A Little Context

Yes, Millions Watched Michael Jackson's Memorial, But Bob Schieffer Points Out Some Other Big Audience Draws

(CBS)  Ask anyone what their favorite music is and they'll usually choose the music that was popular when they were in high school.

For me that meant the likes of Elvis and Chuck Berry and Little Richard and, because I'm from Texas, Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams and, a little later, George Jones.

Maybe that's why I never got Michael Jackson's music - he was long after my salad days.

What I thought of when he died was not his music, but the weirdness - the grotesque facial surgery, the Halloween costume attire, the drug rumors and all the rest.

That's just me, of course.

Jackson and his music meant a lot to many people. Thirty-one million people watched his memorial service. It was news, all right.

But before we declare this some sort of never-before-seen outpouring of emotion and national affection, just a little context:

"American Idol" draws close to 30 million on a good night.

More people actually tuned in to see the burial service for Ronald Reagan than saw Jackson's memorial service.

A far greater audience watched the presidential debates.

And while it is true that an astonishing 1.6 million people registered for a lottery offering free tickets to Jackson's memorial service, a lot more people - more than two million - took the trouble to make their way to Washington to see, in person, the inauguration of America's first African American president, even though it was on television, too.

Somehow I find that reassuring.

[frommyperspective]

You were wrong to include this man in your editorial rant. Michael is not going away. And you left a sad indelible imprint of your values in action. We all experience loss,loss is painful and an opportunity for reflection; who were you to make a judgement on the worth of a person simply because you did not "get" him. There was a teachable moment you had with Michael Jackson's death about life, its turns, its pain, the ups and downs, triumps and mistakes; but, you blew it. Again most people I know, who like you, are so surprised at your remarks; but perhaps you got caught up in the Michael Jackson wave of commercialism. Since your commentary on Michael is still one of the most viewed - 6 weeks after his death.

Go and hug your "Michael" by Maya Angelou.

Yesterday I cried watching the Michael Jackson memorial. I cried for a little black boy who felt the world didn't understand him.
I cried for a little black boy who spent his adulthood chasing his childhood.
And I thought about all the young black boys out there who may feel that the world doesn?t understand them.
The ones who feel that the world does not understand their baggy jeans, their swagger, their music, their anger, their struggles, their fears or the chip on their shoulder.
I worry that my son, may too, one day feel lonely in a wide, wide world.
I cried for young children of all colors who may live their life feeling like a misfit, feeling like no one understands their perspective, or their
soul. What a burden to carry.
As a mother, I cried for Katherine Jackson because no mother should ever bury a child. Period. And I think about all the pain, tears and sleepless nights that she must have endured seeing her baby boy in inner pain, seeing him struggle with his self- esteem, and his insecurities
and to know that he often felt unloved. Even while the world loved him deeply.
Ho w does it feel to think that the unconditional love we give as mothers just isn?t enough to make our children feel whole?
I wonder if she still suffers thinking, ?What more could I have done??
Even Moms of music legends aren?t immune to Mommy guilt, I suppose.
When Rev. Al Shar pton (who always delivers one ?Awesome? funeral
speech), said to Michael?s children ? Your Daddy was not Strange . . . .
It was strange what your daddy had to deal with? I thought of all of the
strange things of the world that my children would have to deal with.
Better yet, the things I hope they won?t ever have to deal with anymore.
And as a mother raising a young black boy, I feel recommitted and yet a little confused as to how to make sure my son is sure enough within himself to take on the world. Especially a ?strange? one. To love himself enough to know that even when the world doesn?t understand you, tries
to force you into it?s mold or treats you unkindly, you are still beautiful, strong, and Black. How do I do that?
Today, I?m taking back ?childhood? as an inalienable right for every brown little one. In a world that makes children into ?booty-Shakin?, mini- adults
long before their time, I?m reclaiming the playful, the innocent, run-around
outside, childhood as the key ingredient in raising confident adults.
Second, I will not rest until my little black boy, My Michael, knows that his broad nose is beautiful, his chocolately brown skin is beautiful, and his thick
hair is beautiful.
And nothing or no one, can take that away from him.
Now, ain?t we Bad, ain?t we Black, and ain?t we Beautiful!

