Nearly two-thirds of Americans surveyed believe that news organizations have given too much coverage to the death of Michael Jackson, while some still feel the media have given it just the right amount of attention, according to a poll reported on by the Associated Press.
In the Pew Research Center poll published last week, 64 percent of those surveyed said Jackson’s death has received too much coverage, 29 percent said the story received the right amount and 3 percent said the story got too little attention.
Thirty percent said they followed the story very closely, though that number spiked to 80 percent among blacks, according to the independent public opinion research group.
Pew interviewed about 1,000 adults for the poll, which has a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3.5 percentage points.
MusicVixen says...
The good news is, that once this creepy funeral is over, the media coverage will probably die down quickly.
Myra says...
07.6.09 8:12 pm
Sen. Republican King, you are totally ignorant and jealous. Can’t stand for a black man to get this much press unless you can accuse him of a crime (which by the way he was acquitted of all charges - 14 to be exact).
This wasn’t an “OJ” style of an acquittal. The parents coached the little “white” extortionists during the trial and the jury saw right through it - because he was innocent. And this crap about him sleeping with children - people sleep with their children when they have nightmares or just to be close to their parents, which Michael was to these children when they were at the ranch.
The media shows a 3 second video bite narrowing the camera lens to show only boys around him when there were boys and girls in the video and that did go the ranch. Michael tried to give them happiness in (some of) their short lives (cancer patients). But you just can’t stand to give credit to a black man. He’s not good enough for credit. But, everyone knows the truth except dumb a–es like you.
This wasn’t an “OJ” style of an acquittal. The “white” extortionists were coached during the trial and the jury say right through it - because he was innocent. And this crap about him sleeping with children. People sleep with their children when they have nightmares or just to be close to their parents, which Michael was to these children when they were at the ranch.
If you knew anything about Michael you would know that he helped the very people you mention in this stupid commentary.
I can’t believe how people call themselves Christians and in the same breath call themselves conservatives. Conservatives believe in money, not God. They believe in lying, not telling the truth. They believe in allowing people to die because they don’t have money. They don’t have compassion for the poor and the sick (like Jesus did).
It’s okay to cover an adducted “white” 10-year old girl or a kidnapped “white” daughter on spring vacation for 2 years or anything that has to do with “white” people. But, start to cover a black man, and “oh - then why don’t we cover the men and women dying overseas in the war,” when you guys had 8 years to do that.
But, why not cover hunger, the hungry, starving people, (black and white) here in the US. Or not cover the in dying people (black and white) who lack health insurance and will die this year because of it. The reason why they cover Michael Jackson is painfully clear… He did a lot of good in the world, contributed to sick and the poor — Just as Jesus did…But man never learns. You people always reject what is good and righteous and you are jealous when it is not someone of your persuasion. Get over it. The US is no longer lily white. It is mixed with a many, many races, cultures, and beliefs, and are no longer forced to believe in the conservative way of thinking. People think for themselves and see when someone is being witch hunted by angry, jealous “white” cops. Michael Jackson changed the lives for so many sick and dying young boys AND GIRLS. Your “white” media would like the world to think differently. But the truth is being told (which is what God wants us to do) and Rep. King can’t stand it! God is still on the throne and the innocent has been vindicated. There will continue to be coverage on Michael Jackson because guess what, “decent and good white” people want it. The media is controlled by your almighty dollar. Deal with it!
jackie says...
07.6.09 10:36 pm
I do agree that there has been too much coverage of Micheal Jackson’s death. I’m interested to know if Peter King of NY was just as outraged and vocal when Catholic preists were accused of molesting young children. Did he refer to Catholic preists as low lifes?
stepherzz says...
07.7.09 9:50 am
i think that king was perfectly correct… it’s what i’ve been thinking since the day micheal jackson died…. there was a roadside bombing in afghanastan and all the cnn people care about is this pervert named micheal jackson! it’s terrible! what a way to express love for the people dying to give us freedom….
Nick says...
07.7.09 8:26 pm
Very good question Jackie?
