How Dare You?

Today is Michael Jackson's funeral, and maybe I'm out of the loop, uncool or clueless, but though I'm sad that he died (and curious about his eternal destiny) I'm very ready to not hear about it much more.

Obviously others aren't. Quite obvious. But I don't understand some attitudes.

A recent BBC piece pointed out that some of the recipient of tickets to the memorial in L.A. (which were won by random lottery) have tried to sell one or both of their coveted prizes on ebay or craigslist - and have been met with vitriolic anger from the online community.

Here's a direct quote from the BBC's piece:

A Jackson family spokesman Ken Sunshine criticized those who would seek to make money out of the event.

"This is a memorial. Words can't describe how horrifying it is that people are ostensibly trying to do that. It's beneath contempt," said Mr Sunshine.

First thought: Wouldn't it just be cool if your last name was Sunshine? Who wouldn't want to hang out with you? "Hey Ed, want to go hang out with Mr. Sunshine?" Ed: "That sounds so very pleasant - sure!!" And thought 1.5: It's hard to picture Mr. Sunshine saying negative things... a burden that comes with the name I guess.

Second, What!? Let's step back and think about that for a second. Mr Sunshine and all the adoring but angry fans blocking winners from selling tickets are effectively saying that it's wrong to try to make money from the death of the 'King of Pop' and his memorial/memory.

At least if you're an individual. An easily identifiable individual. Shame on you for any gain from this loss!! How dare you!!?

But it's another story if you're a huge corporation or media outlet, isn't it? People are glued to watch the hours of TV 'news' and specials. Surely the broadcast execs aren't out to make money? You bet they are. They love tragedy and drama and whatever will get people to watch their shows. I seriously doubt that they're showing the funeral and all the retrospective stuff out of altruism.

TV is commercials, surrounded by content to keep you in place to watch the commercials. That's where the money comes from. That's how it works.

I'm also sure that Record producers are spinning up the DVD and CD copiers right now to handle the glut of increased Michael Jackson media and music sales. Shoot - they might even make a DVD of the funeral.

So, while I think it's in bad taste to auction off seats to a funeral, let's not live with the illusion that a figure as public (?) and popular does not create opportunities for those who will to make money and gain from his passing. It's just easier to single out individuals than to recognize that we as a society, out of curiosity, empathy or voyeurism, want to participate and benefit from such situations.

Sorry to put those clouds of reality out there Mr. Sunshine.