Hypocritical Cynic

You might ask yourself, what exactly is that? Well, I feel that I'm a cynic because I think that the media is oversaturating the public with information and coverage of Michael Jackson. I'm not saying that it's a terrible thing, but isn't there other news happening in the world? I mean, Kim Jung Il was firing nuclear missiles and the news doesn't care? I know they care, but it seems that now nothing else matters.

And now comes the hypocritical part.....I'm actually watching (well, listening) to the coverage live on CNN.com. I'm just like all the other people around the world that are curious about the coverage and everything that will be happening during the procession from Forest Lawn to the Staples Center and what will happen during the service itself.

Again, I'm not saying it's a bad thing that there is all of this coverage, but some people have been saying that this could be the most watched event in history - even more people watching than the inauguration of Barack Obama...in January! So, now, just six months later, we are having yet another event that will be more watched? Is that entirely possible?

There have been several events of this nature, but none as embedded as this. One of the largest events in the past was the funeral for John F. Kennedy. Yes, it was on television, but definitely not being shown live around the world. After that was the death of Elvis Presley. The coverage of his death and funeral was similar to Michael's, but again, not to the extent as to what is going on today.

Because of the social media craze that is around the world in this day and age, information spreads almost instantly. This instant information has made it much easier for people to get the facts (and unfortunately, the rumors) as quickly as you can imagine. I was reading that a lot of different streams are offering live video of the event. Everyone from Hulu, MySpace and CNN. MySpace? Really? Do people really run to MySpace for news and information? Who knew.

Lastly, despite my cynicism, I have to admit that Michael Jackson did something that only a few artists have ever done. People like Michealangelo with the Sistine Chapel, The Beatles, Elvis Presley and many other artists and entertainers that leave and indelibe mark on the world. Michael Jackson left his mark with his music. He was an amazing performer and songwriter and he deserves the honors that everyone offers.