What we can learn from Michael Jackson's life?

[Annemarie]

Originally Posted by Angela

I think one of the biggest lessons Michael Jackson's life and death provides is that fame isn't all it's cracked up to be. [...] I think the biggest lesson is: Let's empower children, not pimp them out.

This was one of the most balanced and probably realistic opinions I have heard on Michael. I do share that opinion, Angela, and I'm glad to see it said by another too.

Originally Posted by Angela

p.s... THi, I just channeled Michael, and he told me [...]

But then you went and said that... :|

I'm sorry, I'm probably just being simple minded here. I'll go now.

[glowingone]

I feel he was one of the worlds greatest entertainers, yes he had issues, but he loved and was loved, had a wonderful and difficult life just like the rest of us, just different circumstances, his life was what it was and those of us that appreciate his music and showmanship will miss him.

[Patricia]

I agree with Angela and I want to add this, as it's been my perception from the beginning:

For many, many years, MJ was criticized, attacked and judged. The media fed a worldwide audience with scandals and assumptions. People talked about them. He certainly felt tortured and pressured by the media circus around him. People were quick to judge.

Then the man dies and all of a sudden it seems like everyone has good things to say about him. Especially the media.

What makes me sad about all this is: why weren't people doing that when he was alive? To torture a man when he's alive and then praise and compliment him after he dies seems highly hypocritical to me. And convenient too.

With that in mind, I think one of the lessons here is that we should all mind our own business and stop buying information about a person's life. The excessive public interest in this type of information is beyond my comprehension and we all know it can have serious consequences - namely the death of Princess Diana, for example.

Michael Jackson - and Michael Jackson only - could know what his life was like, where his issues came from and the real reasons behind his choices. We can speculate and have our opinions, but that's all they are. I think (as a second lesson here) that people need to stop judging so much, especially based on information that is designed to sell.

I didn't feel necessarily shocked by his death, I personally choose not to buy this type of information so I didn't even pay much attention to the "scandals" and stories over the years, even though I've always liked his music very much and grew up listening to Michael Jackson. I do believe he made a real contribution to this world and I think that despite my own personal perception of his choices and my own opinion of why he made them, to me his life carries an inspiring quality. To me, the positive lesson lies in that inspiring quality.

[oberlee]

Originally Posted by Mikahcho

I dont think I learnt anything significant from Micheal's death.

even though im young, i love his music to this day, and think he has influenced alot of people

but some things he allegedly did were wrong and i am against that, but he is a dead man

hopefully he repented before death

Mikahcho, I think your response is exactly what a lot of people are referring to when they say "what can we learn from this?" I, too, was part of the camp that chose to believe scandal before really studying the facts, and I can say that I hope to never, ever do that again.

All the things he "allegedly did," as you say above, were never proven to be true (I'm assuming you're talking about the sexual abuse scandals). In fact, he was acquitted on all 14 points he was accused of, and if you study the case and family in question, it's pretty sketchy--on the accuser's side. And most people's response is, "oh please, yadda yadda..." as though you know more about this man with your intuition and "common sense" than the judge, the 12 jurors, and all those who actually know this man.

Study the facts, then make an opinion. I, for one, do not believe he is guilty after having done the same thing. I think that was my lesson, and I feel guilty about it. Not that I knew him or threw dirt in his face personally, but I wish I could have said I was one who sent him love while he was alive. However, I think it's better late than never.

[dlm]

Originally Posted by Blueskied

Lesson learned: Money does not bring happyness.

btw:

Great businessman? Wasn't he deep in debt?

He was in debt...like most people right now..who are not "great businesspeople" but at least he did work hard for everything he did buy...let's not forget he worked for "decades" and supported many people as well who "fed" off of his fortunes as well.. he had great intentions with his investments but no one who really "cared" was watching out for him when things were getting "out of control" in his life. I just hope his children will be taken care of with any $$$$ that are definitely coming in at this time and the "Vultures" don't get to feed off his post death $$$$.

[dlm]

Originally Posted by oberlee

Mikahcho, I think your response is exactly what a lot of people are referring to when they say "what can we learn from this?" I, too, was part of the camp that chose to believe scandal before really studying the facts, and I can say that I hope to never, ever do that again.

