Thank You For Everything, Michael Jackson
June 26th, 2009
i woke up today to find out from google news that michael jackson is dead.
i grew up knowing and loving MJ. some special sunday mornings at my old house, my grandmother would throw open the sliding glass doors and someone would put on our laser disc of Michael Jackson’s Dangerous album. we would all sit around the living room table eating kuaci, joking, laughing, as MJ’s energetic tunes and crisp voice filled the room. and instead of playing crashing and clanging festive music during Chinese New Year, we would always opt for our MJ laser discs. the kids (ie me) really loved dancing to Black or White and Thriller. at one point i knew all the words to the rap portion of Black or White, and would irritate my Cantonese-speaking grandmother to bits whenever i jumped onto the dining chairs and started rapping english gibberish at her.
where your blood comes from / is where your space is / i’ve seen the bright get duller / i’m not gonna spend my life being a color!
the Michael Jackson concert in Stadium Merdeka was the first and only concert i’ve been to with my parents. i dont know why my parents decided to bring me, cos i was really young and couldnt really have appreciated the show very much, but i’m glad they did. i feel so lucky that that they did. for my own personal reasons, that night was a really glitzy and special one for me. what a night. i was sandwiched between my parents clutching one of those concert souvenir plastic mugs, staring down in awe at MJ, all the way up there from the bleachers. maybe he will do the moonwalk, my mother nudged me and said, and i remember asking, what is a moonwalk? issit like when he slides backwards on the floor? yes yes, it’s like that. did he do it at the concert? i dont remember. but i do know that to this day people still go, wah, moonwalk, whenever they see an old video of MJ doing his thing, even if they’ve already seen the moonwalk an infinite number of times.
i was really angry when i logged into twitter to see some really insensitive remarks about MJ’s death. “RIP MJ’s nose” and “be happy everyone; our dreams wont be haunted by MJ’s nose anymore”, and the most repulsive one yet, “farrah fawcett went to heaven and asked that all children on earth be safe, so god killed michael jackson”. disgusting and so disrespectful. just because he put up with a lot of media shit and public humiliation does not mean it’s okay to further ridicule him at his death.
and then there are those who passed comments along the lines of, “oh last time everybody make fun of MJ, and now they all miss him, stfu lah”. really? who is this everybody? the only people i know who made fun of MJ’s nose, skin and alleged crimes are the ones who are making the same jokes about his death, and these people didnt care about him or his impact in the first place. someone tweeted this incredulous comment agreeing that MJ fans are hypocrites because “it’s too late to miss him anyway”. isnt it always too late to miss the dead? would this person rather that people didnt pay tribute to MJ?
take a look around — people are gathering in public places to pay homage to the king of pop, buying out his CDs everywhere, playing his music at the office and at home, writing tributes to him… and a couple of random people who dont care about MJ decide to take it upon themselves to declare that the world actually doesnt care either, and are all just faking their sadness. please lah okay. there are many of us fans who never once believed the allegations about him, and even for those who did and consequently made fun of him, you cannot tell them they dont have a right to pay tribute to MJ. relationships to music and its inspiration is sacred and personal; who are you to say that paying tribute to an idol — a musical genius, a virtuoso, a world-changing artiste who always stood up for humanity and charity — is hypocritical? many of us grew up staring at the ceiling after school, listening to his crooning that always made us feel better and taught us new things; many of us derived simple joy from watching him dance.
this all reeks of people who dont give two hoots about Iran and choose to believe that no one else actually cares about Iran either, and that everyone is just playing up their concern to sound educated. why do people always resort to such odd justifications when they simply just dont care about something the rest of the world cares about? if you dont care, dont; just dont imply that no one else cares — or thinks about — these things.
(i really hate myself for getting angry today. sorry. i really shouldnt have.)
MJ MJ MJ. we have so many memories of you. in standard 6, Syafiq used to twirl around the classroom executing perfect imitations of your dance moves, and we used to shriek in laughter whenever he did the crotch-and-tiptoe thing.
in standard 1, my classmates and those from 1 Dahlia did an awesome pirate-themed dance number of Beat It at our annual concert, which incidentally was the last annual concert our school ever had. some seniors in secondary school taught us and our class teachers the dance moves in the old 4th floor studio that was soon dismantled. Johannas was the evil swashbucklin’ pirate! i wish i still had the tape of that concert.
my cousin Eva and i used to sing Heal the World before we fell asleep after a long night of little girl chat. our aunt had these Michael Jackson cassettes that we would slip into the radio and sing along to when our aunt left the house. simple joys.
