Michael Jackson and his death display a prime example of cultural imperialism.
When Michael Jackson was still alive, we all know how much of an influence he was, and still is, to every nook and cranny in the world. He is an African American who managed to charm the socks off the Indians, the Chinese, the Japanese, and pretty much everyone else. Watch the videos below to see why this is so.
India
The Philippines
Hmong
The Digital World
As you can see, Michael Jackson himself had influenced such a great diversity of people in his time, from Bollywood, to prison inmates, toddlers, to computer gamers. In a sense, he truly conquered the world.
Let us look at how Michael Jackson is mourned all over the world. (Some videos added after blog entry date for added emphasis.)
Vietnam
Denmark
Greece
Sweden (This video depicts the diffusion of "MJ" Culture in a pretty cool way, as you can see how gradually, the dancing spreads across the square.)
After watching all the above videos, you have to agree that in one way or another, Michael Jackson had bridged social gaps across the developed and the developing nations. One thing that all these people all over the world have in common is that they are all mourning for his death, mourning for the loss of a very talented and influential being.
During Singapore’s tribute to MJ, reporters noted the huge diversity of people who attended as well, including monks and “heartland aunties”.
It is no surprise that during this period of time when people all over the world are mourning for MJ, there is a sort of feeling of unity amongst all, as they all share the same view, thoughts, and emotions.
AP - Queen Latifah called Michael Jackson "the biggest star on Earth," and it was hard to argue when his memorial service united television networks as diverse as ABC, MTV, Fox News Channel, BET and ESPN News.
Russian News - His death united everyone. MJ fans organized actions of memory all over the world.
CBS News - This is a big world, with many remote corners where America is known only as a distant and different land. But Michael Jackson touched almost all of them.
Michael Eric Dyson (Professor of Sociology) - He brought human beings together across the barriers of race and class and gender. He projected into the world (the genius and strength) of African-American culture.
Records Statistics - Jackson's 1991 hit "Black or White" charted at number one in the Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cuba, Denmark, Finland, France, Israel, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the Unites Kingdom, Zimbabwe and, of course, the United States.
The Nation - But, as with Elvis Presley and so many brilliant artists whose lives ended after their stars had been tarnished, it will be the iconic influence - an influence stretching across boundaries of race, class, gender and nationality -- that is most remembered when we speak of Michael Jackson, and the ultimately most significant.
I shall end this blog entry with Michael Jackson's superb performance at The Grammys 1988, when he was at his prime. RIP Michael Jackson. The children of the future will learn about you in their history textbooks.
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Beautiful post. Michael Jackson was the most successful American icon. Even better than Mcdonalds and Coca Cola. He affected every individual on this face of this earth. in one way or another. Everyone has heard his name.
ReplyDeleteLive on MJ!!! forever in our hearts!!
yes nice post. his music communicated so many good messages and touched so many people. shame that he died. btw did you see on the new about an unofficial biography about him stating that he was actually gay and had two younger lovers??
ReplyDeletemessed up how even after his death people still want to talk about things that are private be it true or false....shame shame
To longlong:
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. Even my mother, who is a very Chinese Arts oriented "heartland auntie", who is only familiar with the likes of Chinese singers, Teng Li Jun and Cai Qin, knows MJ. He is truly the world's superstar.
But it is also quite sad to know that he might also be the world's last superstar, what with emerging technology that promotes piracy and the digitalization of music. A lot less people buy albums in this new digital era, and there are so many more forms of entertainment these days for humans to indulge in. Gone are the days when huge crowds of people will still go to concerts and other forms of music appreciation.
To Justin:
ReplyDeleteYeah I saw that on the news. Because Michael is so ridiculously famous and legendary, it is probable that many people see him more as fiction than fact. Perhaps they are just unable to realize that he was also a real human being with real feelings. We are so used to seeing news and tabloids about him, it is almost like reading a storybook about him.
Michael Jackson no doubt is one of the pioneers, innovators and geniuses of our musical generation. Even bigger than Star Wars and Metallica. However, if one choses to delve deeper into the truth, one will realize that is death is inadvertedly staged.
ReplyDeleteConsider this. Before his demise, he was almost 400 million in debt even as he tried to sell neverland ranch; despite holding on to the royalties for half the beetles catalogue whom he sold back to Sony entertainment. By leaving behind such astronomical debts, his death will only seek to eliminate the huge sums of money owed.
Next, his children and himself is constantly under intense media scrutiny and that is life is plaged with paedophilia cases and accusations. What good will it do for him to stay alive and continue to live under such pressure from society and the scene?
Moving on, MJ is a converted muslim and hence, his body will have to be buried or cremated as soon as possible after his demise; hence, it only serves as a legitamate excuse to forgo autopsy and investigations. What better way to escape and change his identity and live under a different persona for the rest of his life?
MJ is truely a genius be it in music or in evading the strong arm of the media.
That is an intersting argument u have there bulletride. But how would you explain his plans to go on his "This Is It" world tour which was due to begin shortly after his death then? And his efforts put into rehearsals and such?
ReplyDeleteHey est, an LA band, The Rescues, once joked during a live acoustic sesh that they'd make an hour long record that's a gigabyte large, just to discourage pirates from ripping it! haha!
ReplyDeleteGreat post esther! While I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of MJ ( sure i admit he's really the king of pop, but I didn't grow up listening to him.), i cannot deny the fact that MJ is one of the few examples of cultural imperialism. However, to answer ayekaye's questions on MJ's plans before he died, don't you think that it is just a set up to all the more convince people of his death should he really have staged it? By going for rehearsals and practice and planning a world tour before suddenly dying, it would make his demise a lot more convincing if it was staged. Just showing you the possibilities man, possibilities... (:
ReplyDeleteThat's quite possible. Hmmm life holds one too many possibilities and conspiracies. Perhaps we might be over analyzing a little here. :)
ReplyDelete