This television reality show about four women who are moms working for a Sheriff's Office in Broward County. The show portrays these women in their everyday lives but also on the job. They not only encounter drug busts, shootouts and routine traffic stops but they must go home to and take care of their families. The four women are, Andrea who is a single mother that works in a police car getting put in dangerous situations. Julie raises three kids but and solves sex crimes for a job. She is very intense and will work all hours of the night and dedicate herself to the job, including pretending to be a prostitute to catch people. Shelunda is new but she has a sister and her husband works for the force and she works the graveyard shit and encounters a lot of trouble. Ana is my favorite she is raising her 2 year old son and is very kind hearted however, when it comes to her job she is not. She is willing to prove that she can take down any man. She is the one that does the stake outs and surveillance of the drug deals. Ana is also a boxer and does a lot of martial arts to protect herself and she can take down anyone in the field.
The role have women has certainly changed and you see more and more women on television. According to our book by Ray Browne, networks have changed their focus on to women because more women are tuning into network television than ever before. It used to be unusual to see women playing such dramatic roles and the lives of police women would have been frowned up years ago. However, times have changed and the role of women have changed. As a women, I am intrigued by watching strong, independant women on television and playing lead roles. Such shows as Ghost Whisperer, LA Ink, and Murphy Brown all glorify the role of women.
http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/police-women/about.html
Browne, Ray(2005). Profiles of Popular Culture. The University of Wisonsin Press.
pg 267-370.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Michael Jackson - Weekly Analysis
This week I decided to do my analysis on one of my hero, Michael Jackson. This is a very controversial pop icon but when I explain my reasoning, I hope he will be more understood. I was just being born as his hit "Thriller" came out. However, I watched it since I was five years old and my mother always said if there was a way to entertain me it was to put that video in. By the time I was 10 years old the tape was worn out and Michael Jackson was my hero.
Jackson was undoubtedly the most influentially black man of his time. He had the most unique voice, caring soul and incredible dance moves. He was the first black man to become a pop hit on MTV and found fans around the world. Everyone is aware of his incredible talent and the way he changed pop culture in ways that no one ever will. Thriller the biggest seller of all time stayed as number one on the charts for a record 37 weeks and sold 25 million copies in the US and 20 million copies more over seas. In 1991, he was inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. So how could such a remarkable artist take such a dramatic hit?
With fame comes heartache, especially in Jackson's case. The media began to pry into his private life and his strange lifestyles. In 1993, he was accused of molesting a 13 year old. Instead of going to trial he paid the family 18 to 20 million dollars to make it go away. In 2005, another accusation and trial took place when he was accused of molesting another boy at his Neverland Ranch but he was acquitted of those charges. Nothing was the same for him after that case he gave up on society and would never return to Neverland Ranch. Michael Jackson was an abused boy by his dad and felt he needed to be there for other boys that didn't have good parents or were alone. However, the media portrayed it as something else and in the end he was taken advantage of by the people he cared about. The first boy even admitted that his parents made him say that and it wasn't true. Money is the root of all evil and in the end it didn't matter how caring you were people will still take advantage of you.
He is my hero for trying to make this world a better place. He always tried to make a difference and there is a lot about him people are unaware of. According to Jacksonaction.com, Jackson was named as the Pop Star who supports the most charity organizations. This list is very long but very important to understand exactly what kind of person he really was.
January 10, 1984: Michael visits the unit for burn victims at Brotman-Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles.
April 9, 1984: David Smithee, a 14-year-old boy who suffers from cystic fibroses is invited to Michael's home. It was David's last wish to meet Michael. He dies 7 weeks later.
April 14, 1984: Michael equips a 19-bed-unit at Mount Senai New York Medical Center. This center is part of the T.J. Martell-Foundation for leukemia and cancer research.
July 5, 1984: During the Jackson's press conference at Tavern On The Green, Michael announces that his part of the earnings from the Victory Tour will be donated to three charitable organizations: The United Negro College Fund, Camp Good Times, and the T.J. Martell-Foundation.
July 14, 1984: After the first concert of the Victory Tour, Michael meets 8 terminally ill children backstage.
December 13, 1984: Michael visits the Brotman Memorial Hospital, where he had been treated when he was burned very badly during the producing of a Pepsi commercial. He donates all the money he receives from Pepsi, $1.5 million, to the Michael Jackson Burn Center for Children.
January 28, 1985: Michael and 44 other artists meet to record "We Are The World", written by Michael and Lionel Ritchie. The proceeds of this record are donated to the starving people in Africa.
1986: Michael set up the "Michael Jackson UNCF Endowed Scholarship Fund". This $1.5 million fund is aimed towards students majoring in performance art and communications, with money given each year to students attending a UNCF member college or university.
February 28, 1986: After having had a heart-transplant, 14-year-old Donna Ashlock from California gets a call from Michael Jackson. He had heard that she is a big fan of his. Michael invites her to his home as soon as she is feeling better. This visit takes place on March 8th. Donna stays for dinner and watches a movie together with Michael.
September 13, 1987: Michael supports a campaign against racism. He supports efforts of the NAACP, to fight prejudices against black artists.
October 1987: At the end of his Bad Tour, Michael donates some personal items to the UNESCO for a charitable auction. The proceeds will be for the education of children in developing countries.
February 1, 1988: The Song "Man In the Mirror" enters the charts. The proceeds from the sales of this record goes to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, a camp for children who suffer from cancer.
March 1, 1988: At a press conference held by his sponsor Pepsi, Michael presents a $600,000 check to the United Negro College Fund.
April 1988: Free tickets are given away for three concerts in Atlanta, Georgia to the Make A Wish Foundation.
May 22, 1988: Michael visits children who suffer from cancer in the Bambini-Gesu Children's Hospital in Rome. He signs autographs and gives away sweets and records to the little patients. He promises a check of 100,000 pounds to the hospital.
July 16, 1988: Before a concert at Wembley Stadium Michael meets the Prince of Wales and his wife Diana. He hands over a check of 150,000 pounds for the Prince's Trust, and a check of 100,000 pounds for the children's hospital at Great Ormond Street.
July 20, 1988: Michael visits terminally ill children at Great Ormond Street Hospital. At a unit for less critical patients he stays a little bit longer and tells a story.
August 29, 1988: At his 30th birthday Michael performs a concert in Leeds, England for the English charity-organization "Give For Life". The goal of this organization is the immunization of children. Michael presents a check for 65,000 pounds.
December 1988: Michael visits 12-year-old David Rothenburg. His father had 5 years earlier burned him very badly in an act of revenge against his former wife.
January 1989: The proceeds of one of Michael's shows in Los Angeles are donated to Childhelp USA, the biggest charity-organization against child-abuse. In appreciation of the contributions of Michael, Childhelp of Southern California is founding the "Michael Jackson International Institute for Research On Child Abuse".
January 10, 1989: The Bad Tour comes to an end. Under-privileged children are donated tickets for each concert and Michael donates money to hospitals, orphanages and charity-organizations.
February 7, 1989: Michael visits the Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, California. Some weeks earlier a 25-year-old man had fired at the school's playground. 5 children had been killed and 39 had been wounded.
March 5, 1989: Michael invites 200 deprived children of the St. Vincent Institute for handicapped children and of the organization Big Brothers and Big Sisters to the Circus Vargas in Santa Barbara. After this event he invites them to his ranch to introduce his private zoo at his Neverland Ranch to them.
November 13, 1989: The organization "Wishes Granted" helps 4-year-old Darian Pagan, who suffers from leukemia to meet Michael. Michael invites the little boy to a performance of Canadian acrobats.
December 28, 1989: Young Ryan White, who suffers from hemophilia, spends his holidays on Michael's ranch. Ryan had been infected with AIDS by contaminated blood transfusions in 1984. After he was excluded from his school in Kokomo, Ryan fought against the discrimination of AIDS victims.
January 6, 1990: Michael invites 82 abused and neglected children through Childhelp to his Neverland Ranch. There are games, a Barbeque and a movie show provided for them.
July 1990: 45 children from the Project Dream Street, Los Angeles, for children with life-threatening illness are invited to Neverland Valley.
