Separating Icons From Heroes

Schieffer Says An Artist's Work And His Life Can Be Held Mutually Exclusive

(CBS)  Weekly commentary by CBS Evening News chief Washington correspondent and Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer.

---

A society is defined by what it honors, who it chooses as its heroes.

There is no better way to understand America than to reflect on the holidays we celebrate or, better yet, to walk among the monuments of Washington which are, after all, an index of American values.

The Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial explain who we are because they tell the world who we admire, who our heroes are. We put the World War II Memorial there so others would know we appreciate a generation willing to risk its lives for those beliefs.

So what does the wall-to-wall commotion over the death of Michael Jackson tell us?

Yes, we recognize his talent and that his music had an enormous impact. When he was young (and I was younger), I took my children to one of his concerts. It was a fine show.

But his tortured existence, his devotion to excess, celebrity, and, for want of a better word, "weirdness" would seem most of all to be an example of how not to live one's life.

Down through history, those who have produced great art or accomplished great feats have not always been great people. The artist Caravaggio was a murderer. Van Gogh was insane. Barry Bonds hit a lot of home runs.

There is nothing new about separating art from the artist, celebrating one without necessarily approving the other.

But even as I tried to think of it in that way, the events of last week still left me feeling uncomfortable about the whole thing.

Pop icons and American heroes are not one and the same.

[pdcalgal]

You say, "The real tragedy here is that someone with a chronic illness, namely Michael Jackson, who suffered from both vitiligo and Lupus" etc.

Excuse me, cyberdiva, but you confuse facts with your emotional reaction. I am White. I have vitiligo and have had the symptoms since my early 40's. This skin condition is not exclusive to African Americans. Neither is Lupus. I'm in the medical field and know well the Lupus and what it can do to a body. Neither of these diseases gives a reason to engage in the strange behaviors that were part of Michael Jackson's life and for you to use them in an attempt to excuse his behavior which was by all accounts often "weird" or "bizarre" you diminish all normal behaving persons (even children) who suffer from one, or both, of these diseases. Let's just admit the factual truth. Jackson was an amazingly talented human being who CHOSE to engage in a lifestyle that was often strange, bizarre, and yes, even weird. He owned a chimp for heaven's sake. The masks he wore were not for protection, after all, my vitiligo does not leave me susceptible to other people's germs. It's not catching and it does not debilitate the body and I have never attempted to bleach the rest of my skin to hide the spots lacking pigment. Please. I give Jackson credit for his talent. Why don't you allow for his strange lifestyle and even stranger behaviors. He was a super star who was admired around the world. That does not, for one instant, take away the strange life he chose to live.

[y130512]

Mr. Schieffer, I've watched your show for years and even when I didn't agree with some of your commentaries, I still believed that you were generally fair. However, your comments on Michael Jackson today seemed unnecessary, inappropriate and just plain mean-spirited.

Anyone who has heard of Michael Jackson, is already aware of the issues that plagued him, has heard the stories about his personal life and the allegations, of which he was accused and acquitted. He's dead. So, what difference does any of that make now? Your remarks today did not invoke any information that was new or profound. It seemed that you only wanted to take one last swipe before the guy is put in his final resting place.

If Michael Jackson were merely a singer and dancer in life, then his death could not have impacted the world as it has. Not only was he an innovator in the entertainment industry, who worked tirelessly at his craft, but more importantly, he was a philanthropist who likely gave away as much money as he spent.

And, if you ask how people overlook the molestation charges, well, apparently we don't believe them. As a parent, I know that a sum of money could not have resolved the matter for me. Because of this, I have long suspected that the parents of the two accusers saw a vulnerability, schemed a plot, then planted their children where they could reap a profit.

I don't know how much of an appreciation you have for music, Mr. Schieffer, but for those of us who love it, music is more significant than a source of entertainment. It carries with it a healing force. It can transcend the mind from the most dire of physical conditions, offering temporary respite from the struggles of life. Furthermore, it can provoke thought and inspire action, making it an effective vehicle for social commentary. These are qualities that exists in Michael Jackson's music, and this is is why he is world-renown, even in some of the most remote corners of the earth.

[deeschumann]

By the way, the #3 of "The Most Popular": "Doctor: Michael Jackson Was an Addict" is more like a TABLOID headline/yellow journalism and is not worthy of a respected news provider. It is one of those quotes taken out of context and does not accurately represent what Dr. Klein said. I hope those who chose to read your #3 will take the time to read the entire interview of Dr.Klein by King and not the misleading "snipit" presented by CBS. I am extremely disappointed by CBS decision to present this article in the way it has been done: it is Not Worthy of a respectable news organization!

[sunday_morning_fan1234]

If you dont understand the enormous love of Michael Jackson, think about the enormous love of Elvis. Love is love and it doesnt change. The fan base for both was enormously the same. Jackson. His enormous contribution counts in my lifetime. You have to embrace the understanding of many people tuned in watching the memorial. If he had no meaning to your life, I dont expect you to watch. The fact that an estimated 31 million watched and you tried to make a comparison to other events, he was right in the numbers. He didnt need to be number 1 first event. The media would try to sensationalize if he ate a red apple vs a green apple while sitting on the toilet at 0431 am. Who really cares about apples and toilets. My answer is the media.