To take it one step further, in the United States, and based on the Constitution, one is INNOCENT until PROVEN guilty. The last time I checked, Michael was neither found guilty nor convicted of ANY criminal or civil acts of child molestation! Rather, I believe he was acquitted of ALL charges!
While Mr. King is entitled to his opinion, as a Congressman, I would think he should like to honor the essence of what this country and the Constitution stand for.
I am not by any means saying that others don’t equally deserve credit for their good acts or suffered hardships, however, it is not Michael Jackson’s fault those people don’t get it.
Michael Jackson did a lot of good in this world, he gave a lot himself to help less fortunate through numerous charities, many of which he instituted himself. People seem to want to forget that. Why? Because he had and eccentric lifestyle and because he wanted to give every child what he sadly lacked.
Myra - I stopped reading your post after about the middle of the second paragraph. Whatever your message - it is totally discredited by your blatant bigotry.
While I completely disagree with what this man said, race was not a part of it. Not even close! Mr. King never once made reference to color or to the fact that Michael Jackson was black. If the world didn’t know Michael Jackson was black, they would NOT have known it by this man’s message. You, on the other hand, unfortunately, made that fact abundantly clear (you referenced “black” five times and white “eleven”).
Before you accuse someone else of being a racist - in the words of Michael Jackson - “Take a look at yourself” - YOU - are the epitome of what the horribly ugly face of racism, xenophobia, looks like!
Myra added...
Nick,
You are probably a young nonminority man in your 20’s or 30s, maybe 40s. I am African-America woman, 44 years of age. I live in the south where there is a certain air that these racist people tend to give off.
They know it is not politically correct to call us “Nigger” or “coons,” so they come out and say things that are racially motivated. Racism does still exist and this type of man I have met over and over and over again. It is something ingrained in them and they can never shake it. But, they have to live in a society that does not approve of it.
And don’t blame me for pointing out the “black and white” elements of this country, because racism still exists.
They try to hide it because it would mean political suicide to express how he truly feels. And everyone tries to sugarcoat their responses as not to show their true essence, but there a people like myself that recognize it because we are so sensitive to it.
To a person who has live in a discriminatory world since 1965, you can hear it like “fingernails scratching a chalkboard.” (1965 - two years after Kennedy was assassinated and born three years before Martin L. King was assassinated)
I won’t apologize for what I know to be the truth. He is a racist. Again, where was this request of covering the troops, when this could have been done in the last 8 years? He would not make the request, except to have the media to “shut up about Michael.”
Yes, I use black and white, because that is the sad reality of the United States, and this is no secret. So don’t hate me, hate the people who created and still fuel racism.
Do you think I want to live in a world of racism? Not at all. I want us all to be unified, and every time someone black makes and effort - like Michael, they get a hand slap in the face.
We are tired of trying to get was owed to us here in America. The only thing we want is equal treatment and respect. And his statement, it was unfair treatment and comments to say a man is a pedophile and a pervert, which was unfound. Again, that is the blatant racism that goes on within “some” white people…. to see a black man as a criminal to a great humanitarian.
We as black people will not stand by and take that. With all due respect, I know that all white people are not this way, but trust me, there are still a minority few that are diehard racists and they find clever ways of expressing this - just as Mr. King did.
This is my contribution to call him out on it. Sorry, if you don’t like the manner in which I did so.
You will never understand where I coming from because you are not black.
07.8.09 9:59 am
Myra added...
I’ll apologize for using the word “white people” in such a general way to describe racists. But, that is the word that comes out of my mouth. But that is unfair, because it dumps everyone in the same category and that is wrong of me. But, that is not my intention. I just wish I had a word to describe racists which is on the nail. Redneck is too “cliche.” I have met rednecks who say they are, but are not bigots. But, I must find a word that describes them - by race, but I know this is not easy to do because discrimination has no face - it is like a ghost. It is a behavior or and act. Only certain people can see this “ghost.” And this ghost is meant to haunt them. But, it is not without a physical touch, because it pierces the most loving parts of my heart… and it hurts. But, I don’t believe that all “white” people are that way, just like all “black” people are not criminals. But racism and discrimination is just wrong. If you have a another name to call these people, besides “white people”, please help me call them out their true name because I don’t won’t to offend the wrong people.