August 18, 1990: Michael invites 130 children of the YMCA summer program of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara to his Neverland Ranch.
May 6, 1991: Michael is invited to the Jane Goodall Charity event. Michael supports her, an advocate of behavioral research concerning chimpanzees in Gombe, Nigeria for more than 30 years.
July 26, 1991: Michael pays a visit to the Youth Sports & Art Foundation in Los Angeles. This Foundation supports families of gang members, and helps dealing with drug-abuse. Michael talks to the kids and presents them with a wide-screen TV set and a financial gift.
December 1991: Michael's office MJJ Productions treats needy families in Los Angeles with more than 200 turkey dinners.
February 1992: Within 11 days Michael covers 30,000 miles in Africa, to visit hospitals, orphanages, schools, churches, and institutions for mentally handicapped children.
February 3, 1992: At a press conference at the New York Radio City Music Hall, Michael announces that he is planning a new world tour, to raise funds for his new "Heal The World" Foundation. This Foundation will support the fight against AIDS, Juvenile Diabetes and will support the Camp Ronald McDonald and the Make A Wish Foundation.
May 6, 1992: Michael defrays the funeral-expenses for Ramon Sanchez, who was killed during the Los Angeles riots.
June 23, 1992: At a press conference in London, Michael makes an announcement about his Heal The World Foundation.
June 26, 1992: Michael presents the Mayor of Munich, Mr. Kronawitter, with a 40,000 DM-check for the needy people of the city.
June 29, 1992: Michael visits the Sophia Children's Hospital in Rotterdam and presents a check for 100,000 pounds.
July 1992: Michael donated L. 821,477,296 to La Partita del Cuore (The Heart Match) in Rome and donated 120,000 DM to children's charities in Estonia and Latvia.
July 25, 1992: On the occasion of a concert in Dublin, Ireland, Michael announces that he will give 400,000 pounds of the tour earnings to various charities.
July 29, 1992: Michael visits the Queen Elizabeth Children's Hospital in London. To the surprise the children, he brings Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Euro-Disney to the hospital.
July 31, 1992: On the Eve of his second concert at Wembley Stadium, Michael presents Prince Charles with a check of 200,000 pounds for the Prince's Trust.
August 16, 1992: 6 year old Nicholas Killen, who lost his eyesight caused by a life aiding cancer surgery, meets Michael backstage in Leeds, England.
September 1992: Michael donated 1 million pesetas to charity headed by the Queen of Spain.
September 30, 1992: President Iliescu of Romania inaugurates a playground for 500 orphans which Michael has financed. Michael discusses his Heal The World Foundation.
October 1, 1992: Michael chooses a concert in Bucharest, Romania for worldwide television broadcast. Bucharest is a logical choice due to the numerous orphanages the country is known for.
November 24, 1992: At Kennedy Airport in New York, Michael supervises the loading of 43 tons of medication, blankets, and winter clothes destined for Sarajevo. The Heal The World Foundation collaborates with AmeriCares to bring resources totaling $2.1 million to Sarajevo. They will be allocated under the supervision of the United Nations.
December 10, 1992: During a press conference at the American Ambassy in Tokyo Michael is presented with a check for $100,000 for the Heal The World Foundation by Tour Sponsor Pepsi.
December 26, 1992: During a broadcast request for donations to the United Negro College Fund, Michael declares: "Black Colleges and Universities are breeding some of the leading personalities of our time. They are on top in business, justice, science and technologies, politics and religion. I am proud, that the Michael Jackson Scholarship Program enabled more than 200 young men and women to get a qualified education."
January 19, 1993: Michael is one of the stars to perform at the Presidential Inauguration of Bill Clinton. Before he sings "Gone Too Soon" he draws the attention to the plights of the victims of AIDS and mentions his friend Ryan White.
January 26, 1993: At a press conference held at Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, Michael is presented with a $200,000 donation from the National Football League and the Sponsors of the Super Bowl. He gets another $500,000 from the BEST Foundation for his Heal The World Foundation. At this occasion the foundation of "Heal L.A." is officially announced.
February 1993: In association with Sega, launched an initiative to distribute more than $108,000 of computer games and equipment to children's hospitals, children's homes, and children's charities throughout the U.K.
March 1993: The foundation of an independent film company is announced. They will produce family-oriented movies. A part of the earnings will go to the Heal The World Foundation.
March 27, 1993: At a meeting at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, Michael gives a 5-minute speech to 1200 teachers and politicians.
April 26, 1993: Within his "Heal LA" tour, Michael visits the Watta Health Foundation, and two schools in Los Angeles South Central.
May 5, 1993: Former President Jimmy Carter and Michael, who are chairmen of the "Heal Our Children/Heal The World" initiative, are in Atlanta to promote their "Atlanta Project Immunization Drive".
June 1993: Michael has announced that he will donate $1.25 million for children who have suffered from the riots in Los Angeles.
June 1993: 100 children from the Challengers Boys and Girls Club visit Neverland.
June 10, 1993: Michael promotes the new DARE-program. The purpose of the program is to inform children about the dangers of drug abuse.
June 18, 1993: Michael pays a visit to a hospital in Washington. He spends several hours with the young patients and plays chess with some of them.
August 1993: With Pepsi-Cola Thailand, donated $40,000 to Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's charity, the Rural School Children and Youth Development Fund, in support of school lunch programs in rural villages in Thailand.
August 1993: In conjunction with Pepsi-Cola International, donated new ambulances to the Contacts One Independent Living Center for Children in Moscow, Russia and the Hospital de Ninos Dr. Ricardo Gutierrez in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
October 1993: Donated $100,000 to the Children's Defense Fund, the Children's Diabetes Foundation, the Atlanta Project, and the Boys and Girl Clubs of Newark, New Jersey.
October 22, 1993: Michael visits a hospital in Santiago.
October 28, 1993: Michael makes it possible for 5000 underprivileged children to visit the Reino Aventura Park, where the whale Keiko ("Free Willy") is living.
November 5, 1993: Michael is guest at a children's party at the Hard Rock Cafe in Mexico City.
December 1993: With the Gorbachev Foundation, airlifted 60,000 doses of children's vaccines to Tblisi, Georgia.
December 16, 1993: The Heal The World Foundation UK supports "Operation Christmas Child" delivering toys, sweets, gifts and food to children in former Yugoslavia.
1994: Michael donates $500,000 to Elizabeth Taylor's AIDS Foundation.
January 7, 1994: On the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, Michael gives a party for more than 100 underprivileged children at his Neverland Ranch.
February 22, 1994: "The Jackson Family Honors" is televised. The earnings of the show are given to their own newly formed charity, "Family Caring for Families".
August 6, 1994: Michael and his wife Lisa Marie are visiting two children's hospitals in Budapest. They distribute toys to the ill children.
1995: Michael wants to free dolphins who have been locked up for years. He believes there should be legal guidelines about the way dolphins have to live in zoos and parks.
March 1995: Little Bela Farkas received a new liver. Michael and Lisa Marie met this 4-year-old boy during their trip to Hungary in 1994. Michael did everything to help Bela, whose only chance to live was getting a new liver. The Heal The World Foundation covered the surgery and the cost for caring.
June 21, 1996: Michael donated a four-times platinum disc of "HIStory" in aid of the Dunblane appeal at the Royal Oak Hotel, Sevenoaks in England.
July 18, 1996: In Soweto, South Africa Michael is laying down a wreath of flowers for youngsters who have been killed during the fights involving Apartheid.
September 1996: The first Sports Festival "Hope" was held for orphans and disadvantaged children. 3000 children and 600 volunteers took part in the Sports Festival and Michael Jackson was a special guest.
September 6, 1996: Michael visits the children's unit of a hospital in Prague.
October 1996: Michael visited a hospital for mentally challenged children in Kaoshiung, Taiwan and offered 2,000 free tickets to the sold out performance in Kaoshiung.
October 1, 1996: Michael donated the proceeds of his Tunisia concert to "The National Solidarity Fund", a charity dedicated to fighting poverty.
October 3, 1996: Michael visits a children's hospital and brings small gifts for the patients during a HIStory tour visit in Amsterdam. A room in the hospital (for parents who want to be with their children) is named after Michael.