All the things he "allegedly did," as you say above, were never proven to be true (I'm assuming you're talking about the sexual abuse scandals). In fact, he was acquitted on all 14 points he was accused of, and if you study the case and family in question, it's pretty sketchy--on the accuser's side. And most people's response is, "oh please, yadda yadda..." as though you know more about this man with your intuition and "common sense" than the judge, the 12 jurors, and all those who actually know this man.

Study the facts, then make an opinion. I, for one, do not believe he is guilty after having done the same thing. I think that was my lesson, and I feel guilty about it. Not that I knew him or threw dirt in his face personally, but I wish I could have said I was one who sent him love while he was alive. However, I think it's better late than never.

The only thing he can really be guilty of is "BEING TO NICE' something I think a lot of us fear of doing because we will be taken advantage of at some point...he is a fine example of that for sure..

[Richy]

He discovered his talent early in life & used and developed
it to the fullest potential as a musician & entertainer.

Some people live all their lives doing things they hate &
they never discover their talent or potential, that's sad.

[moriez]

One of the things I think we can learn from his death is to appreciate/love what you have before its gone.

[songwriter]

Like Elvis or Marilyn...

we can learn "success" is not so important, or should I say not so positive in anyone's life.
Not even success in your purpose. I don't know about Marylin but Elvis was a musician at heart, so Michael, and they were quite miserable in their lifes anyway.

So don't envy those who "have it all", cause maybe they have less than you really.

[Plato]

That, for the most part, the dead get more respect than the living.

That (most) people perform this hypocrisy without any sense of irony fills me with contempt and fear.

[songwriter]

Originally Posted by Plato

That, for the most part, the dead get more respect than the living.

That (most) people perform this hypocrisy without any sense of irony fills me with contempt and fear.

yes that too... many ones that though he deserved death now may say he deserves glory

[Ilikedeadpeople]

Originally Posted by themaster

What we can learn from Michael Jackson's life?

- How not to judge
- How to be yourself when everyone else tries to tell you different..

Themaster- how can he have taught us to be himself when he obviously couldnt even accept his own physical appearance? He was born a black boy and slowly over the years worked himself into a plastic surgery-induced white woman. How is this "being yourself"? When confronted about the obvious plastic surgery he blamed a sickness for altering his appearance.

[Patricia]

Originally Posted by Ilikedeadpeople

Themaster- how can he have taught us to be himself when he obviously couldnt even accept his own physical appearance? He was born a black boy and slowly over the years worked himself into a plastic surgery-induced white woman. How is this "being yourself"? When confronted about the obvious plastic surgery he blamed a sickness for altering his appearance.

Well, we'd have to define what "being yourself" really means. You are talking about accepting his physical appearance. Is that really "being yourself"? Or is "being yourself" being able to follow what feels right to you?

Acceptance of circumstances isn't necessarily being yourself IMO. I'm not defending or criticizing his choice to change his physical appearance, that's not the point. But I don't think that the fact that he made this choice is proof that he wasn't being himself. It might have been quite the opposite, actually - from his perspective.

[Ilikedeadpeople]

Patricia,
Ive been thinking about what you said about defining what "yourself" really means and I think youre right. For example, Ive often said my personality doesnt match my body. Youve taught me something and I appreciate it.

[Patricia]

@Ilikedeadpeople: thanks for saying that. I'm glad what I said gave you a different perspective.

[Kean]

This is not something I have learned through Michael Jackson alone, but he embodied many values I had been accumulating and revising since several years, had read about elsewhere, in literature, science, psychology, etc.

It is important to listen to our "inner child".

The child, unaffected by socialization/upbringing, says what is most spontaneous and what is "obvious". Has no prejudices, but expresses all impressions.

The child asks questions instead of accepting everything at face value (ever remember asking your parents:"But why?"... "Why?".... "Why?".... "Why?"...)

The child is the first component of our personal life. When we are in empathy with it again, we are able to find a clear connection between who we were in the past and who we are today.

And many other things...

Try listening to your "inner child"!