Recently, a survey was conducted (by yours truly nonetheless) of the blogs posted here at TOTP and it was concluded that the number of articles featuring newspapers other than the Herald Sun or The Age was ... 0. Therefore, today I decided to change tracks and switch to another newspaper outlet that we are all familiar with but one I would not normally consider as a "depressing" newspaper, this being mX.
mX, for my international readers (if there are any of you out there) is a free, local to Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, newspaper that focuses on providing city commuters with a "daily mix of fun news, sport and entertainment". It is for that reason that I was shocked to find such a devastating abuse of mX's front page article this morning.
Brandished across the front page like a fresh iron brand was the single word "Homicide". Anything the size and shape that this title held on the paper's anterior section is sure to get some attention, and the actual heading itself only proved to entice the reader more. A classic trick of the trade for a newspaper that is supposed to be an alternative to the crap we read every day in the Sun and the Age.
For those of you who missed it, mX's major story for the day was the detailing of recent reports from the L.A Coroner's Court which specifically state the fact that Michael Jackson's death was a result of "death at the hands of another" (i.e homicide). The shocking news has since outraged Michael Jackson fans across the world who want justice to be brought to the horrible offender that incurred such an untimely demise for the King of Pop.
Whilst I myself was (am?) a massive fan of the Man in the Mirror, it is my duty to provide you readers with the optimistic outlook on the article and here it is.
From the way I see it, we can take Michael Jackson's death as one of 2 things - either, he was a crazy, neurotic, kinda/really creepy 50 year old with a penchance for silk pajamas and employing really bad staff, or, he was a a crazy, neurotic, kinda/really creepy 50 year old with a penchance for silk pajamas and employing really bad staff who also happened to murder him. Do you see the difference? Let me use an another reference to prove my point.
Marilyn Monroe, arguably one of the world's most beautiful women, was what one could call a slutty, blond who enjoyed the presence of men maybe a tad too much and liked to "sing" for the President's supper. Funnily enough though, around the time of her death, mass speculation began to arise about the manner in which this event occurred. Whilst murder and suicide were ruled out, they are still regarded in history today as a possible cause of death and personally, I believe that this is the main reason why she is still remembered to this day as "a legend". It wasn't her talent or her face but merely the possibility that she could have died "at the hands of another" and it is this speculation more than anything else that is what has kept her name firmly placed within our social history.
Now, after that rather downward spiralling rant I wish to comfort you by stating that there is a positive side to this rather depressing exploration into Michael Jackson's death and its relation to Marilyn Monroe's similar quietus. You see, both were major stars at the time of their death. This meant that post vete, major hype was created around the reasons for these stars' bizarre fates and as a result, at least in Marilyn's case, their stardom only became more prominent. Also, both stars were rumoured to have been murdered. In Monroe's case, this statement was never confirmed but many believe that this was more to do with lack of adequeate scientific equipment available at the time rather than a lack of evidence. Therefore, many still believe that Monroe was in fact murdered and I am willing to go as far as to say that it is this sole reason that has kept her memory so fresh in our minds.
As a result, I believe that the same result will occur in relation to MJ's farewell. Whilst his death has now been ruled a homicide, the fact that like Monroe, it can now be confirmed that it was no accident and it is this fact that will keep his legendary status alive for many years to come. Had he died as a result of an accidental overdose or even suicide who knows, the same effect may not have been felt. But I feel safe in the claim that because his death includes mystery, suspicion and now a suspect, he will remain a major part of popular culture for many future generations.
Well, there you have it my darling readers. Leave this site in the warm fuzzy knowledge that whilst death "at the hands of another" is a rather horrible way to go, it can in fact be a blessing in disguise for you can all be safe in knowing that in 50 years time, your great-grand kids will still be singing "ABC....It's easy as 1, 2, 3". Adios amigos oh, and don't worry. Be happy!
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