November 1, 1996: Michael donates most of the earnings from a HIStory concert in Bombay, India to the poor people of the country.
November 7, 1996: Before his first concert in Auckland, New Zealand, Michael fulfills the wish of little Emely Smith, who is suffering from cancer, who wants to meet Michael.
November 25, 1996: Michael visited the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, delivering toys, signing autographs, and visiting with children.
December 9, 1996: During a HIStory tour visit in Manila, Michael visits a children's hospital. He announces that a part of his concert earnings will be donated to the renovation of the hospital.
January 25, 1997: Michael waved his personal fee for his Bombay appearance and donated $1.1 million to a local charity helping to educate children living in slums.
April 4, 1997: British magazine "OK!" is publishing exclusive photos of Michael's son Prince. The magazine pays about 1 million pounds for the photos. Michael donates the money to charity.
June 18, 1997: Michael signed the "Children in Need" book auctioned by the charity UNESCO.
September 1998: Michael meets 5 year old Aza Woods, who suffers from cancer, at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. Michael introduces Aza to the attraction "Star Trek: The Experience" and spends the rest of the afternoon with the little boy. Finally Michael invites Aza to spend some time with him at his Neverland Ranch.
November 16, 1998: Michael arrives in Harare, Zimbabwe. He is a member of the American Delegation invited by the Minister of Defense. The delegation thanks the government of Zimbabwe for helping to keep the peace in this area.
September 4, 1999: Michael presented Nelson Mandela with a check for 1,000,000 South African rand for the "Nelson Mandela Children's Fund."
January 22, 2000: During Christmas last year a violent storm ravaged the park of the Chateau de Versailles and destroyed 10,000 trees in the park. The estimated cost for rebuilding the park is around $20 million. Some celebrities are supporting the restoration of the park. French officials are reporting that Michael Jackson is one of them. He was one of the first people to donate money to this cause.
October 28, 2000:Michael painted a plate to be auctioned for the "Carousel of Hope Ball" benefiting childhood diabetes research.
March 6, 2001: Michael donated a black hat, a birthday phone-call and a jacket worn at the Monaco Music Awards in 2000 to the Movie Action for Children auction, an event being given by UNICEF with all proceeds will going to UNICEF's efforts to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in Africa.
March 26, 2001: Michael handed out books to young people at a Newark, NJ theater. The event, which helped to launch the Michael Jackson International Book Club, part of his new Heal the Kids charity, aims to promote childhood reading and encourage parents to return to reading bedtime stories.
September 15, 2002: Michael donated 16 exclusively autographed items consisting of CD's, videos and 2 cotton napkins to aid in the support of the victims of a severe flood in Germany. These items were auctioned off for charity and managed to raise 3935 Euro (US$ 3,814).
October 12, 2002: Michael Jackson invited more than 200 Team Vandenberg members, who recently returned from overseas deployments, and their families to his Neverland Ranch. This was to show his appreciation for the sacrifices the military in his community make.
November 19-29, 2002: Michael donated an autographed teddy bear dressed in his likeness to Siegfried & Roy's celebrity teddy bear auction. This auction benefits Opportunity Village which is a non-profit organization based in Las Vegas (USA) that enhances the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Michael's autographed teddy bear raised $5,000 for the charity.
November 21, 2002: Michael donated a jacket to the The Bambi Charity Event in Berlin which raised $16,000.
April 25, 2002: Michael Jackson performed at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee at the Apollo Theater in Harlem helping to raise nearly $3 million dollars towards voter registration.
June 2003: The Wolf family, who experienced serious damages to their belongings during the flood in Saxony, Germany last August, was invited to Berlin by Michael Jackson when he was at the Bambi Awards. On that occasion Michael invited them to Neverland. In June, they spent three days at Neverland, meeting Michael and his children.
Charity Awards
May 14, 1984: At a ceremony in the White House President Reagan presents Michael an award for special efforts; he is honored for his participation in a national ad campaign against drunk driving.
January 1989: The "Say Yes To A Youngsters Future" program honors Michael in recognition of his efforts to encourage children to natural sciences and award him with the "National Urban Coalition Artist/Humanitarian Of The Year Award".
March 1989: At the Universal Amphitheater in Universal City, California, Michael receives the Black Radio Special Award for his humanitarian efforts.
September 22, 1989: The Capital Children's Museum awards Michael with the Best Of Washington 1989 Humanitarian Award in recognition of his efforts to raise money for the museum, and for his never-ending support of children.
February 3, 1990: From Japan Michael receives a Role Model Award.
April 5, 1990: During a ceremony, where Michael is awarded as "Entertainer Of The Decade", Michael meets President George Bush, who honors him with the "Point Of Light" award. Michael receives this award for his philanthropic activities. President Bush explains Michael's humanitarian commitments to the press.
September 14, 1990: The Council of the American Scouts honors Michael with the first "Good Scout Humanitarian Award". Michael receives this award for his humanitarian activities by supporting the Make A Wish Foundation, the Prince's Trust, the United Negro College Fund and Childhelp USA.
October 23, 1990: Michael Jackson and Elton John will be the first recipients of the award in memory of Ryan White, which will be handed over in 1991.
May 1, 1992: President George Bush presents Michael with the "Point of Light" award for his continuing support of deprived children. During his stay, Michael visits little Raynal Pope, who had been injured very badly by dogs.
June 3, 1992: The organization "One To One", who is caring for better living conditions of young people, honors Michael with an award for his commitment to deprived youngsters.
July 1993: The American Friends of Hebrew University honors Michael with the Scopus Award 1993.
August 1993: The Jack The Rapper Awards are presented and Michael is honored with the "Our Children, Our Hope Of Tomorrow" award.
November 17, 1993: Michael rejects the Scopus Award. He was nominated for this award, which was planned to be given him on January 29th, 1994.
April 12, 1994: On occasion of the 2nd Children's Choice Award ceremony at Cit Center in New York, Michael is presented with the "Caring For Kids" award. This award is to honor celebrities, who take time for young people. 100,000 children and young people from 8 to 18 years old gave Michael their vote of confidence. The Children's Choice Awards are sponsored by Body Sculpt, a charity organization, that offers drug-prevention programs for young people.
November 2, 1995: Michael receives the award "Diamont of Africa".
March, 30, 1996: The Ark Trust-Foundation, who wants to draw the attention of the public eye on animal's problems, presents the 10th Genesis Award. Michael is presented with the 1995 Doris Day Award. He gets this award for the "Earth Song" video, which draws attention to the plight of the animals.
May 1, 1999: At the Bollywood awards in New York, Michael is presented with an award for his humanitarian activities. The award is signed: "Though he comes from the young American tradition, Michael is the embodiment of an old indian soul. His actions are an expression of the philosophy of Weda, which asked to work for the people - not for one's own interests."
Organizations
The Millennium-Issue of the "Guinness Book Of Records" names Michael as the Pop Star who supports the most charity organizations. The following projects are supported by Michael Jackson:
AIDS Project L.A.
American Cancer Society
Angel Food
Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles
BMI Foundation
Brotherhood Crusade
Brothman Burn Center
Camp Ronald McDonald
Childhelp U.S.A.
Children's Institute International
Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund
Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation
Congressional Black Caucus
Dakar Foundation
Dreamstreet Kids
Dreams Come True Charity
Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation
Heal The World Foundation
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
Love Match
Make A Wish Foundation
Minority Aids Project
Motown Museum
NAACP
National Rainbow Coalition
Rotary Club of Australia
Society of Singers
Starlight Foundation
The Carter Center's Atlanta Project
The Sickle Cell Research Foundation
Transafrica
United Negro College Fund
United Negro College Fund Ladder's of Hope
Volunteers of America
Watts Summer Festival
Wish Granting
YMCA - 28th Street/Crenshaw
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America
This is the oldest mentoring organization serving youth in the USA.
BBBSA has provided one-to-one mentoring relationships between adult volunteers and children at risk since 1904. BBBSA currently serves over 100,000 children and youth in more than 500 agencies throughout all of the United States.
