Lessons learned from Jackson
By ERIN MAHER
A legend has passed.
Whether you were a fan or not, Michael Jackson's recent death left many people in shock. I didn't really understand the huge surprise. Based on the media's portrayal of the man over the past decade, a possible drug-related death didn't come as a huge shock. Sad? Yes. Surprising? Not so much.
Whether you were Jackson's biggest fan and moonwalked your way through the '80s or thought of him as nothing more than a mental case, there is no denying the influence Jackson had on the music industry during his reigning years as the king of pop. Breaking down barriers and paving the way for future music stars, he became a greater legend with every chart-topping song he released.
I wasn't even alive when "Thriller" was released, yet the song was played at both my high school proms and every wedding I've ever attended. As influential as he was, there is no denying the personal problems he faced. They were splashed across the media throughout his entire career. The debt, the accusations, the troubled childhood – all of it continues to make headlines.
The truth is this: we will never know everything. Those who have the answers about Jackson's life most likely won't disclose it and frankly, I have more important things in my own life to worry about than the troubles of a fallen pop star. But there are monumental lessons to be taken from what we do know of his life:
• Money can't buy happiness, only temporary pleasure. Sure you can buy the world and a piece of Neverland, but the money will eventually run out.
• It's important to raise children with love, instead of pushing them. Jackson's unstable years were all tied back to his mistreatment as a child, which shows that the most important thing in a child's life is the love they are surrounded by.
• Live your life, instead of just working through it. Jackson died without anyone knowing whether he was ever able to enjoy the simple pleasures of everyday life.
Jackson left behind legendary music and will go down in history as one of the world's greatest performers. People will remember him for his music.
But part of me hopes people don't look past his life because of the scandals it includes. Part of me hopes people do the opposite and remember all of it and in doing so learn a thing or two about truly living.
• Erin Maher is a Sycamore resident and a graduate of Sycamore High School. She studies journalism at Western Illinois University. She can be reached at erinmaher88@gmail.com.
