Michael Jackson thread

[Guest Wolfeymole]

The original thread has been deleted as it was starting to get too far.

[gashler]

Have some respect for the dead.. He had a lot of bad things in his life, his father for one. He had a hard upbringing and it was inevitable that he would end up in a bad way. But I dont believe for a second the accusations against him, a judge and jury found him innocent. What more proof do you need? You want god himself to come down and say he was innocent? Apparantly the United States legal system isnt something to be believed anymore..

 

He was the king of pop, he had a magical career, and yes its a shame he burned out the way he did, but its still no reason to disrespect him.

[wellies]

I actually pretty much agree with what you say Gashler. I think he was different and almost child-like in some ways ..and he was found innocent by those who were actually there to hear the charges brought against him. That is good enough for me. He was a good entertainer when at his peak too. I'll continue to like the songs. Indeed a king of pop. The 'Earth Song' and video being particularly powerful for me. All about what he'd have changed if he could ..like we all would if we could maybe.

 

Anyhow, about the disrespect. The pattern of forum threads regarding deaths of the famous often go the same way. Some praise the deceased, some express dislike for the deceased and there is someone who usually says 'Have some respect for the dead'.

 

It's those words that go a little against the grain for me. This looks to be placing your values above those of others and possibly trying to instil a feeling of guilt in those who don't feel the same way. People who make comments that might be thought disrespectful aren't bad people. They just have different but not necessarily lesser opinions and are not worried about stating them. I think the varying opinions that come to the fore when the famous die just show of the diversity of human nature. Forever present whether loved or hated. So, fair enough to express a view but perhaps not right to chide others for expressing theirs.

[gashler]

I respect what you're saying wellies - but I think its one thing to express dislike for someone, and something else entirely to actually say youre glad that someone is dead.

I can understand people disliking him, whether for his music, or the things he has done in his life. I can appreciate those views and agree people have a right to express them. But some of the comments I've been reading online, such as people glad he's dead, hope he burns in hell, that he deserved to die, calling him a paedo, kiddy fiddler, all of this stuff, is just not acceptable.

 

If this shows the diversity of human nature, then I am ashamed to be living in such a society.

[wellies]

I once pulled out of a forum over an issue somewhat similar to this one. Otherwise perfectly nice people saying that someone deserved the death they got. I couldn't be part of a gathering who thought like that. In retrospect, I believe pulling out was a mistake. I now think that many people say online what they wouldn't say face to face. Not only that, I'd also venture to say that those people probably aren't really like that at all.

 

There's just something about the anonymity of the Internet that makes people say such things. Personally, I'm willing to realise this and don't think any extreme opinions expressed are necessarily a true measure of the person who wrote them. If that means I always want to see the good in people, then I'll admit that I do.

 

Take with a pinch of salt Internet opinions about Michael Jackson's death I'd say. Let people state them. If you really find the remarks someone has made upsetting, offer to meet them and talk it over. If that unlikely situation ever came about, I think you'd find a completely different person sitting in front of you than the person who wrote the comment.

[gashler]

I think if anything the anonymity of the internet allows people to reveal their true selves. I mean if I knew I could murder rape and steal without getting confronted or caught, doesn't mean I would actually want to. These comments are obviously peoples true feelings. If I was to face these people, of course the majority of them would never say these things, but thats more to do with fear than anything else.

 

I salute you for trying to see the good in people, its a positive mindset. However I myself couldn't possibly see any good in anyone who leaves such awful comments. Thats just me I guess.

[wellies]

What more can we say?

 

Best regards to you Gashler. :)