Currently, that attention is riveted on the death of Michael Jackson. The cup of the news media is filled to overflowing with copy concerning every detail of his life and death that can be uncovered and then churned endlessly on tv. Farrah Fawcett Majors had the misfortune to die at about the same time as Mr. Jackson and lost any chance of being front page news. Not that she cares.
I'm not qualified to either praise or or decry the life of Mr. Jackson. He may have been a kind, generous and decent man who only wanted to do good for others. I hope so. I know very little about him except that he was a mortal just like the rest of us. No amount of fame, money, power or influence can make any of us immune to physical death and, as often happens, at a very inconvenient time. No sermon necessary here. If one subscribes to the "Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die" philosophy the sermon would be ignored. If one is "in Christ," the matter is already settled.
What prompts the huge outpouring of grief at the passing of celebrities? What motivates Elvis fans to make annual 'pilgrimages' to Graceland where they burn candles and offer flower tributes to the "King?" Similar pilgrimages to Neverland are a certainty as soon as they can be arranged. I'm not criticizing the fans of Jackson or Elvis. It's none of my business what people decide to do with their time, money, energy and emotions. Apparently, adoration of these celebrities fills some need in the lives of their admirers. Any character defects in their idols are completely overlooked and/or forgiven. Considered larger than life they are not constrained by ordinary standards that apply to the rest of us. They are called 'idols' for a reason. For many, they will be remembered and looked upon with reverence usually reserved for Saints.
The exploitation of Elvis' name and fame is a clear indication of what lies ahead for the fame and name of Mr. Jackson. Already the vultures are circling. Some have landed. Various individuals and groups will vy for the spoils. Hangers-on will scramble for the crumbs. Publicity-lusting 'reverends' have worked the situation for all they can get. (The latest news is that a will has been located and all of M.J.'s assets are to go into a foundation. Bravo!) Previously, an estate attorney said that establishing who will control Jackson's estate will be "very messy." Wills can be contested. But it's obvious that whoever ends up with control will be operating a money machine.
R.I.P., Michael.
Afterthoughts:
In an interview, John Lennon of the Beatles, flush with new-found fame, declared, " Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. We're more popular than Jesus now." He went on to say that Jesus was all right but his disciples were 'thick' and they ruined it (Christianity) for him. He wasn't sure whether rock and roll or Christianity would go first. As it turned out, Lennon went first.
His remarks were off the cuff and he probably didn't mean to insult Christianity. There is a word of caution in what Lennon said in that as current disciples of Jesus we must be very careful not to "ruin" Christianity for others.
Curiosities:
Even 'idols' have idols. Elvis' idol was WWll General Douglas McArthur
Elvis volunteered to be an FBI agent
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