everybody in Starbucks used to dab at their eyes with tissue during Christmas season, when the carolers would go around the cafes of Bangsar singing an absolutely beautiful and sincere rendition of We Are The World. sometimes we would run up to them and sing along with them too, taking pictures and laughing.
once, we went to a home for disabled children in Teluk Intan to paint them a beautiful mural to brighten up their home. when it was a time for break, the homekeepers put on some music so that we could all dance with the kids. everybody went wild when MJ’s music came on. hands flailing, hip swinging, egyptian-move-making… MJ, i guess that’s how we do your moonwalk.
everybody loved you in their own little ways.
i found this picture online and thought that it would be an apt dedication to MJ:
from here.
everyone knows that MJ is a manchild. i often wonder how scared and lonely he must have felt in the midst of all the accusations and cruel press coverage, whether they were true or not. i guess it’s a good thing that he’s free from all the speculation now; and i suspect that he’s having a great time moonwalking and going, “ow!” wherever he is :)
rest in peace, Michael Jackson, king of pop and my first love. thank you for the music and the inspiration.
Entry Filed under: People
49 Comments Add your own
1. Sari | June 26th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Anyone thinkin’ of organizing a dance off/flash mob in his honour?
2. cia | June 26th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
He moonwalked all the way to heaven
3. chris | June 26th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
i’m not really a fan but he IS the king of pop! the music videos – the one with zombies, the moonwalk…i can’t understand how ppl can say horrible things like that especially now he’s gone…
4. adelyn | June 26th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
and to think that the hype about MJ lasted all the way up to now! for my school orientation we danced to Beat It and had classic “Thriller” moves in other dances.
and then the whole issue about moonwalk, the boys in school are always trying to get the perfect moonwalk.
so yeah, really, thank you MJ. his influence definitely reached far and beyond. :)
5. kimberlycun | June 26th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
great writeup suann
6. nileey | June 26th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
I love that last picture, I’m pretty sure he’ll take the right path.
RIP MJ
7. carol | June 26th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
i feel like such an idiot you know. i knew some of the typical MJ stuff, but because i never really was a fan i had no idea exactly how big he was, and how many hits he produced.
until i clicked on random links of his songs and suddenly it was like my memory had kicked in “oh, this song?” “oh, you mean THAT’s him?!” “hey, i LIKE this song! i didn’t know it was an MJ song!”
=___________________=
lsa the imagery of you dancing about to MJ songs as a kid and jumping on tables is strangely very easy to picture and extremely cute :)
8. Patricia | June 26th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
*sigh he’s legend.
if he hadnt passed away yesterday, we wouldnt talk about him as much. but then he did, so we say we miss him when all these while when he was alive we didnt “appreciate” him as much. u see the irony?..
do i make sense at all?..@.@ i really hope his kids are coping well… :(
9. lishun | June 26th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
you know what? he is still so alive. in every current and future musician’s work. we can hear him in usher’s music, see glimpses of him dancing when chris brown is on stage. that is the influence of a great musician, an artist for life. i just wish he didn’t go into the decline he did, with the lawsuits and bad press.
however, if people remember elvis for his beautiful voice and extravagant costumes more than the deep fried peanut-butter sandwiches and the bloatedness he became before he died, i’m sure people will remember michael jackson for his effortless stage presence and music-filled soul rather than the plastic surgery and strange brand of parenting.
10. nyrac | June 26th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
i liked him. i remember that i used to be afraid of his thriller video. those vampires and zombies and all. but i liked the song. so i would sit there and close my eyes with my hands and sneak peeks every once in a while.
11. smartypants | June 26th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
“someone tweeted this incredulous comment agreeing that MJ fans are hypocrites because “it’s too late to miss him anyway”
I am angry with this insensitive dimnit too. I would say it is a classic real annoying tweet from a dimnitted nitwit TWIT!!
12. Anonymous | June 26th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
the thing abt his personal life, well, most of us talked and joked abt it, but i dare say everyone had a soft spot for him and prayed for the best for him, i did. coz, most of us would have seen little MJ singing “I’ll be there” on TV (even though he was much older than me !)
whatever it is, that never stop us from loving his music. when he came to kl, most of us rushed to buy the tickets.
and yes, he did the moonwalk during the concert
13. middle age reader | June 26th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
I’m debating with another MJ fan (middle age like me) who insisted that there is a generation gap in the choice of MJ’s most popular song/album. I said “no gap’ despite MJ music spanning 4 decades. His choice – Ben. Mine –Beat It. (actually hard to pick one, all perfect to my ears). How about you in the 20 something?