Michael Jackson is our Elvis. If you listen to michael jackson music he sang about love from a young age. Sunday morning just did a piece on doris day and I just loved doris day. People and love is what make the world goes round. who really care about the number of people who watch. I am just glad I had the opportunity to record the show.
Michael Jackson was a person first. When you are kind you are a target. People react differently, doris day, elvis, michael jackson. think about it. Michael Jackson will always have fans because his music and his life contributions.
He will always be an icon and a hero. Michael Jackson has saved many with his donations. Allow those to celebrate his life and death do so with less criticism and sensationalism,just because you dont understand.

[Mur27209]

What bad taste to compare mourner numbers. That more people attended the inauguration than attended the memorial of Michael Jackson mean nothing. What's in a number? Just accept the fact that even though you don't, millions around the world mourn the untimely death of the man. He was not a hero, never claimed to be, but his awesome talent and musical genius have done more to lift up an entire generation with soulful connection unheard of in today's music. We were a lucky generation because he was in it - show me a hero who can claim that.

[marierocks]

BOB SCHIEFFER-PLEASE READ THIS: I can see Bob's point in the article, but he doesn't mention Michael's multiple ailments, nor the hundreds of millions of dollars he gave to charity (children's charities, HIV/AIDS, etc.). He must have also forgotten the doors that MJ opened for other black artists in the industry. He must have forgotten about "We are the World" as well. Yes, we can separate the artist from the person, but when we point to the perceived oddness and eccentric behaviors, let's not forget the extraordinarily humanitarian and philanthropist that Michael Jackson was. For these reasons, he was an easy target for people to take advantage of him.

[cjrlee]

Michael Joseph Jackson was a musical prodigy and an entertainment giant, he dated Tatum O'Neal, Brooke Shields, and married Lisa Marie Presley (you know who her father is right?) and Debbie Rowe who defends him to this day. ALSO, he owned The Beatles music catalog valued at over $1 billion. He was weak for helping poor, dying children. And yes, he was probably ill but not complaining using the television to whine and moan about how he felt. He was ONLY HUMAN with an extraordinary GIFT. Examine your own life, look deep inside, at what makes you SPEAK ILL OF THE DEAD. How angry your family must be at your lack of dignity while you carry a family's name and reputation! Utterly tacky. You too Bob.

By the way, if Michael's legacy of "Heal the World" etc. charitable giving lives on in the WORLD, he will be a HERO! He's in the Guiness Book of World Records as a Great Humanitarian. Are you in there? I aspire to be in that category. There's a lot of GOODWILL that people came out of crevices to speak about. He was POWERFUL.

Good Luck handicapping the next King or Queen of Pop.

[cuellar1183]

I totally agree Mr.Schieffer. If you notice, one person who was not at the memorial was Quincy Jones. Mr. Jones stated that he did not understand Jackson. Quincy stated that Michael had pictures throughtout his home of young kids, blond hair and blue eyes! He was puzzled why Michael had this pictures. Jackson was a troubled soul. Also, there is sheer hypocisy when the black community was angry Madonna was adopting a black child from Africa and Jackson has children who are completely white. I have mixed family members in our household (black & hispanic) and they are not completely one color!

[divavc]

MY FOREVER LOVE FOR MY KING MICHEAL JACKSON

One of my favorite songs is "YOU GIVE ME BUTTERFILIES" Michael that is what you are now a butterfly. I can just see you now smiling, spinning, singing, and just laughing up there in those clouds, now you can spread your pretty wings beautifully, and freely with no hurt, judgment, or pain. Michael soar like Peter Pan with one glove in your hand and our hearts in the other. My heart is so, so heavy with deep sadness that you are "GONE TO SOON".. We will keep your memory alive. People need to look at the "MAN IN THE MIRROR" (themselves) and let you finally have some peace. You are the "BADDEST"... and I always wanted to be your ?LIBERIAN GIRL ooh Micael ?YOU ROCK MY WORLD. I ?REMEMBER THE TIME in 1979 watching you walk across the street in NYC and wishing I had spoken to you and going to your concert saying to myself I GOT TO BE THERE. Your show was ?OFF THE WALL. I went to ?HEARTBREAK HOTEL when you sung about ?BILLIE JEAN and not me. I wanted to SCREAM!!! Michael it?s just ?HUMAN NATURE and ?JUST ANOTHER PART OF ME that wanted to be your ?PRETTY YOUNG THING, but I had to ?KEEP IT IN THE CLOSET?It was not in the stars for our paths to cross. No one could and ever will "ROCK WITH YOU" "YOU ARE NOT ALONE" and you should never have to wonder WHO?S LOVIN YOU? Michael I love THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL low to high "BLACK OR WHITE". It is a "THRILLER" feeling to watch you perform and that will always stay with me. Our love for you Michael will never "STOP BECAUSE WE DIDN'T GET ENOUGH" Your life on this earth was done, and you "HEALED THE WORLD" with your songs and for that Michael I JUST CAN?T STOP LOVING YOU... but....This is not it!!!! Your next journey is just beginning and it will be so smooth like a slick "SMOOTH CRIMINAL"that will make you say wow!!! I am finally here....Dear Micheal I NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE and I really"I WANT YOU BACK". But your in heaven now and one day I'll see you again because "'I?LL BE THERE!!!!!

