Explotation has undoubtedly been a major repercussion of Michael Jackson's death. It seems like everybody has something to say, some tidbit of mostly worthless information about MJ that they need to capitalize on. In the past three days, I've seen two news specials dealing with this, one particularly devoted to MJ and one that touches on the explotation of dead stars in general.
The first was a Dateline special called "The Michael Jackson Tapes." One of Michael's "friends," Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, discussed their friendship and personal conversations that he and MJ had had over the years. The man played parts of these recorded yet private conversations during the special. I couldn't believe it, but at the same time, I wasn't really surprised.
The second was a story on 60 Minutes. Here's a preview called "Working Stiffs." An agent in my hometown of Indianapolis basically described how lucrative it is to represent the entertainment industry's deceased.
The 60 Minutes special didn't bother me so much because apparently this agent was responsible for setting up some laws/rules allowing a star's estate can be protected and profitable after they're dead. I can appreciate that...to an extent.
But the rabbi? I don't know about that one. Why in the world would you expose this man's personal conversations about his inner demons that he chose to share with you? What a friend. I don't understand how that can be beneficial to this dead man, or to his kids, or to his philanthropic efforts, or to his estate. Why would you do that, unless you wanted to create some type of advantage for yourself? And the worst part? This man is supposed to be a man of God. As a Christian, I have a tremendous fear of the Lord...and I know God doesn't approve of people taking advantage of others. I know Rabbi Shmuley knows that, too.
The rabbi isn't alone, though. LaToya seems to be making quite the comeback recently. Seems like family members are always the worst. Figures.
Keep your eyes peeled. I'm sure we'll all be seeing and hearing more and more useless information about Michael in the weeks and months to come. That is really unfortunate.
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I hate to say it, but this is the stuff that you'll have to chase. It's interesting to see this kind of profiteering, but not all that shocking.
ReplyDeleteAlso, you posed a question that is interesting... How does revealing personal conversations held with MJ help others?
Well, in a sense it doesn't. It simply feeds the beast that desires exposure.
I had to read the published journal of the late author John Cheever for another class, and there really wasn't anything in that journal that benefited his family. In fact, it was deeply hurtful for them in many ways. Yet Cheever wanted it published nonetheless. It feeds the audience more than anybody else.