Chiming in

Due to the excessive media coverage that we have already seen, I have been trying to avoid commenting on the death of Michael Jackson. After pondering this subject for some time, I have decided that I must chime in with a few of my thoughts.

Out of pure curiosity I recorded the public memorial service that was held for Jackson on Tuesday. When I was watching the recording I began to wonder about some things.

1. It seems strange to me that the Jackson family would choose to have such a public memorial service for a man who seemed to go to extremes to protect his privacy. I've heard so many reports about Jackson hiding his children's faces behind veils and masks yet they were on full display during this event. I wonder how he would feel about the decisions that have been made on his behalf.

2. Many stories were shared during the memorial event. As I listened to these stories I wondered why this side of Jackson had never been shared with the public before. Does this stem back to his quest to keep his private life private?

3. I also noticed that some of the celebrities that spoke during this event credited Jackson with breaking the color barrier. One even said that Jackson paved the way for the election of an African American president. Although I would agree that Jackson had a major impact on our popular culture, and many people my age grew up in a world where it was not strange to see an African American entertainer on television, I think it is sad that some celebrities gave Jackson full credit for the changes that have occurred over the last 40 plus years. Many African Americans fought and sacrificed to make the world what it is today.

Michael Jackson was a wonderful entertainer. He made some beautiful music and touched a lot of people. It's great for his family, friends, fans and fellow celebrities to memorialize him. I just hope that his beliefs are being honored, and that those who share their thoughts in public take their responsibility of doing so seriously.