ROBERT X. GOLPHIN:

It seems like just yesterday I was glued to CNN’s coverage of the death of Farrah Fawcett. Though tragic, her death was not completely unexpected. The shock occurred later that same day when the world abruptly lost a music and dance icon who will never be matched in talent…

The King of Pop: Michael Jackson.

Hard to believe that it wasn’t yesterday. It was one year ago today. M.J’s. contribution to the music industry and the world through his philanthropic efforts is a part of recorded history. So there’s no need to recap his achievements. But something has weighed heavily on my mind since last year this time…

Through the final chapters of Michael’s life, the media ostracized him. Many people treated him like a joke. Many people ignored his exoneration and still considered him a criminal. Some folks even stopped buying his music. But when he died it was an entirely different story. Everybody and their mother jumped on the ‘Long Live The King of Pop’ bandwagon. Some of the same people who practically spit on the man’s name now regard him with some form of respect.

You can try and ignore this ugly truth, but this turn around by folks is not simply opinion. It’s fact. And that’s the problem we have in our homes and communities today. We talk about people so much that we forget that they are in fact, people. I’m guilty of it. I imagine you are, too. And from time to time on this road called life, people go through trials and tribulations. They must take tests and endure battles. Wouldn’t it be far better if we were there for people when they need us? After all, wouldn’t we want them there for us? And I don’t mean praying for somebody one minute, and the next ripping their credibility to shreds.

Now I’ll admit that I’ve made jokes about people. But if possible, I will subsequently apologize if necessary, or at least acknowledge that they are managing the storm. It’s one thing to innocently make an off-color remark. It’s something else entirely to be malicious about it.

I don’t know about you, but I’d like to be given my flowers while I’m still alive to smell them.If you don’t give me a rose while I can respond with a “Thank you”, don’t bring a rose to my memorial.

And for the folks out there that may take this statement literally, giving a person flowers could mean encouragement, support, a pat on the back, a phone call, an email…whatever. You don’t even have to know the person. But it would help if your flower giving was genuine.

Michael’s death reminds me that life is short. I don’t expect everyone to like me. But I do expect respect. If you give some, you’ll get some.

Long Live The King of Pop!