A funeral should be a celebration of someone’s life, not an exploitation. A funeral at Sunset Hill Funeral Home? A celebration. The public memorial and funeral of Michael Jackson? Arguably exploitation.
Between the remaining Jackson brothers’ recent efforts to star in a reality show to the swarms of reporters and film crews crowded outside of the cemetery barricades just a few days ago, Michael Jackson’s death seems to have been used more for entertainment and exploitation than as a means of remembering the king of pop.
Although seemingly respectful by keeping the media away from the burial, the Jacksons welcomed cameras into the memorial service and the post-funeral dinner party, with rumors that the footage would be sold to A&E for a television special and DVD. This way, the Jacksons can continue to profit off of Michael even after his passing.
Also at the dinner party was alleged talk of The Jackson brothers’ plans of reuniting for a Jackson Five tour. Looks as if they are using the publicity they’re getting from Michael’s death to start a reunion tour. Sounds like exploitation to me.
Television networks are exploiting Michael’s death more than anyone. Capitalizing on special after special about Michael, televising the memorial service, and airing clips of the funeral that cameras could capture from outside the ceremony makes his death nothing more than a show to outsiders.
Disregarding their strides to stay in the limelight, I do feel bad for the family – I can’t imagine what they are going through. The family and friends of this man need to give themselves and be given the opportunity and the space to mourn their loss the way any loved ones would want to, and the constant reminder and prodding from the media keep this open wound from healing.
Perhaps the Jackson family should have laid Michael to rest at Sunset Hill, a funeral home and cemetery that exists to support loved ones and to celebrate lives, not to exploit death and the families left behind.
Although it might seem Bad, I guess the media just Don’t Stop ‘Til They Get Enough. There’s just no way to Beat It no matter The Way it Makes anyone Feel.
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