Kobe and Magic: Michael Jackson Memorial
Tuesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the memorial for one of the greatest entertainers of all time, Michael Jackson seemed more like a red carpet event than a memorial.
Magic was humble in paying homage to the Ping of Pop. (Credit: E!)
Just like Jackson’s life, there is much controversy surrounding the event that took place in the building the Lakers (and Clippers) call home. The ceremony was paid for by a city in dire need of saving money rather than spending it.
Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant both took the stage to address the crowd, and had some compelling things to say:
If Kobe is thanking Jackson for teaching him how to donate and contribute, it would be nice if he put this knowledge to work in the here-and-now and contributed some cash to pay part of the massive bill for an event he had no business attending. Why not help your fans? Or at least make the token gesture you really care about the people? Give back Kobe, come on! There is no question the King of Pop was a humanitarian and a contributor with his money. What about the Black Mamba?
Magic at least sites real instances as to how he is thankful for Michael Jackson. He thanked him directly for opening doors and creating opportunities. The gesture is understandable and genuine on Magic’s behalf. His relationship with Jackson was real. Magic was actually in one of his videos:
Everyday citizens might not want millions of bucks spent on this memorial. They did not even have the opportunity to vote or decide this democratically. Let proceeds from all the music he’s sold since he died pay for it. Something other than the cash of the people.
One would envision that iconic athletes the caliber of Magic or Kobe would want $2.5-$4 million of tax money allocated to the sports programs of the schools of the young athletes who dream of being the next Magic or Kobe. But there’s Kobe on stage, sucking up the spotlight, giving his “weirdness” thanks on TV and radio broadcasts worldwide, gaining excessive fame and notoriety, talking a big game in remembering the King of Pop. Who associates Kobe with that MJ?
Kobe states his gratitude, but then does not help his city–Los Angeles, the people who pay his salary, the people who will feel this the hardest–with anything more than fake mourning. An Anderson Varajao flop is more convincing than Kobe’s performance on Tuesday. He made A-Rod look genuine.
You want true fame and notoriety? Why not be in the news for donating money to help the city pay for this shindig? Instead of standing their in a nice black suit pretending to be so broken up by the whole thing.
How much of a hero would you be to those of us who were working yesterday and couldn’t attend if you were to contribute financially to the city of L.A.? Not something you’re going to get a fat tax write off for, but to help the city pay for an event they really can’t afford.
Can’t think of a better, more practical and productive way to exemplify Michael Jackson’s legacy of generosity.
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Wed, Jul 8, 2009 by Adam Sedie
News, Opinions