's music, you are clueless as to what talent the man had. His music touched so many because it was heartfelt and carried a message with meaning. But you wouldn't know that. You are entitled to your opinion. However, you appear frustrated, and many like you whom share the same type "feelings" need an outlet. Be mindful of those who are mourning a man who is, will forever be, a legend for his talent. And for touching millions through his art.

  Now Beth, with respect, do yourself a favor and play some music and smile. Think of someone or something that makes you happy. You'll live longer and most importantly be a much happier person. Allowing you to accept we're not "all" empty and angry individuals lashing out at those trying to mourn someone they truly loved and admired without having to actually meet "in person." Stop "trying" to "stop" what obviously can't nor will. These types comments are "old and tired." Move on Beth...

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  Posted by Beth Thu Jul 9, 2009 6:26am PDT

  No, trust me. You're nuts. And your god talk just confirmed it. You didn't know this man and your grief is pathological.

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