Sleep in heavenly peace!!!!

Be strong Jackson family your king will live on forever, our love, and prayers are forever with you. "R.I.P. MY KING, MY MAN.. MR. MICHEAL JACKSON"

Your forever fan Vera The Diva Cheeks [e-mail]

And to anyone out there who did not love or respect Micheal?s music?.Please give him and his family the common courtesy of keeping your negative comments to yourself, this is what killed him. Did your parents raise a troll?

[Howard52]

We know Michael's passing was not an international crisis. We should
take time to honor an icon thelikes of which will not be saeen again
ever. I wonder if schiffer appliedd the same rhetoric to the passing of Elvis. Frank or members of the Beatles? Is his racism showing?

[hardavek]

As a loyal watcher of your Face the Nation program, I was stunned by your commentary on Michael Jackson and American values. MJ was a tireless advocate for racial harmony, a two-time nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, and in the Guinness World Book of Records for the number of charities he has donated to. What could be more "American" than taking the profit earned from honest talent and turning so much of it back to charity?

I am amazed that you would mention Michael Jackson and a known murderer (Caravaggio) in the same breath. Not only do you show lack of knowledge of Michael Jackson's humanitarian contributions, but as a professional journalist, complete lack of respect for the American ideal of being innocent unless proven guilty.

Hardave Kharbanda

[barbaer2]

Thank you, again and again, Bob Schieffer! If only more journalists, politicians, parents, would inject some reality into our daily lives.
Jackson was talented but NOT a hero, and we would all be better off,
honoring his work, his contribution to African American History, but focusing more energy on helping our neighbors.

[gradywpowell]

I have always loved CBS News and Bob Schieffer in particular. This is why I was so hurt when Bob and the producers of Face The Nation would use the occasion of a person's untimely death to make these negative comments about Michael Jackson. Where is the respect for human life? To use phrases such as "weirdness" and "devotion to excess" is so insensitive to his family and to those who may have felt differently than you. When Elvis Presley died, people were hurt not because he served his country in the military, they were hurt because they loved his music and when a person is a musician that does not make them a hero, that makes them a musician. Let people celebrate a person's life without you shooting somebody down with negative comments about them. Michael Jackson isn't even in the ground yet. Can't you let the family grieve without saying bad things about him on a national stage like Face The Nation...people are listening from all over.
You sir are a news man, and you are one of the best in the business. But when you die, I would also say that I think it would be in very poor taste for someone to point out your weaknesses or faults on the occasion of your death. Let me also remind everyone that heroes are people who have faults to. Who among us is perfect?
It will be a long time before I will be able to watch "Face The Nation" again. I may never watch it again. I say that with sadness because I love Bob Schieffer as a news man...and I will always love Michael Jackson as a musician.

[j_flood]

Bob - would you join me in retiring the words 'icon' and 'iconic' from our daily vernacular? The hyper-use of these words have diluted their meaning and rendered them as hollow terms.

Good column...

[wblacklow]

Bob Schieffer is absolutely right. No one has expressed it better than he.

[ladynforest]

Mr Scheiffer, You are an opportunist just as the ones who have accused Mr. Jackson of crimes he did not commit. You are using him in his passing as to further yourself. I personally know one of the so-called victims and I truly believe he was NOT molested. His stepfather and family were hoping to gain financially and they did.

[fanbelt40]

Wow, Mr. Scheiffer, you left me speechless after your careless and appalling opinion regarding Michael Jackson and the impact he will leave on Earth. Music is powerful and a talent like Michael Jackson doesn't come around very often. You think your icons, ie: Washington, Jefferson Lincoln, are the only people who will left a lasting legacy, well, they did and so will Michael. It seemed the whole Earth came to a halt when his death was announced, something that certainly won't happen to you when you go. So, I wonder, is it jealousy, ignorance, or what. The next time you express your opinion, perhaps you should stick with politics and leave the rest to us.

[woody2676]

It is a sad thing when a "Pop" star gets page one headlines and a beautiful actress (Farah Fawcett) gets one paragraph on page 6 when they die the same day. Farah had more class and not as much plastic. I would rather have seen Farah in person than Michael Jackson any day.

[woody2676]

It is a sad thing when a "Pop" star gets page one headlines and a beautiful actress (Farah Fawcett) gets one paragraph on page 6 when they die the same day. Farah had more class and not as much plastic. I would rather have seen Farah in person than Michael Jackson any day.

[maryk31]

I agree with much of Mr. Schieffer's comentary, but I must defend Van Gogh. He had a terrible debilitating illness, bipolar disorder, and to categorize him with murders is unfair and uninformed.

MK