The New MJ Spin

Hi everyone,

Hope you're having a great weekend following the MJ controversy unfold (and of course other weekend-related things as well).

The L.A. Times (online) has an article by Robert Hilburn, a pop music critic, that I found interesting while watching (and reading) the changing headlines, ledes and photos since Jackson's death. His article is a personal one that speaks about MJ's rather shy personality and disposition contrasted by his flashy stage persona.

I find it interesting how quickly public interest has shifted from mourning and sadness to curiosity. Labeled a great tragedy, Jackson's death is said to be untimely and unexpected. Now, with the release of the 911 phone call and the possibility of foul play and the presence (or not) of a personal physician, it seems certain that Jackson's death will fall into the same category as the "tragic and untimely death" of many a celebrity. It seems like every time this happens, personal responsibilities are overshadowed by the possibility of foul play-and yet time and time again it's news.

Hilburn's lede: "For all his charisma and authority on stage, he had a Bambi-like shyness and fragility away from the spotlight. 'I'm lonely,' a 23-year-old Jackson said." For better and worse, MJ had problems-public and private-and now everyone believes they have a claim in how he's remembered and finding the truth behind his death.

Also, in class we spoke a lot about angles and how to spin a story. I think more than half of the other news headlines (under technology, health, crime, etc) on CNN's website are Jackson related. Funny how it becomes new to everyone and every section.