6 Responses to "Rev Al Sharpton Speech at Michael Jackson Funeral – Video"
July 9, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Hello:
I read your weblog and posted a comment. I hope that perhaps you knew my family, or perhaps of them and could shed some light on the Olton family who lived in Georgetown, British Guiana. My grandmother was Ethel Olton and her father had some kind of connection with the legal system.
Gwen
bramas@tstt.net.tt
July 9, 2009 at 10:48 pm
LEST WE FORGET.
I looked at the entire Memorial Service for Michael Jackson.
I am not one who delves into the lives of the rich and famous, but looked at that memorial service to see what I could glean from human nature, what lesson I could learn from the life/death of Michael Jackson.
· The two high points of that memorial service was Al Sharpton’s eulogy, especially when he addressed the three children of Michael Jackson. Words to the effect that their father was not strange etc., and
· The message at the very end of the memorial service when Michael’s daughter Paris – declared of her love for her father, as he was a good father – in tears.
As I saw it Al Sharpton brought to the forefront that although Michael Jackson played many roles, for Michael Jackson his most important role was being a father.
Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris reinforced this message that she had lost her father.
Whatever idiosyncrasies Michael Jackson had, we adults are now “ visiting the “sins” of the father unto his children. We speak in terms that Michael became what he became due to his childhood or lack thereof and due to his fame, he became fair game for the vultures.
Throughout history men and women who had/have outstanding talents also had their feet of clay., their dark side. My contention is that we are not giving these children a fair chance to live their own lives and become what they want , but must forever live in the shadow of their father. Many adults and the media continue to be like vultures picking at the flesh of Michael Jackson even in death, feasting on his supposed ills than the positive contribution he made to the world and his positive role as a father which has become self evident.
It has not failed to enter my psyche, that maybe Michael’s race is the main contributing factor to destroying him and shredding his reputation, conveniently forgetting his musical contribution; his talent as an entertainer ; and the fact that he holds the world record as an entertainer, making the most contributions to humanitarian causes. It is not to be forgotten that in his will one fifth of his estate is to be given to charity. Has the estate of Elvis Presley done this ? The foregoing is not a judgment call, but merely an observation. Let us think on these things!!!
I only wish that the media and us adults would take a break and remember with each new devastating speculation, what effect we are having on his children now and later as young adults. In this respect the Rev. Al Sharpton must be commended on his eulogy, bringing the human touch to a tragedy.
Elsie
July 12, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Thank you Elsie for that brilliant exposition and analysis of the life of Michael Jackson. Whatever his faults, and everyone has faults, who gave them, the individual critics and the biased media, the authority to judge . In doing so they only condemn themselves. They forget the exhortatin of the Master to take out the beam out of their own eye so that they will see more clearly to take out the mote that is in their brothers. Michael was a philathropist, par excellent. He gave, not because he had, but because he loved; he loved to make people happy, especially children. The millions who mourned his passing is fitting tribute to a man wno was a great entertainer and a great lover. His fame will not perish like other celebrities, but will live on as a beacon to motivate and inspire coming generations. It is not farewell Michael, it is a new beginning for you.
July 13, 2009 at 3:07 pm
As usual, Randall Butisingh eloquently writes on the topic in his comments. I must, however, propose another perspective.
Jackson was indeed a human being with flaws. There were serious allegations against him and there was a turbulent family and personal life throughout his career.
While he was undoubtedly a master performer, captivating singer and entertainer, the forementioned issues do cast a shadow on his legacy and to deny this while deifying him is paradoxical.
Yes, we do indeed judge others by their actions. Biblical exhortations do not negate the rights of society to evaluate someone vis-a-vis their totality of actions. We appoint judges in courts of law to judge our actions and we, as a society, form opinions on members of the group based on their displayed characteristics.
We can honor the passing of a talented singer without elevating him to a godly status. We can indeed be cognizant that his music transcended race and ethnicity in a positive manner. We must not however, sweep under the rug the serious allegations and tormeted persona that do not serve to create an icon to be unreservedly revered by adults and to be hoisted as a the quintessential role model for our kids.
Mr. Butisingh indeed means well in his commentary – and I do respect his take on several issues. On this one, I humbly beg to differ slightly and to offer a differeing view.
July 19, 2009 at 3:12 am
Mahashree,
This is my favorite Michael Jackson video, Earth song. I know we both admire this great performer and humanitarian for sharing his god-given gift. Not only did his music transcended race and ethnicity in a positive manner, it raised the awareness of the mass in healing the Earth. In my eyes, Michael is a quintessential Mahaatma (Great Soul) like Gandhi and mother Teresa who shared themselves selflessly, at a cost. Maybe he was ridiculed by the ignorant and abused by the selfish because they couldn’t accept his true worth.All his messages were basically to love, tolerate and be good to each other especially for the sake of our children as in his Heal the World song. Michael deserved the Honor and respect that’s being bestowed upon him. Salutations,
Julie
July 9, 2009 at 12:19 pm
i found this speech almost scary as he shouted most of it (yikes) but most of what he said made sense and was true..