Maya Angelou
July, 2009

[sjc_1]

It was about the supposed innocence and all the simple mindedness of it all. Jackson was a pedophile. Lots of people tried to over look that but he was truly weird. His music was creative and I guess lots of creative people have their faults, but his were perverse and inexcusable.

[AltitudeDoc]

Bob Schieffer's commentary on Michael Jackson is directly on point but there is one major omission. When discussing "Audience Draws" for any single event the televised funeral of Princess Diana should always be included despite the fact that it occurred outside our borders.

[thaliacs]

Michael was not weird. He was just a black man trying to fit in a world that was not for blsck people. How much more critical could you be. He was exploited by his doctors, even his facial cosmetic surgery was cruel.

After Blacks, can't adapt and this man is very rich, you find the energy to publish an article that will not make the history of Black History, because we will tell the story the way we know it.

That is why I only speak english and not the language of my ancestors when I was exiled, because I know that if you can sit here and talk smack about Michael. Then it is very easy for me just give up and seem weird, strange and bazaar.

~ Thalia

[pcgirl_36]

"Yes, Millions Watched Michael Jackson's Memorial, But Bob Schieffer Points Out Some Other Big Audience Draws"

Are you serious? What Bob Schieffer pointed out is that is is time for him to go home; or at least end his career. I've been watching Face the Nation for many years, but have never been so flabbergasted as I was after hearing Mr. Schieffer's comments on Michael Jackson's Memorial.

Trying to point out other "big audience draws" was so off base. This information was so "out of context" with the Jackson Memorial service. The information he attempted to relate was not comparable on any level.

I'm not surprised by previous shows I've heard when a guest made off remarks during a healthy debate; but, the host - Mr. Schieffer - I expected his years of experience to have developed a more balanced perspective. But instead he revealed his honest and true perspective to the audience and his disregard for the facts. Mr. Schieffer's personal opinion was "personal". Did you say "weirdness"? I had much respect for you for years, simply because you gave me no reason not to respect you. I've listened to days of coverage on the Michael Jackson - on many networks, but I never heard anyone report that Michael Jackson ever assassinated anyone's character, as you assassinated his. You sounded like a bitter miserable old man. I even heard people say that their views were similar to yours. But since Michael's death - the extensive coverage allowed them the opportunity to be presented with facts and truths from legitimate sources, which gave them a new understanding and respect for the man - Michael Jackson. Even President Reagan respected his talent and his humanitarian efforts.

However, the remarks you made on Sunday morning have clearly marked you as a bigoted and narrow-minded man. Silence is golden. It's too late for you - you let the world know your mind and your heart. There is nothing wrong with having an opinion, but with all your years of experience, you should have known better. Well - maybe not. You did say that you can only relate to Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, etc. You spoke out and let the world know that you are stuck in a time warp. You also let us know that with the numerous talented artists that have emerged since the one's of your era - you are not capable and/or willing to appreciate just one from another era. And, if you feel that way about music - all of your views are suspect and your mind is not open to absorbing and learning new information. That's sad.

It is your right not to like ANY of Michael Jackson's music. But, the personal attack on a deceased person - seems so counterproductive. How about just a little R.E.S.P.E.C.T.! As you watched the memorial service - even in your spirit of disdain, please answer this: What did Paris Jackson do to you? Though you made it clear - even after his death - that you did not care for her father - she did. Remember - "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine, and I just wanna say I love him - so much". The child was heart-broken, breaking down in tears, as she made these remarks. Anybody and everybody that has a "heart" - commented on how Paris' words reminded them that a man died - Paris' father. But, not Mr. Shieffer - he refuses to change his opinion - right or wrong; fair or unfair. Anyway . . .

