Memories are More Than Black and White

Michael Jackson is dead. My heart hurts immensely as I write those words. It's taken me the past six days and countless hours glued to CNN to even believe it's true, and still I remain in shock. The news of the King of Pop's death was first reported by TMZ last Thursday, June 25^th and no one dared to believe it. Though they have been an unreliable news source in the past, unfortunately this time TMZ happened to be right. Michael Jackson, a legend beyond anything I have ever known, the most popular entertainer on the planet, and a humanitarian who had committed his life towards trying to fix this messed up world, is gone.

Michael Jackson first exploded onto the scene with his brothers in the group The Jackson 5 in 1968 at the height of Motown. It was as if the world had been waiting for him. With a sweet smile and limber dance moves, Michael belted out the hits beyond his years. He was only five years old, but was immediately embraced as a household name.

As Michael reached his teenage years, we caught sight of him in highly praised roles, such as the Scarecrow in The Wiz opposite Diana Ross, and in a duet he sang with Roberta Flack called When I Grow Up for a special made-for-television movie created by Marlo Thomas titled Free to Be You and Me.

Michael Jackson's staying power was his greatest asset in becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Each new generation was captivated by him. Michael Jackson's first hit solo album in 1979 Off The Wall, proved that he had staying power. In collaboration with musical greats such as Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, and Stevie Wonder, he pumped out continuous number one hits such as Don't Stop Until you Get Enough, and Rock With You. His music combined disco, soul, and pop all in one and again the timing couldn't have been more perfect.

However, it was Michael Jackson's music in the 80s that established him as a musical genius. His album Thriller broke the world record for the best selling album of all time. It was filled with sounds and beats that we had never imagined existed. But it wasn't just the music; it was his ability to move that also created such frenzy. Michael Jackson was flawless on his feet. He could practically dance on air. I have spent my whole life trying to perfect my moonwalk and still use excuses like, "It's because I'm in flip-flops, or It's because I'm on cement. Wait until we get inside, for why mine still remains imperfect.

At the height of his career, he takes his global fame and uses it as a force for humanitarian causes around the world. Gathering together forty-five of the most influential musicians at the time, Michael Jackson created USA For Africa. Combining the profits of the song We Are the World, and a benefit event called Hands Across America, he raised 100 million dollars to help relieve famine and disease in Africa. This was only the beginning to the record breaking 33 charities he would donate to and 300 million dollars he would spend in his lifetime in order to help out.

But Michael was naïve in thinking that he could be the driving force in mending the world. Although he inspired many people to follow in his footsteps, not everyone shared the same vision of hope. Perhaps his biggest downfall was not being able to comprehend that when it comes down to it people will be people and a lot of the time they suck. The last ten years of his life consisted of fingers being pointed at him and accusations being made. Although he was found innocent and his name cleared of all charges, it was apparent that the light had gone out. Michael Jackson's spirit was shattered and his heart broken.

One of the most difficult realities for us to face with the passing of Michael Jackson is that for many of us we are also mourning the loss of our youth. This is definitely the case for me. I have been dancing to Michael Jackson's music my whole life that it almost feels like I've lost a friend. Whether I was dancing at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, sweet sixteens and later on weddings, or around the pool everyday when I worked at Club Med, when I heard a Michael Jackson song I felt alive. There are a lot of different opinions that people have about Michael Jackson and the choices he made in his life, but something positive he did instill within us is the awareness that no matter how different or how eccentric one may be, we are all human and everyone deserves a chance to shine. For me, I will always be grateful to Michael Jackson for the constant reminder to Live My Life off the Wall.

By Andrea Dana

Andrea Dana
		About the author:
		Andrea Dana grew up in Toronto and has a Masters of Education from Niagara University. She currently works in the film industry as an on-set teacher for young child actors. Her first novel StarSitter received high praise and she is busy completing the next two in the series as well as other pending projects.
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