14. middle age reader | June 26th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
welcome response from anyl age groups. just to prove a point and help me win or lose a dinner. thanks
15. Anonymous | June 26th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
really must choose arh ? mmm billy j.
16. Keat | June 26th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Hey there PP.
Long time reader first time poster.
I was at the concert too! I remember the opening sequence where he burst out of the stage from a rocket (it was counting through all his albums).
I remember they were late- we kept chanting “Michael. Michael!”
I remember the fireworks at the end, and him shouting ” I LOVE YOU!”
When I was young I used to sing Heal the World with my cousin as well, except being the nutcase that I am i would sing out loud:” KILL THE WORLD….MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE!”
In standard one i remember being called the MJ of the class (eventhough I was bald) cuz I would run out front to the class during free periods and do a very very bad impression of the moonwalk.
There’s no denying he’s certainly touched us in many ways .
17. middle age reader | June 26th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
anonymous above. how old are you please? guess you are in the 20’s? my friend said i am the odd one to choose Beat it. He insisted it wont be the choice of the grey hair brigade (we’re calling them to poll) and Ben wont be the young people choice.
18. Anonymous | June 26th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
fr the anon who chose billy j
ha ha ha … another middle age like u.
19. middle age reader | June 26th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Great job BillyJ anon! Now it is 5-3 (gap vs no gap). Some grey hair brigade responded “MJ beat who?” arggg…they are not true fans hahaha.
20. Ee Vonn | June 26th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
MJ is a very special artiste in this world mann. He is the one and only King of POP! I am very touched when I listen to his “Heal the World”!
21. pinkpau | June 26th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
quick note to middle aged reader and anon, i loved beat it !!!! but didnt feel particularly close to Ben. my mj song has always been Black or White though :) and the way you make me feel. and thriller. and you are not alone. and….
22. Captain Seamus | June 26th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
You did a pirate-themed dance? You must show me arrr! And yes I knew that laddie back when he was spritely ‘lil undead, I mean not dead, we sailed the straits of Malaya and one day he did a jig on freshly mopped plank. Man overboard but we saved him because it was so amusing to see him do it again! He should’ve just told everyone he was a pirate instead of silly rumors of sleeping in a chamber. We got fake legs and noone makes fun of us!
23. Jin Rui | June 26th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
=(
24. elaine | June 26th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Heal the world!
25. kim | June 26th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
Thank you for a beautifully written tribute to a musical legend. I’m so glad you highlighted the power and legacy of his music as opposed to his troubled personal life. I wonder if he ever realised just how much he defined a pop generation.
PS: Personal favourite MJ songs – Black or White, Earth Song (made me an environmentalist immediately) and Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough. ;)
26. mystery man from philly | June 27th, 2009 at 12:34 am
Take a look at this moonwalk by a bird:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySnp4YXU6JQ
27. Journey to the West | June 27th, 2009 at 12:36 am
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and memories on MJ. It does bring back a lot of memories. No matter if those allegations are true or not, I think we have no right to judge him because we do not know the truth, and especially not at this time.
It was a shock to me when the news announced his death after about an hour from the breaking news saying he had cardiac arrest and was rush to the hospital. I was at the laundromat, everyone froze, starring at the big screen tv.
28. smartypants | June 27th, 2009 at 12:50 am
wow! the moonwalk by the bird…& MJ.. who inspired who? just visited kennysia blog. the indian thriller is so funny esp the subtitle…hahaha..
29. kreazi | June 27th, 2009 at 1:02 am
I got a shock too this morning when it was announced over radio and silly me was going.. Don’t tell me THAT Michael Jackson? But of course, there’s only ONE MJ that we all know! My friends and I sang Heal the World for our Pre U orientation night. My bro and I used to sing Beat It.. I still rber how it goes till today. There are just too many nice songs from him, it’s hard to pick just one. May he rest in peace.
30. Anonymous | June 27th, 2009 at 1:36 am
MJ is so misunderstood. :(
31. LennyTheNot-so-Cute&NaiveLion | June 27th, 2009 at 2:14 am
one would never be free from speculations but we do hope that people remember him more for his talents and his gifts. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
I just fondly recall dancing to “Remember the time” in my college dance and it was my first dance holding a girl’s hands. That’s my memory of MJ…rip King of Pop.
32. Anon | June 27th, 2009 at 2:32 am
Someday I hope to write as well as you do.