07.8.09 12:01 pm
Larry Hill says...
07.7.09 11:35 pm
That is why there are so many choices - you can watch and listen or not. Simple - nothing to get excited about. YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHOOSE. If there is too much coverage for your senses, turn the channel, turn it off - pop in a movie. Why get so uptight?
jackie says...
07.8.09 11:22 am
Nick,
My point was that Congressman Peter King was just trying to stir the pot of crap that bigots love to hear. If I had to guess, he probably is catholic which explains why he was so upset when President Obama was ASKED to appear at Notre Dame. This just another example of being able to hear through his statements like “fingernails on a chalkboard” as Myra says.
Myra says...
07.8.09 12:00 pm
I will apologize for using the word “white people” in such a general way to describe racists. But, that is the word that comes out of my mouth. But that is unfair, because it dumps everyone in the same category and that is wrong of me. But, that is not my intention. I just wish I had a word to describe racists which is on the nail. Redneck is too “cliche.” I have met rednecks who say they are, but are not bigots. But, I must find a word that describes them - by race, but I know this is not easy to do because discrimination has no face - it is like a ghost. It is a behavior or and act. Only certain people can see this “ghost.” And this ghost is meant to haunt them. But, it is not without a physical touch, because it pierces the most loving parts of my heart… and it hurts. But, I don’t believe that all “white” people are that way, just like all “black” people are not criminals. But racism and discrimination is just wrong. If you have a another name to call these people, besides “white people”, please help me call them out their true name because I don’t won’t to offend the wrong people.
Nick says...
07.8.09 1:17 pm
Myra - I love that you believe me to be “a young nonminority man in [my] 20’s or 30s, maybe 40s.”
–
While I would never assert that I understand how a 44-year-old black woman who has been discriminated against might feel, I do know well how a 48-year-old Arabic woman who has been discriminated against feels as I have lived it. Equally, I’m well aware that racism is alive, well and living strong in the United States. Nor do I disagree with you that racism and discrimination are wrong and I would love nothing more than to see them disappear. However, another reality is - we both know that’s not going to happen, at least not in yours or my lifetime. As appalling as that fact may be, I’m sure you will agree, it would be nice for our descendants, no matter how far down the line or how long it takes, to live in a United States without racism and discrimination. That will NEVER happen if people take an attitude such as yours, that every time a white person utters something against a black person, it’s automatically assumed racially motivated. It impossible to know for certain what one’s motives, other than your own, are and speculating doesn’t make for strong evidence.
–
Mr. Kings message, I believe, would have been no different if Michael were as pure white as the God given snow. This man was attacking Michael because he believes him to have been a child molester. He gave you plenty to attack him for with his statements alone. Why not attack him for actual word rather than what you speculate his motives to be?
–
You obviously have a bitter taste in your mouth for racist bigots. I don’t blame you in the least as I do as well. However, don’t fuel the racist fires by proving them right and attacking their every statement. Be that very deadly snake in the grass waiting until the most opportune time to strike and make your venom poisonous! All I’m saying is choose wisely your battles because they’re expecting it and waiting to say “see, I told you so.” Don’t give them the satisfaction.
Myra added...
Nick, if you are a 48-year old Arabic woman…. Tell me have you live here 48 years to know the tactics and demeanor of racists?
This is the battle I choose because it has kept my people suppressed for more than 400 years, here in America, and 44 years of my life.
This she be everyones’ battle. Because and injustice to anyone anywhere is a injustice everywhere.
I can not let you deny me of my heritage, my thoughts or my feelings and what I know to be true about a bigot. I don’t just settle for “status quo.” Racism is dying. It has changed and will continue to die because God’s word does not return void. But, I must do my part, no matter how unpopular it might be. What MLK did in the 60’s was unpopular, but he did and said what he had to do and say to fight for freedom and the fight will never be over it the battle is won.
