When Michael passed, many referred to him as a real utopian in a sense that he wished the best for the world. David Dark alluded to an “immortality project” that Michael had, and was what pushed his convictions of the possibility of a renewed world to his various attempts at moving the world closer to it, one step at a time. Dark makes this connection with the Buddhist enlightenment thinking that encourages keeping to keep their minds open to all possibilities of reality and truth and wisdom. Michael strongly believed in the unity of the American people to bring about harmony and the eradication of conflict. And indeed it did, at least for his memorial ceremony.
For a day, there was no doubt a sense of unity for the people who attended his ceremony. There, Michael was transformed from an individual with flaws and charges into an Everyman with talent, drive and success. By exonerating his charges and emphasizing his positive qualities, the various eulogies portrayed him as the fulfillment of the American Dream. The presence of significant African American figureheads convinced people of his true black identity, and sealed it forever so that any remaining “queer aspects” of him would shine in a different light. Michael’s death became a consumable event. It finally provided him with a stability that during his life he could never procure with his chameleon-like nature. They spoke of him as a “modern shaman”, and perhaps quite rightly. He hoped to heal the world with his mystical abilities and qualities that few understood. He spoke with humility, yet his words (to some perhaps) irradiated a sense of divine wisdom that commanded worship, or at least respect. Parallels are drawn between his legacy to “God’s will”, he is spoken of as to be able to live forever (immortality). His body is said to have been offered as a scapegoat, leaving his soul pure and the symbol of love and redemption for all.
MJ: Grasping the Spectacle. Chapters 12 & 13. Smit.
A Penny for your Thoughts?
- Do you think Michael's life route might've taken a different turn if he hadn't had as many physical alterations done as he did? (On his decisions, his actions, etc.) And how different do you think our responses might've been to Michael then? (Culture today is so focused on image that I think his physical appearance definitely changed the way we thought about him)
- What ways would it have changed the meaning of his death?
Further reading:
- "The Denial of Death" (more on the immortality project/ontological lack)
- One of the hundreds of eulogies on MJ
- Funeral ceremony
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