Most people think of Michael Jackson’s greatest legacy as his dynamic and powerful performances in both dance and song. Music and entertainment are what Michael Jackson is best known for amongst most people around the world. His tremendous originality and creativity in dance and video performances changed forever the genre of rock ‘n roll music videos. His concerts were legendary because of the fire works, theatrical presentation as well as the richly soulful music.
If you look for a common thread about Michael Jackson’s character from those who know him the best you’ll hear words like, “he was very sweet and loving”, “he was a kind person”, “he went out of his way to help others”. Michael was genuinely interested in the welfare of others as much as in his career. This is a sign of a great soul, of a servant of humanity and a positive person. Michael Jackson was not only an outstanding performer, Michael Jackson was an outstanding human being.
If you look at the sum total of his life then will be be obvious that for much of his career he was a active humanitarian, philanthropist and a very generous person with his time and money. He went out of the way to help other people, sometimes is was entertainers but often times and sometimes just the ordinary person.
Even before the musical fund raiser ‘We Are The World’ was put together by Michael, he was constantly finding ways to reach out and help other people. ‘We Are The World’ was primarily designed to raise money for aid work in Africa. Michael Jackson was also involved in visiting children in hospitals, spending time with young cancer patients through the Make A Wish Foundation, and contributed to numerous other charities on a regular basis.
He had a special place in his heart for children perhaps because his childhood was lacking so much joy and playfulness that most children experience. This is what prompted him to create Neverland Ranch to proivde a place to invite kids there by the busloads. He wanted to bring people happiness and remind him of the good things in life.
For Michael Jackson, bringing happiness to young people perhaps was also a way for him to heal his own childhood wounds. He recognized that he could make a contribution in the lives of others in some small way. This felt good. Michael was often called an “innocent” person, someone who trusted others while choosing to see the good in those he connected with.
There’s a lesson for us in Michael Jackson’s legacy. Each of us can do so much for one another other to bring greater well-being, deeper happiness, reach out with an act of kindness or compassion. We can all learn from his example to extend ourselves to heal the world one person at a time.
Sometimes people ask what can I do to make a difference? If you look at the life of Michael Jackson’s life the answer is simple. Everywhere you turn you can bring benefit to someone in some way.
