I want to praise some outlets in the American media for their remarkable restraint in not over-covering the death of Michael Jackson. For example, I just tuned into the Travel Channel, and not a word from Anthony Bourdain! Also, on the Food Network, they were checking out American diners, and tastefully ignoring Jackson’s tragic passage into ForeverLand. Likewise, on the Outdoors Channel, the smallmouth bass fishermen on lake Ocheewonka went about their business with admirable dignity, never once uttering MJ’s name.
Over on CNN, MSNBC, FOX, NBC, CBS, ABC, E, Comedy Central, etc. etc. etc. — it was a slightly different story. ELEPHANTS! Crying family members! Fans with MJ tattoos! Elephants with MJ tattoos! Matt Lauer with an MJ tattoo! Crying elephants! A parade with a coffin!! Hysterical crying fans with elephant tattoos! CELEBRITIES! MUSIC!
As John Lennon said when hearing of Elvis Presley’s death: “Good career move.” I say, let the poor man die in peace, already. This is unseemly stuff. Thankfully, nothing else is going on in the world, so our major news outlets can focus on what’s really important.
Reportedly, when Jackson was asked in 1992 about what he would want at his funeral, he said: “It’s going to be the greatest show on earth. That’s what I want. Fireworks and everything.”
Check.
