I am in Lithuania on a mission trip. This country, for the most part, was cut off from Western civilization for the many years of Soviet occupation/Communism. In the first few days we have been here I have heard numerous accounts of how sterile an environment the country was during those years. Apparently, however, one part of the Western world managed to find it’s way through to this culture. The name is Michael Jackson.
We were saddened to hear of Jackson’s passing, but word hit the streets of Lithuania quickly also. It is amazing that he is a legend here as well. This morning on my run I passed a couple of shrines to Jackson. I wish I had a camera with me. They had printed Internet pictures of Michael Jackson and put them in clear plastic binders, taped them to park benches, and surrounded the benches with burning candles and flowers. The man’s legacy lives here also!
I am wondering now if Michael Jackson’s memory/death will be forever immortalized as Elvis Presley’s has been. What do you think?
I am also Lithuanian and I still can`t believe Michael`s life is over… I love His talent and personality and His death left a big scar in my heart…I will never forget Him…
LITHUANIA LOVES MJ.
Karen in our office pointed me to this blog:
http://community.detnews.com/blogs/index.php/neighborhood/2009/06/25/losing_our_elvis_and_marilyn_on_the_same
And yes, I feel Michael Jackson will go down in history. He left quite a legacy as did Elvis. He brought a lot of changes to the music/dance industry and influenced a lot of other musicians on their presentation of their videos etc.
Admirable? The talent that they were/have been given and having possibly not acknowleding the source of this gift. Very sad.
I find it sad that performers who have good music but live totally messed up lives are so idolized. What is admirable about them??