Michael Jackson: A pop icon

Yes

4 of 7

by Lesley Aeschliman

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In the wake of the sudden and unexpected death of Michael Jackson, it has become readily apparent that Michael was, indeed, a pop icon. Web searches about Michael, along with people exchanging news about Michael's death on social networking sites when the news first broke of his passing, clogged the internet; all the traffic generated by the curiosity nearly brought the internet to a standstill. Within a short amount of time of the official announcement of Michael's death, albums by Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 sold out at online retailers, and it was expected to take one to three weeks to replenish their stock. News of Michael's death was the focus of the news outlets the weekend following his death, and many television networks dedicated time in their television schedules to memorializing the "King of Pop." The BET Awards show that took place the Sunday after Michael's death was dedicated to the legacy and career of Michael Jackson.

When looking back at Michael's career, there's no denying how he influenced fashion in the early 1980's. Over the past ten years or so, the younger stars in the music world showed how much they were influenced by Michael Jackson and his music. If it wasn't Michael's music that influenced these young stars, then it was his dance moves.

Michael Jackson was also a humanitarian. He co-wrote the charity song, "We Are the World," with Lionel Richie, to help raise funds for USA for Africa. The intent of recording and releasing the song was to help raise funds to help famine relief efforts in Africa. In 1992, Michael founded the Heal the World Foundation, a charitable organization. Over the years, the organization has airlifted 46 tons of supplies to Sarajevo, donated millions to less fortunate children, and helped institute drug and alcohol abuse education.

There are those who slap the label "child molester" on Michael Jackson, and try to deny that Michael was a pop icon. Since I never knew Michael or any of his accusers personally, I can't really say whether the "child molester" label is deserved or not. So, I only judge Michael by his music, his work, and his humanitarian efforts.

In my opinion, it's undeniable that Michael made a huge impact on the pop culture landscape, from his days as a member of the Jackson 5 through his career as a solo artist. Yes, Michael was eccentric and did some strange things over the years. However, the reactions in the aftermath of Michael's death, as well as the evidence of how much Michael influenced pop culture over the years, is proof enough that Michael was, and will still continue to be, a pop icon.

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