Forgive Me For I Have Sinned

I hesitated to write this because quite a few have written so eloquently about the sham that BET called a tribute to Michael Jackson. I'm writing it any way because I feel ceremonially unclean. I need to do penance, fast, or at least detox after sitting through that. I had a long, hot shower before going to bed, but somehow that didn't do it for me; it didn't remove the grime that feels left behind. I'm not trying to be humorous.

I watched the BET Awards expecting a real tribute to MJ. I was prepared to hear his songs as interpreted by other artists. After all weren't we told that the show had been revamped? Weren't we promised a show in honor of MJ. I continued watching because I just knew a tribute was going to happen. It never did.

I expected: to hear only MJ's songs, to be told about his humanitarian efforts and accomplishments, to be reminded of his triumphs even his torment, if you will. I expected to laugh and cry, to sing and dance, to stop and think. I wanted to mourn the passing of this cultural icon with the world while celebrating through his music.

What I was given: mockery, coonery, and just chaos.

I don't understand why egos weren't checked at the door; why producers didn't produce a different program that would take us all on a journey from MJ's childhood as a singer to his adulthood as an artist and humanitarian. Why the need to keep the same show in place and throw some random MJ material in there? I'm still confused and angry. I'm more saddened that MJ would be dishonored in this way. I don't want to believe it.

What angers me is that I know BET is capable of producing such a show that would have lead the world in a celebration of a musical genius, the greatest entertainer of our time. (I recall that a few years ago I stumbled upon a tribute to Stevie Wonder that was broadcast on BET. It was wonderful, beautifully done.)

What befuddles me is why did I expect anything better than what BET's history and track record? Isn't that one definition of insanity, expecting different results from the same methods?

What frustrates me even more so is that those performers and producers who said that MJ greatly influenced them only paid lip service to MJ. They did not show him any respect by being on their best behavior, by laying aside the need to promote themselves for one night. Honor and respected demanded that the music universe stop!

I have repented for my participation in this tomfoolery. I watched it. Yes, I viewed the show expecting uplift while reminding myself to not expect too much. I ask the Jackson family to forgive me. I must also forgive myself for giving away 3 hours of precious time that I can never get back. A commenter wrote on Twitter, "I wish BET had died and Michael Jackson was doing a tribute to it."

My condolences.