Death of an Idol

Michael Jackson is dead. Many will mourn, a few will rejoice and the vast majority, whilst intrigued by the news and saddened as by any death, will be completely indifferent. He was a strange person, unable to deal with the pressures of fame and wealth, nor able to control his own perversions. He had undoubted talent and leaves a musical legacy to the pop music world which would be the envy of any so-called "star". He did some very silly, immature things - trying to whiten his face, dangling his baby over a Berlin hotel balcony and, worst of all, entertaining young boys in his house for what many believe was for his own sexual gratification. But he also gave pleasure to millions with his music, and this once again raises the old question of how much we should support and admire a talented artist who lives a life of which we do not approve. Should we, for example, buy a book by an author who has been to prison for fraud, even if the book is entertaining and well-written ? Or watch the great films made by a director who has a relationship with his wife's adopted daughter ? This is of course purely an individual decision. Most will not have bothered about Jackson's private life when they bought his music, and I suspect that in years to come he will be remembered for his artistic achievements whilst his private life will fade into obscurity.