I have never felt as compelled to comment as I did after listening to your remarks - they were frightening. We all have to leave the Earth someday. I thank God that I will not be judged by man; if so, there would be no grace and mercy. I will pray for you. I will pray that before you pass on - you find your heart. Your actions and words are a constant reminder for us all not to place any hope in man - because, you will most definitely be disappointed. You disappoint me Mr. Schieffer.

[ambdvm]

I could not believe my ears as Mr. Schieffer commented on Michael Jackson's memorial service. His blatant disrespect and disdain for Michael was obvious. If he could not say anything good about Michael, why say anything at all? Why bring up the plastic surgery, the drug rumors and not his humanitarian efforts, his gifts to charities?

Perhaps the ratings were that low because some of us had to work, and we taped the service and have watched it over and over since the live broadcast. Those of us who grew up listening to Michael Jackson know that he helped improve race relations, because we were there living it. I know he was only one man, but that one man helped put that first African-American president in the white house.

Mr. Schieffer, think before you comment on people from a different generation than yours.

[frommyperspective]

The commentary lost me at the use of the word "freakish". I do not subscribe to a belief system that insults elements of a person when you know people are grieving and hurting - not fans - the 'intimate strangers', but family and friends. I thought Mr. Schieffer should have ended his commentary when he said "I never got Michael Jackson" anything more without foundation. Why would Mr. Shieffer go on national television about Michael Jackson without asking his listeners to help him understand. "I don't know" is a underrated response, but one that should be used more often as an explication of the truth.

When Elvis died President Jimmy Carter had to send in the National Guard because of the outpouring of fan grief in Memphis. The reaction of people to losing a piece of Americana is not unusual or baseless. Whether you agree or not Michael Jackson is apart of the culture of the United States, and in his lifetime he managed to create, through his music and philanthropy, a global presence and sense of global good will which is comparable to anything accomplished by anyone elected or appointed. President Ronald Reagan invited him to the White House as did President George Bush (41) and President Clinton in recognition of Michael's global influence; why? Michael used HIS popularity and MONEY to DO GOOD things.

Michael Jackson gave $300 million of his wealth to charity - more than any other "pop" star. Michael helped to save a floundering music industry by inventing mini films we now take for granted on MTV. Michael for many years was the cornerstone of the GLOBAL music market. One might imagine that many jobs were created and other economic gains made because of his infusion of creativity -- including a market for sequined gloves and military like jackets. No doubt Michael's personal debt of 400 million also helped boost the economy. Certainly Bank of America profited when Michael defaulted on his loan. So Michael is probably personally responsible of a few billion dollars of revenue being pumped in this nation's economy in the years when his popularity soared and even while his star faded and was stained.

But for me the truth is I like Michael Jackson because like millions of people I grew up with him being around. He and I are the same age, so I have seen the hard knocks life take me to different levels of understanding, And from my shinning youth to my middle age, and yes I am also a distorted from where I started, My "fifteen minutes" are over, my skin has not changed colors but my knees are bad, my waistline is not the same, and Michael Jackson has passed away. It is human to feel the loss of someone who has been grafted onto your life's timeline fro almost half a century. Even parents who do not "get" Michael understand that their children grew and grooved to him.

So maybe for many people the coverage of Michael's dying was too much but for many others it was just right. A recognition of a cultural phenomena who spanned two generations is not a bad thing. Culture is important, it is the language which speaks and leaves an impression. If Iranian's in the midst of their struggle can text their condolences; that was Michael's cultural impact on the ordinary folk. I believe what bothers some who are use to controlling our media intake, is that the agenda was set by popular demand.

As far as the costumes and the plastic surgery, well that's show business. Michael was an entertainer, he entertained. And he kept the ratings up for the networks these past two weeks. It is not Michael's fault that the news has become more about entertainment and personality than about informing the public about facts and issues. In fact it looks to me like the news has taken a page from the Jackson playbook. And if a sequined glove and a couple of good tunes help people listen better, try get along, and in his death we watched a beautiful family and tried to understand -- then he has continued, even in death, to do more than his fair share. And if a global moonwalk gets us a little peace, then let's get to moonwalking!