Mr. King is a racist and even though you don’t have the trained senses to know, don’t assume that I am wrong about what I say, because I am right dead on point. I am pretty sure many others nonwhite and white feel the same. They try to hide it through there words, but you can’t hide your heart, because out of the mouth is a representation of your heart. Again explain to me, why didn’t they plead to cover the dying soldiers 8 years ago? You can’t answer that question and when you can’t answer that question, little secret… It’s bigotry! You’ll learn one day.
Look at you. You won’t even spell out your own Arabic name because you are fearful that what you say might not be received. But, as an African-American woman, I am not afraid to speak the truth. Mr. King is a bigot for saying what he said. No ANDS, IF OR BUTS about it.
07.8.09 7:05 pm
jackie says...
07.8.09 2:17 pm
nick,
I totally agree!!
Nick says...
07.8.09 2:38 pm
Jackie - I’m not sure then what your is argument with Mr. King.
–
Are you criticizing him because he’s a Catholic pot whose priests have been proven to be child molesters, calling a world-renown entertainer kettle who was NOT proven a child molester black? OR are you criticizing him because he’s a “white” Catholic criticizing the public for recognizing a “black” icon when he speculatively did the exact same thing his “white” priests have been convicted of doing? And are you saying because he’s Catholic, he had a problem with Obama speaking at Notre Dame because he’s black or because he’s, is it Muslim? (Sorry I don’t know for sure what Obama’s religion is.)
–
I took it, and agree with, your argument if it’s the former. If it’s the latter, you too are making this a race thing and I’m not sure it’s warranted. I’ve heard both black and white people (about equally), spewing the same about Michael Jackson - from how good he was to how bad he was. I’ve also heard both criticizing him for receiving in his death the attention and recognition they somehow they believe the soldiers are more deserving of. Which, in my opinion, is also a load of horse-$hit.
–
Surprise - I was born and raised a Catholic. I also voted for Obama, I’m pro-choice (which, I might add, is distinct from pro-abortion), I don’t believe there is a place for religion in government or that Christianity should be the only or dominant religion. In fact, I’m here to tell you I believe religion in general, beginning with Catholic, is the biggest crock going. Not all white skinned Catholics are xenophobic idiots.
–
Like my post to Myra, you’re not helping by making accusations based on conjecture. If this man is making his statements based on race, he’s hidden it well enough that you’ll only be fueling their racist fire by doing exactly what they’ve set you up to do - attack them on speculation. If his statements are not race based, you’ve even better than expected played right into their hand. They were making statement that had nothing to do with race and here “the blacks” come attacking their innocence.
–
Myra believed me to be a white male aged 20-40. When I read your first post, I equally had no idea whether you were male, female, black, or white. That is to both our credit. An effective arguer never shows his hand to his opponent.
jackie says...
07.8.09 3:32 pm
We are in agreement that Congressman Peter King is an idot for accusing MJ of something he was never convicted of.
He is intelligent enough to be a congressman but not intelligent enough to realize that he had no basis for saying the statement that he made.
Sorry, no pass from me. He is clearly a bigot and using situations in the media on several occasions to feed into it and you know it. CALLING HIM OUT is not the same as playing into “racists fire”. FYI I am a hispanic 40 yr old female,pro choice,independent,born catholic raised protestant. I too agree there is no room for religion in politics but unfortunately it is the underlying force of some political parties.
I know first hand effects of racism and know it all too well. I did agree that Myra was counterproductive with her comments. Its her pain that makes her say the things that she said.
Myra added...
I realize NOW that I am being counterproductive, but initially, it was a knee-jerk reflex to the repeated bigotry I continue to have to endure all of my life. When will people stop this and love each other for the beautiful, individual spirits that we are - and all of our wonderful contributions - of the human race (Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, Muslim, Asian, Latino, etc.)
It is hurtful and I am so glad that Jackie understands my response. It shows that she understands the ways of the heart of a human-being, especially a broken-hearted human-being.
07.8.09 3:58 pm