BMI Foundation
From jazz to musical theater, from music education for gifted youngsters to support for the work of accomplished concert music composers, the BMI Foundation seeks out the best and most promising of today's and tomorrow's musical creators and offers a platform of support that fosters their growth and ensures the continuation of the heritage of American musical ingenuity for generations to come.
Childhelp USA
Childhelp USA is dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional, educational, und spiritual needs of abused and neglected children focusing efforts and resources upon treatment, prevention.
Children's Institute International
This is a private, non-profit organization specializing in the treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Over the past 90 years, CII has evolved from a shelter for single mothers and their babies to an internationally recognized model of comprehensive care and assistance for at-risk children and their families.
CII assistance includes child and family assessment supported by 24-hour emergency residential shelter care, family treatment services, therapeutic day care, child health clinic, long-term foster family care, and substance abuse treatment and prevention services.
Make A Wish Foundation fulfills the favorite wish of any child between the age of 2 ½ and 18 who has a diagnosed life-threatening illness.
Camp Ronald McDonald
Camp for children with cancer.
It's sad because I feel as though he felt let down by society and the media. He turned to drugs to aid in his pain. The people that brought him to the top also sent him to his grave.
References:
www.JacksonAction.com
Huey, Steve. Michael Jackson (Active: 1960's – 2000's), All Music Guide
Jackson was undoubtedly the most influentially black man of his time. He had the most unique voice, caring soul and incredible dance moves. He was the first black man to become a pop hit on MTV and found fans around the world. Everyone is aware of his incredible talent and the way he changed pop culture in ways that no one ever will. Thriller the biggest seller of all time stayed as number one on the charts for a record 37 weeks and sold 25 million copies in the US and 20 million copies more over seas. In 1991, he was inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. So how could such a remarkable artist take such a dramatic hit?
With fame comes heartache, especially in Jackson's case. The media began to pry into his private life and his strange lifestyles. In 1993, he was accused of molesting a 13 year old. Instead of going to trial he paid the family 18 to 20 million dollars to make it go away. In 2005, another accusation and trial took place when he was accused of molesting another boy at his Neverland Ranch but he was acquitted of those charges. Nothing was the same for him after that case he gave up on society and would never return to Neverland Ranch. Michael Jackson was an abused boy by his dad and felt he needed to be there for other boys that didn't have good parents or were alone. However, the media portrayed it as something else and in the end he was taken advantage of by the people he cared about. The first boy even admitted that his parents made him say that and it wasn't true. Money is the root of all evil and in the end it didn't matter how caring you were people will still take advantage of you.
He is my hero for trying to make this world a better place. He always tried to make a difference and there is a lot about him people are unaware of. According to Jacksonaction.com, Jackson was named as the Pop Star who supports the most charity organizations. This list is very long but very important to understand exactly what kind of person he really was.
January 10, 1984: Michael visits the unit for burn victims at Brotman-Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles.
April 9, 1984: David Smithee, a 14-year-old boy who suffers from cystic fibroses is invited to Michael's home. It was David's last wish to meet Michael. He dies 7 weeks later.
April 14, 1984: Michael equips a 19-bed-unit at Mount Senai New York Medical Center. This center is part of the T.J. Martell-Foundation for leukemia and cancer research.
July 5, 1984: During the Jackson's press conference at Tavern On The Green, Michael announces that his part of the earnings from the Victory Tour will be donated to three charitable organizations: The United Negro College Fund, Camp Good Times, and the T.J. Martell-Foundation.
July 14, 1984: After the first concert of the Victory Tour, Michael meets 8 terminally ill children backstage.
December 13, 1984: Michael visits the Brotman Memorial Hospital, where he had been treated when he was burned very badly during the producing of a Pepsi commercial. He donates all the money he receives from Pepsi, $1.5 million, to the Michael Jackson Burn Center for Children.
January 28, 1985: Michael and 44 other artists meet to record "We Are The World", written by Michael and Lionel Ritchie. The proceeds of this record are donated to the starving people in Africa.
1986: Michael set up the "Michael Jackson UNCF Endowed Scholarship Fund". This $1.5 million fund is aimed towards students majoring in performance art and communications, with money given each year to students attending a UNCF member college or university.
February 28, 1986: After having had a heart-transplant, 14-year-old Donna Ashlock from California gets a call from Michael Jackson. He had heard that she is a big fan of his. Michael invites her to his home as soon as she is feeling better. This visit takes place on March 8th. Donna stays for dinner and watches a movie together with Michael.
September 13, 1987: Michael supports a campaign against racism. He supports efforts of the NAACP, to fight prejudices against black artists.
October 1987: At the end of his Bad Tour, Michael donates some personal items to the UNESCO for a charitable auction. The proceeds will be for the education of children in developing countries.
February 1, 1988: The Song "Man In the Mirror" enters the charts. The proceeds from the sales of this record goes to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, a camp for children who suffer from cancer.
March 1, 1988: At a press conference held by his sponsor Pepsi, Michael presents a $600,000 check to the United Negro College Fund.
April 1988: Free tickets are given away for three concerts in Atlanta, Georgia to the Make A Wish Foundation.
May 22, 1988: Michael visits children who suffer from cancer in the Bambini-Gesu Children's Hospital in Rome. He signs autographs and gives away sweets and records to the little patients. He promises a check of 100,000 pounds to the hospital.
July 16, 1988: Before a concert at Wembley Stadium Michael meets the Prince of Wales and his wife Diana. He hands over a check of 150,000 pounds for the Prince's Trust, and a check of 100,000 pounds for the children's hospital at Great Ormond Street.
July 20, 1988: Michael visits terminally ill children at Great Ormond Street Hospital. At a unit for less critical patients he stays a little bit longer and tells a story.
August 29, 1988: At his 30th birthday Michael performs a concert in Leeds, England for the English charity-organization "Give For Life". The goal of this organization is the immunization of children. Michael presents a check for 65,000 pounds.
December 1988: Michael visits 12-year-old David Rothenburg. His father had 5 years earlier burned him very badly in an act of revenge against his former wife.
January 1989: The proceeds of one of Michael's shows in Los Angeles are donated to Childhelp USA, the biggest charity-organization against child-abuse. In appreciation of the contributions of Michael, Childhelp of Southern California is founding the "Michael Jackson International Institute for Research On Child Abuse".
January 10, 1989: The Bad Tour comes to an end. Under-privileged children are donated tickets for each concert and Michael donates money to hospitals, orphanages and charity-organizations.
February 7, 1989: Michael visits the Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, California. Some weeks earlier a 25-year-old man had fired at the school's playground. 5 children had been killed and 39 had been wounded.
March 5, 1989: Michael invites 200 deprived children of the St. Vincent Institute for handicapped children and of the organization Big Brothers and Big Sisters to the Circus Vargas in Santa Barbara. After this event he invites them to his ranch to introduce his private zoo at his Neverland Ranch to them.
November 13, 1989: The organization "Wishes Granted" helps 4-year-old Darian Pagan, who suffers from leukemia to meet Michael. Michael invites the little boy to a performance of Canadian acrobats.
December 28, 1989: Young Ryan White, who suffers from hemophilia, spends his holidays on Michael's ranch. Ryan had been infected with AIDS by contaminated blood transfusions in 1984. After he was excluded from his school in Kokomo, Ryan fought against the discrimination of AIDS victims.
January 6, 1990: Michael invites 82 abused and neglected children through Childhelp to his Neverland Ranch. There are games, a Barbeque and a movie show provided for them.
July 1990: 45 children from the Project Dream Street, Los Angeles, for children with life-threatening illness are invited to Neverland Valley.
August 18, 1990: Michael invites 130 children of the YMCA summer program of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara to his Neverland Ranch.
May 6, 1991: Michael is invited to the Jane Goodall Charity event. Michael supports her, an advocate of behavioral research concerning chimpanzees in Gombe, Nigeria for more than 30 years.
July 26, 1991: Michael pays a visit to the Youth Sports & Art Foundation in Los Angeles. This Foundation supports families of gang members, and helps dealing with drug-abuse. Michael talks to the kids and presents them with a wide-screen TV set and a financial gift.
December 1991: Michael's office MJJ Productions treats needy families in Los Angeles with more than 200 turkey dinners.
