Michael Jackson’s death has swamped the World news, overshadowing the protests in Iran, the American Economy, and the hostile actions of North Korea. The event of his death sparked Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee to attempt to pass a resolution through Congress that would name Michael Jackson an American Legend. The resolution did garner much attention, but not the attention Lee was looking for.

The measure is under House Resolution 600 and would proclaim Jackson as an American legend, musical icon and world humanitarian. Michael Jackson did create great music and contributed large amounts of money and time to charities around the world, but he is still surrounded by a checkered past. His many legal battles are not forgotten by Congress. When members of Congress, called for a moment of silence upon hearing about the death of Jackson, some members walked out. Resolution 600 does not even have majority support from the Congressional Black Caucus, an organization that represents African Americans in Congress. Some members of Congress are openly hostile toward the resolution. Republican representative Peter King called Michael Jackson a pedophile and stated that he is not a Hero.

The multiple child molestation charges filed against Michael Jackson has forever tarnished his image. There is no possible way, the American Congress would declare an accused Pedophile of being an American Legend. It is disturbing that a member of Congress would bring forth such a resolution. One might question the motivation of Congresswoman Lee, maybe it’s an attempt at grabbing attention. Regardless of Lee’s intention, the measure will not pass. A Musical Icon Michael Jackson is, but an American Icon he is not.
Michael Jackson made great music, great music videos, and contributed to charities. He is also a man however, who was a drug addict, who racked up huge amount of debts, had numerous plastic surgeries, and at a minimum, had unhealthy relationships with young boys. For all the greatness he had in him, he also had great faults; because of these faults, he does not make the cut for an American Icon.

Too often people are viewed as heroes because of their popularity, regardless of their character flaws. Michael Jackson is a perfect example of this. The recent death of Steve McNair highlights another popular figure, who had gross character flaws, but many have declared him a hero. McNair was a good football player. McNair was also a married man with a number of children, but at the same time held a steady girlfriend, who is believed to have murdered him.

Why is it that the qualifications for an American Hero are so low? Too often, simple popularity drives people to believe a person is qualified to be a Hero. America needs to be careful about who they put on the Hero pedestals. Careful about who they claim are our heroes, because these heroes are the ones our children are going to aspire to. Nobody wants their kid to aspire to be an adulterous football player or a drug addicted musician. Heroes are made of better stuff than the Jacksons and McNair’s of the world.

House Resolution 600 has no hope of passing, the official declaration of Michael Jackson as an American Icon, has no hope of passing. This resolution has little support, and the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, has effectively put the nail in the coffin by citing her disapproval of the measure. At a minimum, Michael Jackson, was great at entertaining people through music, and there is where he will stay.