Triumph and tragedy, the life and death of Michael Jackson

A comment on western pop culture, Michael Jackson’s death has proved just as bizarre as his life. British cable’s Sky 1 broadcasted a live seance with psychic Derek Acorah, who attempted to contact the deceased King of Pop, enjoyed more than 600,000 viewers.

Michael Jackson was a microcosm of western, particularly American, pop culture. Rising to fame in the early 1980’s, the King of Pop smashed records with his records and was a triumphant figure, coming from a working-class family in an industrial neighborhood of Indiana, evolving into one of the most diverse and talented superstars the world has ever known.

But as his popularity and wealth grew, so his appearance changed, along with his behavior. The pop star would over the years make a number of bizarre moves, from his marriages to dangling an infant over a balcony. And in the midst of these public displays came allegations of sexual perversions, followed by law suits. The pop star would never be found guilty of criminal behavior but did pay dearly through civil actions.

All the while, his family hung like a noose around his neck, most notably, his father, Joe, who was seen by the public as the epitome of dysfunctional bad penny that popped-up again and again. And in the wake of his son’s death, has filed a 60 page motion to get what his son’s will cut him out of, money. Joe Jackson has leveled fraud accusations and claimed conflict-of-interests against John Branca and John McClain, the executor’s of Michael Jackson’s Trust Fund.

But Judge Mitchell Beckloff dismissed Joe Jackson's motion saying, "Joe Jackson takes none of this estate. This is a decision his son made", in effect shutting down Jackson’s challenge. Michael cut his father out of his will and bequeathed all his assets to his mother Katherine, his children and various charities.

As with so many celebrities that have found they’re way to the top, the same media that celebrated they’re triumphs, likewise championed any hint of scandal and exploited any personal tragedy. Michael Jackson was truly a very talented entertainer, singer, songwriter, and choreographer; he was also a troubled, erratic, strange, tragic clown. Sadly, he will likely more be remembered for the latter more than the former.

-- Killswitch Politick

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