Mary Farrah Leni Fawcett - 1947-2009
Michael Joseph Jackson - 1958-2009
People die every day. Whether they are soldiers, patients, victims, or even innocent citizens of 3rd World Countries, it happens. For some, that, coupled with the inevitability of death, deadens their mitigates their capacity to sympathize with the loss of life. That's understandable, and I'm not saying they are wrong for feeling that way. However, two people didn't die today; two legends were freed today.
Farrah Fawcett defined the young ladies of her generation, and helped to shape a new definition of sexy in America. Her hairstyle alone swept across the nation and became the hottest 'do of the decade. Not many actresses could star in only one season of a show then launch an acting career, but she did it. Though her acting career wasn't the best, she was happy with it, which is what mattered. It was her life after acting, however, that truly cemented her legacy. In 2006, she was diagnosed with anal cancer. From the beginning, she was adamant about beating the cancer. She was in good spirits and was always resilient. She filmed a lot of her treatments, and became a martyr of sorts in the fight against cancer; her resolve and sense of humor could not be put down, even by intense chemotherapy. She showed people that cancer patients could be 'normal.' Back in April, it took a turn for the worse, with her cancer reaching its final stages. By this point, she had become bedridden, and slept most of her days. And now that her courageous fight is over, we can look back and know that she inspired other cancer patients, showing them that cancer isn't a morbid death sentence, but just a life hindrance that could be overcome. Her enduring appreciation for life, even as her health declined, will never be forgotten.
There's nothing that needs to be said about MJ. He is easily the greatest entertainer to ever live, and the greatest solo artist. His music transcends gender, race, everything; he made genuinely great music. To listen to him was to listen to a man that not only loved music, but loved people as well. He made a soundtrack to live by, music that could uplift even the lowest of spirits. People in the aforementioned 3rd World Countries even heard and enjoyed his music. He was the perfect mix of euphonious vocals, impeccable rhythm, prodigious physical skill, and affable charisma. His dance moves defined a generation, and shaped dance itself as we know it. He broke the MTV color barrier, as well as made the music video a medium for enhancing a song, the first to do so. A pioneer he was, being the first to do so many things; to further that, he put it all together. He became the King of Pop. The king of an entire genre. While that would've tainted most, or at least given them an inflated ego, it didn't affect him. He was a philanthropist, giving all types of money to his fans that were impecunious, to say the least. He did his best to give back to those that give him the joy of adoration and enjoyment. He loved being loved and loved everyone back. Many like to get on their high-horses and put him down for his legal troubles, but it is beyond inappropriate; even if he DID molest a child, think about his childhood, and all he did for children across the world. I'm not saying it excuses what he did, but most don't understand the mental anguish he was in...the media crucified(NOT comparing him to Jesus) him after he got into his legal troubles. Then he had to hear about his skin all the time, as well as the pressure to come back into the music world. Who can forget about the scrutiny he faced trying to be a parent. As of the last few months or so, he was training rigorously to prepare for a concert stint in London. One can only guess that all of that stress, along with the training, was just too much for his heart to bear.
These are two souls that were put on this earth for a purpose. Even in death they impact the world, which is what they were meant to do. Some have chosen to badmouth MJ, and they don't see the error of their ways; you're STILL talking about him. He has still enthralled you enough that you continue to talk about him after he's left the physical world. They shall both have long lasting legacies; MJ as well as Farrah were here to change things, and to leave imprints. Both succeeded, and their untimely deaths were the culminations of their journeys. Such abrupt ends always make people more aware, and as those two cross over to the other side, their lives are touching others in the way that they were intended to. Most importantly though, their souls were freed...Farrah's from the pain, and Mike's from all of the scrutiny and pressure. So may they Rest In Peace, and know that they have done their jobs to the best of their abilities. And so I conclude with two quotes:
"Anyone can speak in life, and some do it loudly to get a point across; however, it is he who speaks in death that has the greatest voice."
"Fear not death; only through death can we truly live. Death is but our spiritual rebirth, as we find life in those we inspire.”
-A. Lewis
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