Friday, June 26, 2009

In Today's News....

On June 25, America was shocked to hear of the deaths of two entertainers. Both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson died on this day. While most reports say how saddened everyone is, there is the controversial talk of Mr. Jackson. Both of these people were in showbiz and made their money from the fans who supported their careers. Although Fawcett didn't garner as much controvery as Jackson, both of these people left this world having made an impact. You read about how loved and worsipped they both were and it is clear by the TV, radio, newspapers and internet reports.

Farrah Fawcett is best known for her one year gig on the show Charlies Angels and of course for the very popular "swimsuit poster" in which she posed in a red bathing suit. Her more memoriable work involved playing a battered woman in the fact based TV movie The Burning Bed, and as a would be rape victim in the play Extremities. She later made the movie of the same name and earned critical acclaim for her work. The Burning Bed was the first TV movie to provide a nationwide 800 number that offered help to victims of domestic violence. She then posed for Playboy at the age of 50. She was confident and beautiful and found freedom doing those portraits. She also opened up her life to the public by documenting her battle with cancer. You can't help but think of her as a strong, independent and fearless female who held her head high.

Michael Jackson rose to stardom at a young age. He exploded into his solo career and broke records. He was also considered "weird" and "eccentric". He filled the tabloids with speculations and questions in every area of his life. He claimed to have never had a childhood, and constantly tried to live out that life. As he got older, he spent more and more time defending his relationships with young boys and facing allegations of sexual abuse. He has never been found guilty, but has been plagued by doubt ever since. So was Mr. Jackson a talented performer who molested children and took advantage of his young, adoring fans? Someone who used his power and fortune to get himself out of trouble time and time again? Or, being an abused child as he has stated, was he just trying to capture that childhood dream and didn't know his boundaries? Was he someone who just loved being around kids, but because of his fame and money was accused of doing harm? Was he just an easy target? Someone who was used and abused by those around him or were the roles switched? He was cleared in a court of law but to some that means nothing, to others, all that matters.

Both of these icons will remain in the public interest for some time and live forever in their accomplishments and misfortunes. They both have families who face the tragedy of losing a loved one and the legacy that that person left behind, whatever that may be.

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