In the life and death of Michael Jackson one can see the commonality between the various social and economic classes in America. In reflecting back upon his achievements, a natural occurence when someone leaves this life, the ways in which he helped shape the modern social landscape are undeniable.
Being a child of the 80's, I clearly remember the first picture I tacked to by bedroom wall was that of Michael Jackson. A replica of the album, Thriller. When considering my background and the time period, not to mention the neighborhood I grew up in, the significance of what that photo hanging on my wall meant is profound. I didn't truly undertsand this until Michael's death. An African-American male fully crossing racial divides, teaching us thatit doesn't "matter if you're black or white."
Michael Jackson's life seemed to be defined by his secret lonelines, his drive to achieve perfection in a quest to be loved and understood. As a child in the Jackson 5, when he sang,"Ben," your heart would break for him; and it broke again with' "Man in the Mirror." Michael Jackson's music expressed those hidden struggles we all share: the need to be accepted and to accept ourselves.