33. madeline k. | June 27th, 2009 at 4:47 am
yups su ann i will always remember the time after painting the mural at bethany home in teluk intan, we were all dancing to michael jackson, and there was this poor boy who couldnt even walk properly would do his rendition of moonwalk ever so gracefully,
yes, mj will stay in our heart now and forever, his songs will linger till the end of time and the man in the mirror will always remember this legend. the world has just lost another maestro in music.
34. Michelle | June 27th, 2009 at 8:35 am
I’m one of the people who was angry as well. Angry because people make such a big deal out of his death when they were the ones who didn’t care in the first place.
Sorry, but this anger is for me to keep.
I agree that he is misunderstood.
35. lishun | June 27th, 2009 at 9:48 am
i first heard “ben” when i went searching for the original after hearing stephen gately (i grew up in the ’90s, k?) sing it. i thought it was a beautiful song for a (person) friend and was amused to find out much, much later that it was about a pet rat. michael’s voice was so clear and crisp and absolutely wonderful when he sang “ben” as a child. it fast became my favourite michael jackson song.
36. foreverjas | June 27th, 2009 at 10:09 am
i love mj since i was young. its just so sad that he left us :’( he will always be my idol ! i used to dance to his music video, thriller! black or white. yeah, he is just amazing :D
37. Gin | June 27th, 2009 at 11:11 am
why u make me cry =(
yesterday someone ask is the emo mui mui chai crying and i went eh no lo. i fan but not until cry can. but after reading ure post my eyes watered T___T
38. sheon | June 27th, 2009 at 11:21 am
when michael had his concert here in malaysia, i was sitting for my pmr. i made a promise to myself that i will attend at least one of his concerts in my lifetime (or his), sharing the list are the olympics opening, world cup finals, and champions league finals. as making my way to MJ’s concert is like making a pilgrimage as a MJ’s fan.
grew up listening to him. admired how one guy, shaped the whole music industry single-handedly. how he preached love and peace thru his music. how he so generously showered his love for kids and the unfortunates.
my admiration for him was never affected from all the scandals and criminal allegations against him. for i admire him, for what he has given to the world.
finally, MJ is able to rest. away from all the media, away from all the unflattering attention cast upon him.
rest in peace.
39. sheena | June 27th, 2009 at 11:28 am
pinkpau that was an amazing tribute.
40. yuehuan | June 27th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
really nicely written tribute :) so touching
41. sarah | June 28th, 2009 at 2:10 am
i absolutely love what you have written in this post. it details exactly what and how i feel about MJ…and how lots of other ppl feel too im sure…:)
don’t worry about getting angry…i get angry too everytime ppl criticise him!
RIP MJ.
ps he did do the moonwalk at the stadium merdeka concert…:) i went to it too, and i thought it was sad that we all had to ’sit down and behave’ whilst he performed…haha~ cos all i wanted to do was jump up, sing and dance!
42. ShaolinTiger | June 29th, 2009 at 2:36 am
RIP King of Pop, you truly were an inspiration and meant something different to everyone.
43. vvens | June 29th, 2009 at 8:47 am
oh no! i was on of the pirates from 1D and i dont even remember that we dance the song, Beat It! :( :( sigh. but i remember syafiq imitating him tho. :(
44. chareli | June 29th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
great tribute. thanks for the justification against those dimwits.
45. ShinyOink | July 1st, 2009 at 11:45 pm
will miss him dearly :(……. grew up listening to his songs… and seeing him dance …..
it’s really sad that he is gone now :(….
R.I.P MJ
46. Myhorng | July 7th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
i like this post. well written.
47. BeN'Z | July 13th, 2009 at 10:55 am
gurl u are soo right bout this. I’m one of those fans who never believed the media bout him doin all tht nonsense even for a minute. MJ has done great in this world no matter what people say. =D
48. alea amin | July 14th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Dirty Diana! The Way you make me feel! He looks so hot in that video. Liberian Girl! But i dont know why, I love In The Closet.
49. katie | November 20th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
michael will live on in our hearts!!! <3 <3 <3 <3
he is (notice the is…..not was….he may have left this world,but he will never leave my heart) truly amazing!!! all the wonderful things he has done for people around the world, and the wonders he has worked on stage…..there is just no word to describe it.
we all love him, wether me admit it on not (yes i know wether is probably spelled wrong……what?? im just a kid!!!)
THANK YOU MICHAEL FOR GIVING ME SOMETHING THAT NO ONE ELSE COULD…… your amazing talent and love!! :)
MICHAEL IS THE TRUE KING OF POP AND DONT U FORGET IT!!!!!
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
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