This Is It

Being an avid Michael Jackson fan for most of my life, I had the pleasure of going to see the "This Is It" movie.  I was unsure how this would be effective, but was pleasantly surprised by how well this production was put together.  It shows Michael's soft side and his tremendous talent.

This footage is like watching the concert without the costumes.  There is a new version of "Thriller", "Smooth Criminal", and "The Earth Song".  You definitely get a glimpse of what would have been.  What a shame all of his hard work was for nothing.

Michael had a say in every aspect of this concert.  His ideas were evident, and he was percise in his music.  He knew every beat and every moment.

The end of the movie hit me like a thunderbolt.  It was a familiar pose that Michael inhabited, but you see the life leave his body as the picture is freeze framed.  The thought came to my mind that undoubtedlly spoke "This Is It".

You can view a bitter/sweet movie review here.

Analysis: 'Blackface Jacksons' embarrassing to Australia

This article talks about racisim in Austrailia.

I've never been to Australia, but have always been intrigued by movies, pictures, and stories I have seen. I picture the men as rugged, strong, and ready to take on a crocidile in the outback. After reading this article, I am a bit embarrassed by the ignorance that seems to be prevelant in this nation. A former Prime Minister stated that, "Australians pride themselves for their egaltarianism", but apparently, this is for white people only. This statement seems ambiguous to me and should be disgarded.

Good for Harry Conick Jr. for rejecting racial slurs. I'm sure that the Jackson family would not feel this skit was funny, especially because of the recent loss of a dear loved one. It is too bad that Michael Jackson could not receive the respect he deserves, if only for what he gave mankind through his music, dance, creativity, and altruism. I don't understand this 'old school' behaviour of this group in Australia. This is disrespectful on so many levels, and I'm glad this act has been exposed. Conick Jr. is a native American and displays how much progress many Americans have made in the segregation of different race.

It is important to treat others with respect and dignity. The colour of our skin does not decide our class or worth. We are the same inside and no one is better than any one else, even though there are many who would beg to differ. There is nothing funny when we joke at the expense of others.

This situation only stresses that Australia is still a very young nation that needs to grow up.