February 1992: Within 11 days Michael covers 30,000 miles in Africa, to visit hospitals, orphanages, schools, churches, and institutions for mentally handicapped children.
February 3, 1992: At a press conference at the New York Radio City Music Hall, Michael announces that he is planning a new world tour, to raise funds for his new "Heal The World" Foundation. This Foundation will support the fight against AIDS, Juvenile Diabetes and will support the Camp Ronald McDonald and the Make A Wish Foundation.
May 6, 1992: Michael defrays the funeral-expenses for Ramon Sanchez, who was killed during the Los Angeles riots.
June 23, 1992: At a press conference in London, Michael makes an announcement about his Heal The World Foundation.
June 26, 1992: Michael presents the Mayor of Munich, Mr. Kronawitter, with a 40,000 DM-check for the needy people of the city.
June 29, 1992: Michael visits the Sophia Children's Hospital in Rotterdam and presents a check for 100,000 pounds.
July 1992: Michael donated L. 821,477,296 to La Partita del Cuore (The Heart Match) in Rome and donated 120,000 DM to children's charities in Estonia and Latvia.
July 25, 1992: On the occasion of a concert in Dublin, Ireland, Michael announces that he will give 400,000 pounds of the tour earnings to various charities.
July 29, 1992: Michael visits the Queen Elizabeth Children's Hospital in London. To the surprise the children, he brings Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Euro-Disney to the hospital.
July 31, 1992: On the Eve of his second concert at Wembley Stadium, Michael presents Prince Charles with a check of 200,000 pounds for the Prince's Trust.
August 16, 1992: 6 year old Nicholas Killen, who lost his eyesight caused by a life aiding cancer surgery, meets Michael backstage in Leeds, England.
September 1992: Michael donated 1 million pesetas to charity headed by the Queen of Spain.
September 30, 1992: President Iliescu of Romania inaugurates a playground for 500 orphans which Michael has financed. Michael discusses his Heal The World Foundation.
October 1, 1992: Michael chooses a concert in Bucharest, Romania for worldwide television broadcast. Bucharest is a logical choice due to the numerous orphanages the country is known for.
November 24, 1992: At Kennedy Airport in New York, Michael supervises the loading of 43 tons of medication, blankets, and winter clothes destined for Sarajevo. The Heal The World Foundation collaborates with AmeriCares to bring resources totaling $2.1 million to Sarajevo. They will be allocated under the supervision of the United Nations.
December 10, 1992: During a press conference at the American Ambassy in Tokyo Michael is presented with a check for $100,000 for the Heal The World Foundation by Tour Sponsor Pepsi.
December 26, 1992: During a broadcast request for donations to the United Negro College Fund, Michael declares: "Black Colleges and Universities are breeding some of the leading personalities of our time. They are on top in business, justice, science and technologies, politics and religion. I am proud, that the Michael Jackson Scholarship Program enabled more than 200 young men and women to get a qualified education."
January 19, 1993: Michael is one of the stars to perform at the Presidential Inauguration of Bill Clinton. Before he sings "Gone Too Soon" he draws the attention to the plights of the victims of AIDS and mentions his friend Ryan White.
January 26, 1993: At a press conference held at Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, Michael is presented with a $200,000 donation from the National Football League and the Sponsors of the Super Bowl. He gets another $500,000 from the BEST Foundation for his Heal The World Foundation. At this occasion the foundation of "Heal L.A." is officially announced.
February 1993: In association with Sega, launched an initiative to distribute more than $108,000 of computer games and equipment to children's hospitals, children's homes, and children's charities throughout the U.K.
March 1993: The foundation of an independent film company is announced. They will produce family-oriented movies. A part of the earnings will go to the Heal The World Foundation.
March 27, 1993: At a meeting at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, Michael gives a 5-minute speech to 1200 teachers and politicians.
April 26, 1993: Within his "Heal LA" tour, Michael visits the Watta Health Foundation, and two schools in Los Angeles South Central.
May 5, 1993: Former President Jimmy Carter and Michael, who are chairmen of the "Heal Our Children/Heal The World" initiative, are in Atlanta to promote their "Atlanta Project Immunization Drive".
June 1993: Michael has announced that he will donate $1.25 million for children who have suffered from the riots in Los Angeles.
June 1993: 100 children from the Challengers Boys and Girls Club visit Neverland.
June 10, 1993: Michael promotes the new DARE-program. The purpose of the program is to inform children about the dangers of drug abuse.
June 18, 1993: Michael pays a visit to a hospital in Washington. He spends several hours with the young patients and plays chess with some of them.
August 1993: With Pepsi-Cola Thailand, donated $40,000 to Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's charity, the Rural School Children and Youth Development Fund, in support of school lunch programs in rural villages in Thailand.
August 1993: In conjunction with Pepsi-Cola International, donated new ambulances to the Contacts One Independent Living Center for Children in Moscow, Russia and the Hospital de Ninos Dr. Ricardo Gutierrez in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
October 1993: Donated $100,000 to the Children's Defense Fund, the Children's Diabetes Foundation, the Atlanta Project, and the Boys and Girl Clubs of Newark, New Jersey.
October 22, 1993: Michael visits a hospital in Santiago.
October 28, 1993: Michael makes it possible for 5000 underprivileged children to visit the Reino Aventura Park, where the whale Keiko ("Free Willy") is living.
November 5, 1993: Michael is guest at a children's party at the Hard Rock Cafe in Mexico City.
December 1993: With the Gorbachev Foundation, airlifted 60,000 doses of children's vaccines to Tblisi, Georgia.
December 16, 1993: The Heal The World Foundation UK supports "Operation Christmas Child" delivering toys, sweets, gifts and food to children in former Yugoslavia.
1994: Michael donates $500,000 to Elizabeth Taylor's AIDS Foundation.
January 7, 1994: On the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, Michael gives a party for more than 100 underprivileged children at his Neverland Ranch.
February 22, 1994: "The Jackson Family Honors" is televised. The earnings of the show are given to their own newly formed charity, "Family Caring for Families".
August 6, 1994: Michael and his wife Lisa Marie are visiting two children's hospitals in Budapest. They distribute toys to the ill children.
1995: Michael wants to free dolphins who have been locked up for years. He believes there should be legal guidelines about the way dolphins have to live in zoos and parks.
March 1995: Little Bela Farkas received a new liver. Michael and Lisa Marie met this 4-year-old boy during their trip to Hungary in 1994. Michael did everything to help Bela, whose only chance to live was getting a new liver. The Heal The World Foundation covered the surgery and the cost for caring.
June 21, 1996: Michael donated a four-times platinum disc of "HIStory" in aid of the Dunblane appeal at the Royal Oak Hotel, Sevenoaks in England.
July 18, 1996: In Soweto, South Africa Michael is laying down a wreath of flowers for youngsters who have been killed during the fights involving Apartheid.
September 1996: The first Sports Festival "Hope" was held for orphans and disadvantaged children. 3000 children and 600 volunteers took part in the Sports Festival and Michael Jackson was a special guest.
September 6, 1996: Michael visits the children's unit of a hospital in Prague.
October 1996: Michael visited a hospital for mentally challenged children in Kaoshiung, Taiwan and offered 2,000 free tickets to the sold out performance in Kaoshiung.
October 1, 1996: Michael donated the proceeds of his Tunisia concert to "The National Solidarity Fund", a charity dedicated to fighting poverty.
October 3, 1996: Michael visits a children's hospital and brings small gifts for the patients during a HIStory tour visit in Amsterdam. A room in the hospital (for parents who want to be with their children) is named after Michael.
November 1, 1996: Michael donates most of the earnings from a HIStory concert in Bombay, India to the poor people of the country.
November 7, 1996: Before his first concert in Auckland, New Zealand, Michael fulfills the wish of little Emely Smith, who is suffering from cancer, who wants to meet Michael.
November 25, 1996: Michael visited the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, delivering toys, signing autographs, and visiting with children.
December 9, 1996: During a HIStory tour visit in Manila, Michael visits a children's hospital. He announces that a part of his concert earnings will be donated to the renovation of the hospital.
January 25, 1997: Michael waved his personal fee for his Bombay appearance and donated $1.1 million to a local charity helping to educate children living in slums.