In my community when someone dies we say hands off because the person is no longer in our hands but God's. Time will reveal all truths.

Since I like Mr. Schieffer I was disappointed in the commentary because I thought it was dismissive and I do not believe it added to an understanding of what was going on with the culture, at so many levels.

[cru-sader]

To Bob Schieffer:

Like they say . . .
the one's who protest the loudest, are the one's
with the biggest issue.
If it is not that big a deal...why even comment?
Me thinks you're letting this Michael Jackson thing get under
your skin.
You see, I'm not an Elvis fan, but I saw why a lot of people
reacted with remorse the way they did. If that's the way Presley's
fans wanted to react . . .then let them!!

It's show business!!

[jcavellero]

I was very dissappointed in your negative comments yesterday. Why point out other things that had the same amount of viewers? What are you to accomplish by attempted to downgrade MJ's importance to so many people. Sometimes you are better off to just say nothing and let those who cared about him grieve in their own way, whether you agree with or not and why make light of it as if that is not many people because more people view American Idol every week. More people do not watch American Idol each week just to see One person they admire. This is one person, one soul, one who have a lot to many people. Yes he had contraversy because of media vultures like yourself. Sometimes I wish he just sat down and gave you all an itemized list of all of his skin ailments, his lupus, etc.... that had severe affects on his appearance. Yes he attempted some facial reconstruction in hopes of fixing things that his medical problems caused and it backfired. So he wore costumes while out in public, that was his image. Do you really think he wore tons of eyeliner and red lipstick bumming around the house? You all need to get into reality. He was a person, first blackmailed by one family which hurt his reputation, yes another mistake than MJ made by trying to just make it go away so a second family comes around hoping to get paid off so he finally stood up for himself and refused to be blackmailed again and was cleared. If he had a huge history of doing those things how come a ton of kids did not come out of the woodwork this last time. 1+1=2, Did you know that?

I have always watched you on Sundays but after today, I chose to find a more reliable person to follow. You should have kept this type of opinion to yourself. What you said had nothing to do with Black or White but to demean a human being who is not even here to defend himself? What is the purpose? He is gone now! Can you please, finally, just let him rest in peace and leave his kids alone!

[willis2008]

I was THRILLED to hear Bob's commentary this morning. Finally, an extremely polite way, and in excellent taste, may I add, to express the feelings of so many of us. In no way, do I wish to disrespect MJ. I do however feel that over-coverage was the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen in my 63 years.
Thanks, Mr. Schieffer for your honesty, integrity and overall heartfelt comments on this morning's show. You have made all of this Hoopla less offensive.
Sincerely,
Laura from Willis, TX.

[swingline222]

I can't believe you don't have enough sense or the respect to realize that Michael Jackson was just as well a living breathing human with real emotions and real struggle in his life just like everyone else. Only his pain was broadcasted all over the world. It was misinterpreted twisted and wrong, and who are you to label his funeral ever so sarcastically "some sort of never-before-seen outpouring of emotion and national affection." He died, and we are honoring him as a person and not an icon. For what he accomplished in his life, not for what the media accused him of. And he accomplished a lot more than just sitting at a desk reporting about other people?s lives. He gave so much with the gifts and talent he had. And just because he's not in your hay day of musical taste that still doesn?t mean you can't understand what GOOD music really is and Michael really brought good music back to the world. Life isn't about the amount of people that attend what event, the most popular shows or jumping on the bandwagon of people who are in a rat race to the top, but about doing good for the world and making the best out of life. And Michael Jackson did exactly that. I believe your negativity and disrespect for A PERSON is in complete distaste and your opinion well...just sucks.

[didserve]

enough of jackson...his gold digger family will try to keep it in the news as long as they can to continue to cash in on the poor guy!

what a bunch of opportunist! no talent grave diggers!