#IranElections, Social Media, and The Death of Michael Jackson

If you’re a social media junkie, and most specifically a Facebook and Twitter junkie, and you have also followed closely the events unfolding in Iran. That in the midst of what could be another historic crossroad in Iranian society, the trending topics for the past few hours have been that of the death of celebrities, especially that of The King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Of course, I was shocked at the news of the death of such a legend in the music industry, because everyone has something to say about Michael Jackson, that even despite his recent years in the not so positive light of celebrity, many seem to reminisce about his great genius as a musician. A great many have a few songs, or just one song that they remember fondly about Michael Jackson. And there are those who choose only to remember the Michael Jacson of the Thriller years and even before that as a teen heartthrob. Indeed, as with Elvis, it seems the early years of the man is what history will continue to hark back to whenever we feel the need to remember the greatness of such an icon.

And so, for those concerned, that the events in the Iran Elections and the protests that have come thereafter may be overshadowed by the death of a juggernaut in the music industry, I have to say that this still seems to be the initial shock period of the many fans (and non-fans) out there who just had no prior warning that imminent death was to come.

Michael Jackson was preparing for the comeback of his life, amidst financial pressures, a negative public perception about molestation charges, as well as a need to restore his iconic figure, it seems it all has come to an end.

I, of course, was a fan of Michael Jackson, but not on a personal basis, I’ve always seemed to focus on the music and not so much the individual. I know little about the life of my most favorite bands and musicians, but I connect deeply with their music, and this goes the same for Michael Jackson.

As a man deeply connected to politics, living and breathing sociopolitical discourse, I sincerely hope that the death of such an icon in the music industry will be given a proper tribute, but that the international community also does not close its eyes to the plight of the Iranian People. That we strike a balance in coverage and concern is important. We cannot drop everything in our lives to pursue sociopolitical events unfolding in important parts of the world, but we should at least keep open our eyes and divide our attention, lest we forget that there are also those that have died in Iran, albeit not as famous and iconic as Michael Jackson, but maybe just as important.

NEDA, the twenty something Iranian woman who died of a gunshot wound and who has become the face of the current Iranian green revolution that is sweeping Iranian Society, is as important, and for many Iranians, maybe even more important than Michael Jackson himself. There are varying degrees, depending on perspective and world views.

As a Filipino, a music lover, and part of humanity, as well as part of a growing segment of social media, I can see, that my attention is not limited, but can be broadened. Indeed, as I have always tried to instill in readers, friends, and family. It does not matter where we come from, what we do, it only matters that we can be complete in our duties as part of humanity. Part of our duty is being aware of the ailments of society, while still trying to live our normal day to day lives. As bloggers, we can be technology bloggers, lifestyle bloggers, celebrity bloggers, and even probloggers, but that does not mean we throw away our right to be bloggers of humanity.

Michael Jackson’s music lives, and we should celebrate his music, because damn it was good music indeed. But remember also the struggle of The Iranian People, to fight for their democracy the counting of each and every vote. I hope in the days to come, the trending topic will once again revert back to the events in Iran, as the state tries to clamp down on free speech and freedom of information. We all have a stake in what happens in all parts of the world, we are connected more than ever.. Even Michael Jackson proclaimed, in one of the most celebrated gatherings of the elites in the music industry, that indeed “we are the world”.

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