April 4, 1997: British magazine "OK!" is publishing exclusive photos of Michael's son Prince. The magazine pays about 1 million pounds for the photos. Michael donates the money to charity.
June 18, 1997: Michael signed the "Children in Need" book auctioned by the charity UNESCO.
September 1998: Michael meets 5 year old Aza Woods, who suffers from cancer, at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. Michael introduces Aza to the attraction "Star Trek: The Experience" and spends the rest of the afternoon with the little boy. Finally Michael invites Aza to spend some time with him at his Neverland Ranch.
November 16, 1998: Michael arrives in Harare, Zimbabwe. He is a member of the American Delegation invited by the Minister of Defense. The delegation thanks the government of Zimbabwe for helping to keep the peace in this area.
September 4, 1999: Michael presented Nelson Mandela with a check for 1,000,000 South African rand for the "Nelson Mandela Children's Fund."
January 22, 2000: During Christmas last year a violent storm ravaged the park of the Chateau de Versailles and destroyed 10,000 trees in the park. The estimated cost for rebuilding the park is around $20 million. Some celebrities are supporting the restoration of the park. French officials are reporting that Michael Jackson is one of them. He was one of the first people to donate money to this cause.
October 28, 2000:Michael painted a plate to be auctioned for the "Carousel of Hope Ball" benefiting childhood diabetes research.
March 6, 2001: Michael donated a black hat, a birthday phone-call and a jacket worn at the Monaco Music Awards in 2000 to the Movie Action for Children auction, an event being given by UNICEF with all proceeds will going to UNICEF's efforts to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in Africa.
March 26, 2001: Michael handed out books to young people at a Newark, NJ theater. The event, which helped to launch the Michael Jackson International Book Club, part of his new Heal the Kids charity, aims to promote childhood reading and encourage parents to return to reading bedtime stories.
September 15, 2002: Michael donated 16 exclusively autographed items consisting of CD's, videos and 2 cotton napkins to aid in the support of the victims of a severe flood in Germany. These items were auctioned off for charity and managed to raise 3935 Euro (US$ 3,814).
October 12, 2002: Michael Jackson invited more than 200 Team Vandenberg members, who recently returned from overseas deployments, and their families to his Neverland Ranch. This was to show his appreciation for the sacrifices the military in his community make.
November 19-29, 2002: Michael donated an autographed teddy bear dressed in his likeness to Siegfried & Roy's celebrity teddy bear auction. This auction benefits Opportunity Village which is a non-profit organization based in Las Vegas (USA) that enhances the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Michael's autographed teddy bear raised $5,000 for the charity.
November 21, 2002: Michael donated a jacket to the The Bambi Charity Event in Berlin which raised $16,000.
April 25, 2002: Michael Jackson performed at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee at the Apollo Theater in Harlem helping to raise nearly $3 million dollars towards voter registration.
June 2003: The Wolf family, who experienced serious damages to their belongings during the flood in Saxony, Germany last August, was invited to Berlin by Michael Jackson when he was at the Bambi Awards. On that occasion Michael invited them to Neverland. In June, they spent three days at Neverland, meeting Michael and his children.
Charity Awards
May 14, 1984: At a ceremony in the White House President Reagan presents Michael an award for special efforts; he is honored for his participation in a national ad campaign against drunk driving.
January 1989: The "Say Yes To A Youngsters Future" program honors Michael in recognition of his efforts to encourage children to natural sciences and award him with the "National Urban Coalition Artist/Humanitarian Of The Year Award".
March 1989: At the Universal Amphitheater in Universal City, California, Michael receives the Black Radio Special Award for his humanitarian efforts.
September 22, 1989: The Capital Children's Museum awards Michael with the Best Of Washington 1989 Humanitarian Award in recognition of his efforts to raise money for the museum, and for his never-ending support of children.
February 3, 1990: From Japan Michael receives a Role Model Award.
April 5, 1990: During a ceremony, where Michael is awarded as "Entertainer Of The Decade", Michael meets President George Bush, who honors him with the "Point Of Light" award. Michael receives this award for his philanthropic activities. President Bush explains Michael's humanitarian commitments to the press.
September 14, 1990: The Council of the American Scouts honors Michael with the first "Good Scout Humanitarian Award". Michael receives this award for his humanitarian activities by supporting the Make A Wish Foundation, the Prince's Trust, the United Negro College Fund and Childhelp USA.
October 23, 1990: Michael Jackson and Elton John will be the first recipients of the award in memory of Ryan White, which will be handed over in 1991.
May 1, 1992: President George Bush presents Michael with the "Point of Light" award for his continuing support of deprived children. During his stay, Michael visits little Raynal Pope, who had been injured very badly by dogs.
June 3, 1992: The organization "One To One", who is caring for better living conditions of young people, honors Michael with an award for his commitment to deprived youngsters.
July 1993: The American Friends of Hebrew University honors Michael with the Scopus Award 1993.
August 1993: The Jack The Rapper Awards are presented and Michael is honored with the "Our Children, Our Hope Of Tomorrow" award.
November 17, 1993: Michael rejects the Scopus Award. He was nominated for this award, which was planned to be given him on January 29th, 1994.
April 12, 1994: On occasion of the 2nd Children's Choice Award ceremony at Cit Center in New York, Michael is presented with the "Caring For Kids" award. This award is to honor celebrities, who take time for young people. 100,000 children and young people from 8 to 18 years old gave Michael their vote of confidence. The Children's Choice Awards are sponsored by Body Sculpt, a charity organization, that offers drug-prevention programs for young people.
November 2, 1995: Michael receives the award "Diamont of Africa".
March, 30, 1996: The Ark Trust-Foundation, who wants to draw the attention of the public eye on animal's problems, presents the 10th Genesis Award. Michael is presented with the 1995 Doris Day Award. He gets this award for the "Earth Song" video, which draws attention to the plight of the animals.
May 1, 1999: At the Bollywood awards in New York, Michael is presented with an award for his humanitarian activities. The award is signed: "Though he comes from the young American tradition, Michael is the embodiment of an old indian soul. His actions are an expression of the philosophy of Weda, which asked to work for the people - not for one's own interests."
Organizations
The Millennium-Issue of the "Guinness Book Of Records" names Michael as the Pop Star who supports the most charity organizations. The following projects are supported by Michael Jackson:
AIDS Project L.A.
American Cancer Society
Angel Food
Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles
BMI Foundation
Brotherhood Crusade
Brothman Burn Center
Camp Ronald McDonald
Childhelp U.S.A.
Children's Institute International
Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund
Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation
Congressional Black Caucus
Dakar Foundation
Dreamstreet Kids
Dreams Come True Charity
Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation
Heal The World Foundation
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
Love Match
Make A Wish Foundation
Minority Aids Project
Motown Museum
NAACP
National Rainbow Coalition
Rotary Club of Australia
Society of Singers
Starlight Foundation
The Carter Center's Atlanta Project
The Sickle Cell Research Foundation
Transafrica
United Negro College Fund
United Negro College Fund Ladder's of Hope
Volunteers of America
Watts Summer Festival
Wish Granting
YMCA - 28th Street/Crenshaw
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America
This is the oldest mentoring organization serving youth in the USA.
BBBSA has provided one-to-one mentoring relationships between adult volunteers and children at risk since 1904. BBBSA currently serves over 100,000 children and youth in more than 500 agencies throughout all of the United States.
BMI Foundation
From jazz to musical theater, from music education for gifted youngsters to support for the work of accomplished concert music composers, the BMI Foundation seeks out the best and most promising of today's and tomorrow's musical creators and offers a platform of support that fosters their growth and ensures the continuation of the heritage of American musical ingenuity for generations to come.
Childhelp USA
Childhelp USA is dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional, educational, und spiritual needs of abused and neglected children focusing efforts and resources upon treatment, prevention.
Children's Institute International
This is a private, non-profit organization specializing in the treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Over the past 90 years, CII has evolved from a shelter for single mothers and their babies to an internationally recognized model of comprehensive care and assistance for at-risk children and their families.
