San Diego Community

Be sure to watch Dr. Kanner discuss this topic live on Monday, July 6th @ 8:20am on San Diego 6 News In The Morning - CW.  Also, check out his NEW website at www.kanner.tv

Background: Another international legend dies tragically early in his life leaving behind an array of feelings from sadness and anger all the way to curiosity.  At the present time, it is unclear as to the cause of his death, but signs seem to indicate that drug use and perhaps abuse may have been the ultimate cause of his demise. Like many talented individuals, Michael had his own demons.  But, in the minds of his millions of fans, Michael’s talents, strengths, and contributions to the arts will not only remain intact but will likely grow and intensify in the months and years to come, and his shortcomings will lay low as compared to his many attributes.  Similar to Elvis, Michael will become even more idolized after dying then when he was alive. Don’t be surprised if the “moon walk”, or that “white glove”, comes back into the music and artistic worlds as a way to highlight the many contributions that Jacko had on pop culture over many decades. CD sales have gone off the charts in the last week and the Thriller video is being played in various clubs throughout the world. Ironically, he was about to make a come back by going on a 50 city tour in order to repair his reputation, attempt to pay off his debts, and remind everyone of the true artist he always was, only to die before attempting to perhaps make a mends with his fans.

However, as with all true legends, the impressions and changes that Michael Jackson brought to culture will solidify in the years to come and people will continue to not only remember him, but likely hold tightly to his talents, not his faults. Why is this?  Not to condone his personal issues, but Social Psychology teaches us that people identify better with people, especially celebrities, who are “human” as well as icons.  In other worlds, legends always hold a special place in everyone’s hearts, but even more so for the ones who have struggles or blunders, for it makes them look like a “real person” who everyone can identify with and also has very personal attachments to anyone who has been directly influenced by Michael.

As the story of his death unfolds, there will be an intensification of sympathy and empathy for Michael and a natural tendency to “blame” external reasons for his death will come into play as a means of preserving his legendary status, similar to the Anna Nicole story.  The most likely target for such blame will be his personal physician who was apparently caring for him up to the time that he died.  This movement to “blame” is a defense against feeling the pain of losing an individual who made others have hope, dreams, and faith that they too can overcome hardship and crises themselves.  Michaels song “Man In The Mirror” capitalizes on people needing to look at themselves first before relying on others to change.  This sends a powerful message about self-responsibility and self-struggle which everyone   identifies with.  In other words, true legends make others feel good and push people to strive forward not backwards, and because of this personal affiliation, there is a common tendency to preserve the legend as it is a way to heal and push oneself forward to their highest potential.

Legends, such as Jacko, become parts of everyone.  Michael’s dancing, music, and even style, has been internalized by millions where his attributes become part of others.  Anyone who knows how to moonwalk, dance to the Thriller video, or can recite his songs, have been stung by the Michael “bug” and this will remain intact and frequently revisited as his fans mourn his contributions. This helps to explain why millions are mourning his death and are flocking to L.A. to see his home and attend a funeral or viewing on his behalf. 

As time passes, Michael will continue to be missed, but his gifts will live on in the minds and hearts of anyone who was influenced by pop music, which is just about anyone and everyone.