Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jul 13, 2009 Letters
Dear Editor,
On June 25, 2009, the world was shocked to hear that Michael Joseph Jackson, affectionately known as the King of Pop and MJ, had died of cardiac arrest at the age of 50.
Most persons thought and indeed hoped that it was a rumour, only to be wrong. In the days immediately following his death, tributes to MJ and sympathy messages to his family and friends flooded the media and internet. Almost everyone felt and continues to feel a deep sense of loss at his passing. Most of the persons with whom I have spoken said that they felt like they had lost a member of their own family. This statement speaks volumes as to the impact Michael Jackson had on this world.
He is arguably the greatest superstar and entertainer to date. The world could not help but love him – from his rags to riches life to his boyish good looks and deep sensitivity. Quite apart from this however, Michael Jackson was an avid humanitarian, a quality which is reflected in his songs like Heal the World, Human Nature, Black or White, the Lost Children and the Earth Song.
Personally, one of the things for which I am most grateful to him is that his music was always clean and positive. Indeed, it is ironic that his ‘Thriller’ album is still the best selling album of all time, given the trend of vulgar, suggestive and violent lyrics that pervade popular music nowadays.
I have been fortunate enough to be able to read and watch most of the tributes to MJ, particularly those about his life and career, including those by my fellow Guyanese.
However, apart from paying tribute to the King of Pop, as a young person, I feel compelled to share with my peers, some observations and indeed some life lessons which have resonated with me following his death:
* Stay away from drugs in any way, shape or form. Even prescribed drugs can be fatal if abused as seems to have been the case with Michael Jackson and as was most certainly the case in the death of Heath Ledger;
* The concept of freedom can be as much a curse as it is a privilege, particularly freedom of the press. I firmly believe that the press and tabloids indirectly contributed to the deaths of Michael Jackson and Princess Diana. I do not think that any of us could truly appreciate an iota of the pressure put on celebrities – the interviews, the photographs and the need to have every aspect of their lives publicized and embellished. I believe that it is for this reason that Michael Jackson, in his own unusual way, tried to shield his children from the spotlight and why he himself attempted to live a private life surrounded by children, although controversially, since they embody all that is uncomplicated, non judgmental and innocent;
* Rumours and rumour mongering will get us nowhere. We oftentimes take for granted the impact one rumour can have on someone, particularly someone who is sensitive and who is being teased about something that they themselves consider being a flaw;
* We should feel comfortable with the way we were created and no one has the right to make us feel any less. The need for us, especially young girls, to conform to the ‘skinny and fair’ trend is nothing but a farce which is propelled by the media.
In fact, recently, critics had cause to comment on an L’Oreal magazine cover which had a picture of Beyonce looking more light complexioned than usual. This inevitably led to rumours that she ‘bleached’ her skin, a report that has not been confirmed to date. This trend of bleaching one’s skin has serious health risks including thinning of skin, acne and scarring. The situation has gotten so bad in Jamaica that the Government launched a campaign called “Don’t Kill the Skin” in 2008, aimed at young girls. In the USA, the skin lightening market is a major industry and the main ingredient of most creams and serums – hydroquinone – is very dangerous. In 2006, the FDA proposed a ban on it because it was deemed a cancer causing chemical after being tested on rodents;
* Every child has a right to have childhood experiences be it going to school, socializing with friends, playing and just being a kid even if they are talented. Their talent is not going anywhere and can be gradually harnessed as the child matures and is better able to handle the consequences of that talent or fame;
* With the pace of the world these days, life seems to be all about work, school and fun. However, we should make the time to help the less fortunate or join a cause. If we all did this, perhaps there would not be so much hunger, poverty and bloodshed in the world today.
I find it most fitting to close with this stanza from the song “Heal the World” written and composed by the late Michael Jackson:
If you want to know why
There’s a love that
Cannot lie
Love is strong
It only cares of
Joyful giving
If we try
We shall see
In this bliss
We cannot feel
Fear or dread
We stop existing and
Start living
Thank you Michael Jackson for the decades of great music and entertainment. It is my fervent hope that you will finally be able to rest in peace.
Nazlah Williams
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
Apr 19, 2024
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