CII assistance includes child and family assessment supported by 24-hour emergency residential shelter care, family treatment services, therapeutic day care, child health clinic, long-term foster family care, and substance abuse treatment and prevention services.
Make A Wish Foundation fulfills the favorite wish of any child between the age of 2 ½ and 18 who has a diagnosed life-threatening illness.
Camp Ronald McDonald
Camp for children with cancer.
It's sad because I feel as though he felt let down by society and the media. He turned to drugs to aid in his pain. The people that brought him to the top also sent him to his grave.
References:
www.JacksonAction.com
Huey, Steve. Michael Jackson (Active: 1960's – 2000's), All Music Guide
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Journal Analysis: Turtle Power
Analysis of Article by John Bisges
The article I chose is very interesting because it takes a movie and compares it to what is going on in the rest of the world. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a huge hit back when I was kid in 1990 and 1991. I was a tomboy and loved ninja movies and these were my favorites.
The author, John Bisges, depicts sarcasm throughout the article comparing the movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) to what were significant impacts in our history and culture. Some comparisons included past nuclear war with the Japanese and the ending of the Cold War. The first point brought to light is the amount of money this movie made and the significant impact it had on the young adolescence. According to the article, "the franchise's first film grossed $201.9 million dollars and its sequel $78.657 million in 1991." (Bisges, 2008, 918) This money didn't include the money that was made off action figures, lunch boxes, cartoons etc…
The authors, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, of TMNT first developed a comic strip in 1984 that in turn turned into the hit movie. My husband is really into collecting comic books and he also agrees with the next point Bisges makes. He compares TMNT to the comic strip Daredevil. TMNT is about four baby turtles that encountered radioactive chemical that turns them into superheroes and is trained by a martial arts master rat names Splinter and together in they fight off in the first movie Japanese ninjas and the head guy is "Shredder". In Daredevil, almost the same scenario applies. Daredevil was a young boy when he encountered radioactive chemicals and is trained by a martial arts master to fight off evil ninjas.
The author brought to light an important issue regarding the radioactive chemicals. To the young adolescents when they read this comic or watch these fictional movies they get the idea that these radioactive chemicals are going to make them superheroes and strong. When in actuality they can get cancer and die from these chemicals. When a child is exposed to a container that says radioactive waste, are they going to spill it on themselves because of what it did to the turtles? I would certainly hope not but it's hard as a child to understand that what you see on television is not real and they are forced to alter their way of thinking.
Major points the author brings up is how some situations in the movies resemble important events in history. The author states, "it is interesting to note that while no conventional tactics were effective in defeating the Shredder (who was from Japan), a group in possession of nuclear-related powers defeated him almost handily, an ending that can be related to the conclusion of World War II." (921) Due to the Turtle's and the ninjas being of Japanese influence you see how they really compared that to what was going on in the real world. Another example is that during this time of the movie "many Japanese business practices were being imitated in the US," (923) and in the movie the news reporter that became the turtles' friend, April O' Neil, does a news broadcast asserting "that the solution to New York's current troubles can be found by consulting with the city's Japanese. By ignoring O'Neil and the warnings of the immigrants though, the city slips deeper into trouble that plagues it." (923)
At the time of the first movie, it was just as the Cold War was ending and I agree with the author that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles became so popular because of the circumstances regarding nuclear power and the "necessity of fighting, along with their emphasis on surfer slang and Japanese culture. They reflected a need of Americans to thumb their noses at the messages of sacrifice and impending death those decades of Cold War fears had pounded into the psyche of the country." (Bisges, 2008, 924) I believe we will see the same thing happen with the Iraq War. The entertainment industry will capitalize on our emotions and our desires to see it on a big screen.
Reference
Bisges, John. (2008). Turtle Power!: How Four Mutant Teenagers Nuked the
Entertainment Industry. The Journal of Popular Culture. 41(6), 918-933.
The article I chose is very interesting because it takes a movie and compares it to what is going on in the rest of the world. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a huge hit back when I was kid in 1990 and 1991. I was a tomboy and loved ninja movies and these were my favorites.
The author, John Bisges, depicts sarcasm throughout the article comparing the movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) to what were significant impacts in our history and culture. Some comparisons included past nuclear war with the Japanese and the ending of the Cold War. The first point brought to light is the amount of money this movie made and the significant impact it had on the young adolescence. According to the article, "the franchise's first film grossed $201.9 million dollars and its sequel $78.657 million in 1991." (Bisges, 2008, 918) This money didn't include the money that was made off action figures, lunch boxes, cartoons etc…
The authors, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, of TMNT first developed a comic strip in 1984 that in turn turned into the hit movie. My husband is really into collecting comic books and he also agrees with the next point Bisges makes. He compares TMNT to the comic strip Daredevil. TMNT is about four baby turtles that encountered radioactive chemical that turns them into superheroes and is trained by a martial arts master rat names Splinter and together in they fight off in the first movie Japanese ninjas and the head guy is "Shredder". In Daredevil, almost the same scenario applies. Daredevil was a young boy when he encountered radioactive chemicals and is trained by a martial arts master to fight off evil ninjas.
The author brought to light an important issue regarding the radioactive chemicals. To the young adolescents when they read this comic or watch these fictional movies they get the idea that these radioactive chemicals are going to make them superheroes and strong. When in actuality they can get cancer and die from these chemicals. When a child is exposed to a container that says radioactive waste, are they going to spill it on themselves because of what it did to the turtles? I would certainly hope not but it's hard as a child to understand that what you see on television is not real and they are forced to alter their way of thinking.
Major points the author brings up is how some situations in the movies resemble important events in history. The author states, "it is interesting to note that while no conventional tactics were effective in defeating the Shredder (who was from Japan), a group in possession of nuclear-related powers defeated him almost handily, an ending that can be related to the conclusion of World War II." (921) Due to the Turtle's and the ninjas being of Japanese influence you see how they really compared that to what was going on in the real world. Another example is that during this time of the movie "many Japanese business practices were being imitated in the US," (923) and in the movie the news reporter that became the turtles' friend, April O' Neil, does a news broadcast asserting "that the solution to New York's current troubles can be found by consulting with the city's Japanese. By ignoring O'Neil and the warnings of the immigrants though, the city slips deeper into trouble that plagues it." (923)
At the time of the first movie, it was just as the Cold War was ending and I agree with the author that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles became so popular because of the circumstances regarding nuclear power and the "necessity of fighting, along with their emphasis on surfer slang and Japanese culture. They reflected a need of Americans to thumb their noses at the messages of sacrifice and impending death those decades of Cold War fears had pounded into the psyche of the country." (Bisges, 2008, 924) I believe we will see the same thing happen with the Iraq War. The entertainment industry will capitalize on our emotions and our desires to see it on a big screen.
Reference
Bisges, John. (2008). Turtle Power!: How Four Mutant Teenagers Nuked the
Entertainment Industry. The Journal of Popular Culture. 41(6), 918-933.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
TrueBlood
Weekly Analysis #3
TrueBlood
Recently, before Twilight was in theaters a series about vampires really caught my attention on HBO called TrueBlood. This is my favorite series since the Sopranos. This HBO series is about a world in which vampires are prevalent and other ominous creatures exist among society co-existing with humans.
Most of what we learned about stereotypes exists in this series. The vampires bite the necks of humans to drink their blood and can kill people. However, the point of the series is to show that not all vampires fall into the stereotype of being evil and killing humans for their blood. Bill Compton is one of the main characters and he is a vampire but dating a human by the name of Sookie. He is a vampire trying to prove that they are not all the same. He drinks synthetic blood, known as TrueBlood, invented by a Japanese scientist. He does bite the neck or other parts of his partner Sookie, for what looks to pleasure them both.
The vampire frenzy continues to rule the television and movie theaters. I love vampires and these movies and series are making millions of dollars because of people like me. I think the entertainment industry is finding that people yearn for the excitement that is associated with vampires.
TrueBlood
Recently, before Twilight was in theaters a series about vampires really caught my attention on HBO called TrueBlood. This is my favorite series since the Sopranos. This HBO series is about a world in which vampires are prevalent and other ominous creatures exist among society co-existing with humans.
