Reflection on the Passing of Three Cultural Icons

Michael Jackson via last.fm

Last week, each generation lost three cultural icons: Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Their lives had great meaning and contributed much to the popular culture. Pop culture, as silly as it can be sometimes, provides energy in an otherwise boring world, so when pop icons vanish it feels as if part of our own history our own identity has also left.  

As some eulogize these figures, many are thinking back to a life experience that somehow involved one of these stars. Though many might argue over the abundance of attention a celebrity’s death may get compared to the average person, the truth is we were able to chronicle our own lives and identity by watching them. Sometimes it was comparing our actions and sometimes it was contrasting our actions to theirs. Yet even in their passing these icons provide a reflecting lesson for the generations to take.

Ed McMahon knew his role, found success and thought it would never go away; a great legacy that in latter years was trying to regain relevance, not for limelight’s sake but for humility’s purpose. McMahon did things the right way until things changed and McMahon was left.

As the world changing Boomers now face a changing world, it is fascinating to see the struggle to pass down not just the memories of their past, but its significance and purpose to future generations that may not be as willing to absorb all its predecessors lessons.

Farah Fawcett’s death was probably the most heroic, her fight had been long chronicled, and in the end it was bitter sweet. However, before the end of the day it was largely overshadowed by the death of Michael Jackson. As time goes on she will be re-eulogized in a way that is not overshadowed, and the courage of waning days will be celebrated.

While the focus has been on Boomers and Millennials, Gen X characteristically has been overlooked. But as I’ve noticed of Gen X's embrace of an imperfect world is the generation's realization that they have to lead regardless of being in the shadows of two behemoth generations.

Jackson’s legacy was multi-generational. However, Jackson’s persona can only fully be measured from a generation that only remembers him when he was at his peak. There is no question that Millennials are a self-aware group searching to find their place in the world of work. Jackson grew up in the limelight, which allowed him much influence. But away from the stage it created a real sense of vulnerability that in the end was probably his downfall.

USA Today published a report recently referring to Millennials as the “recession generation” and indicating that this generation had particular dreams and expectations that all of a sudden took a turn when the economy tanked. Now a generation that has always been taught it was invincible is starting to realize it s vulnerability.

Thee is much more we can take away from the lives of these individuals, but let's continue to look at the lessons their lives teach us.