Most of what we learned about stereotypes exists in this series. The vampires bite the necks of humans to drink their blood and can kill people. However, the point of the series is to show that not all vampires fall into the stereotype of being evil and killing humans for their blood. Bill Compton is one of the main characters and he is a vampire but dating a human by the name of Sookie. He is a vampire trying to prove that they are not all the same. He drinks synthetic blood, known as TrueBlood, invented by a Japanese scientist. He does bite the neck or other parts of his partner Sookie, for what looks to pleasure them both.
The vampire frenzy continues to rule the television and movie theaters. I love vampires and these movies and series are making millions of dollars because of people like me. I think the entertainment industry is finding that people yearn for the excitement that is associated with vampires.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The Love of Country Music
Since I can remember country music has always been a part of mine and my family’s life. In an odd way it has shaped me in knowing I can find comfort in a country song. There is a country song for almost every situation in life, no matter how bad or good it may be. I am a very well rounded person and have love for all types of music. No matter what genre of music that may captivate my interest for a period of time I will always have a love for country.
The love of country music dates back to the days of Hank Williams and Waylon Jennings. People can easily relate to country music because it pertains to their everyday lives and specific situations. Whether you are a single mom dealing with pressures of life or a drunk going through some troubles, there is a country song that tells your story. Country music has a variety of listens, and can reach people with all sorts of different music styles. Country music consists of southern rock and roll, love songs, and songs about God and family.
Our book, Profiles of Popular Culture, talks about Allan Jackson and his longevity in the country music industry. He is an artist I compare to Hank Williams and George Strait. He is not only a singer but he is a songwriter and that is the most respectable part of country music. Most country musicians write or help write their own music. How many singers in today’s modern pop music do you see write their own music and can play a guitar along with their songs?
Country music will never go away and will continue be a pop culture icon for the ordinary hardworking American.
The love of country music dates back to the days of Hank Williams and Waylon Jennings. People can easily relate to country music because it pertains to their everyday lives and specific situations. Whether you are a single mom dealing with pressures of life or a drunk going through some troubles, there is a country song that tells your story. Country music has a variety of listens, and can reach people with all sorts of different music styles. Country music consists of southern rock and roll, love songs, and songs about God and family.
Our book, Profiles of Popular Culture, talks about Allan Jackson and his longevity in the country music industry. He is an artist I compare to Hank Williams and George Strait. He is not only a singer but he is a songwriter and that is the most respectable part of country music. Most country musicians write or help write their own music. How many singers in today’s modern pop music do you see write their own music and can play a guitar along with their songs?
Country music will never go away and will continue be a pop culture icon for the ordinary hardworking American.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Icons
There are so many iconic people, TV shows, objects etc... that has really had an impact on me through the years. People such as Michael Jackson and JFK and movies such as The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller's Day Off have really influenced me in the past and will always be icons. More recently, there have more pop culture icons that will never be forgotten. One is Ellen DeGeneres who is a comedian, talk show host, movie star, and a gay rights activist has influenced women all over the world to stand up for what they believe in. My favorite television reality show American Idol has become a world phenomenon that has captivated the world and given ordinary people the chance to fulfill their dreams. An iconic symbol that has really influenced me especially recently, is the pink ribbon symbolizing the fight against breast cancer. All three of these icons have influenced me and will be added on to the list of what are important icons in my life.
Ellen DeGeneres has always been a great influence on who I am. She is a very positive person and with all her energy and laughter, watching her show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, can really end my workday right. People tend to look at the world in a half-empty sort of way and Ellen really has a half-full take on life. She struggled her way to success and being a woman she had to achieve success through determination. Ellen is also gay and has been a strong activist for the gay communities. I am not gay, but I do believe that gay rights are important for equality in this country. We are not the judge of someone's choice. She has become an icon by achieving success through all the adversity. I believe she has had a long lasting influence on this generation and generations to come.
American Idol has become a pop culture phenomenon over the past nine years. When it first came out, I didn't really like it much but as I continued to really learn what it was all about I became a huge fan. People from all over the country come to try out for this show and amazing artists like Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, and Chris Daughtry, may never have been discovered without this show. There are some people that are addicted to this show and I've yet to understand why people crave it like chocolate. I enjoy the show and watch it when I can but I do not go crazy about. American Idol brings in millions of viewers and voters. It has also inspired the creation of Britain's Got Talent. American Idol to people is hope that they can fulfill their lifelong dream of being a singer. It has inspired such reality shows as, So You Think You Can Dance and Americans Got Talent and will be continued success.
A few years ago, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy. She is a survivor due to early prevention. The pink ribbon stands for the fight again breast cancer and saves lives every year. You can't walk into a large box store and not see a pink ribbon on something you could purchase. Just the other day I went to buy a beach towel and saw one with the pink ribbon on it. There are young girls including myself that at some point in our lives did not know what it meant. This curiosity sparks questions about the symbol and what it stands for. Ambassadors such as Reese Witherspoon and Christina Appelgate are great role models and spokespeople for this great cause. This organization and the pink ribbon are a way for people to come together as one big support group. According to www.pinkribbon.org, 186,772 women and 1,815 men were diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,954 women and 362 men died from breast cancer in 2004. Not only should women be concerned about breast cancer but men should be aware as well. This is a great organization and the pink ribbon is a great icon in the fight against breast cancer.
Ellen Degeneres – www.ellen.warnerbros.com
American Idol - www.americanidol.com
Pink Ribbon – www.pinkribbon.org
Ellen DeGeneres has always been a great influence on who I am. She is a very positive person and with all her energy and laughter, watching her show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, can really end my workday right. People tend to look at the world in a half-empty sort of way and Ellen really has a half-full take on life. She struggled her way to success and being a woman she had to achieve success through determination. Ellen is also gay and has been a strong activist for the gay communities. I am not gay, but I do believe that gay rights are important for equality in this country. We are not the judge of someone's choice. She has become an icon by achieving success through all the adversity. I believe she has had a long lasting influence on this generation and generations to come.
American Idol has become a pop culture phenomenon over the past nine years. When it first came out, I didn't really like it much but as I continued to really learn what it was all about I became a huge fan. People from all over the country come to try out for this show and amazing artists like Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, and Chris Daughtry, may never have been discovered without this show. There are some people that are addicted to this show and I've yet to understand why people crave it like chocolate. I enjoy the show and watch it when I can but I do not go crazy about. American Idol brings in millions of viewers and voters. It has also inspired the creation of Britain's Got Talent. American Idol to people is hope that they can fulfill their lifelong dream of being a singer. It has inspired such reality shows as, So You Think You Can Dance and Americans Got Talent and will be continued success.
A few years ago, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy. She is a survivor due to early prevention. The pink ribbon stands for the fight again breast cancer and saves lives every year. You can't walk into a large box store and not see a pink ribbon on something you could purchase. Just the other day I went to buy a beach towel and saw one with the pink ribbon on it. There are young girls including myself that at some point in our lives did not know what it meant. This curiosity sparks questions about the symbol and what it stands for. Ambassadors such as Reese Witherspoon and Christina Appelgate are great role models and spokespeople for this great cause. This organization and the pink ribbon are a way for people to come together as one big support group. According to www.pinkribbon.org, 186,772 women and 1,815 men were diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,954 women and 362 men died from breast cancer in 2004. Not only should women be concerned about breast cancer but men should be aware as well. This is a great organization and the pink ribbon is a great icon in the fight against breast cancer.
Ellen Degeneres – www.ellen.warnerbros.com
American Idol - www.americanidol.com
Pink Ribbon – www.pinkribbon.org
Monday, August 17, 2009
Michael Phelps
Throughout the years there have been many important people that you recognize from the Olympics but none quite like Michael Phelps. He is 24 years old, 6'4" and has already won 16 Olympic Medals, 14 of which are Gold in the Olympics for swimming. Eight of those gold medals he won in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Michael Phelps has become a world icon and a very important artifact for the Olympics. He had his face plastered on every magazine cover and sponsors knocking down his door. I have always watched the olympics but I never really could quite remember a single important person I associated with the olympics. Since the recent olympics I know that I will always know who Michael Phelps is and will always associate him with the Olympics. I may forget what year or where it took place but I will always know that he was part of the Olympics in some way.
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