Jewish World Review July 1, 2009 / 9 Tamuz 5769

Many saddened by inability to join national outpouring of grief over Jackson

By Lewis Grossberger

http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | When Sandy Denfil, a 36-year-old Los Angeles sales representative, heard on CNN that Michael Jackson had died, she felt no urge to rush to the hospital to stand vigil. Nor did she sob uncontrollably or declare that her generation or the culture would never be the same.

She was not alone.

Behavioral psychologists say that millions of Americans failed to react strongly to the news of Jackson's sudden death and are wondering if something is wrong with them.

"I feel like I should write something poignant and moving about Michael," said blogger Rob Kotowski of Flint, Michigan. "Because all the other bloggers are writing tributes. But the truth is I have nothing to say. I mean I'm sorry he died but that's about it."

Some of the individuals not pouring out their inconsolable grief or watching marathon news coverage of Jackson's death are nerds or dorks who have never followed popular music. But others have many pop songs on their iPods, including some by Michael.

"I kind of liked 'Thriller,'" said Marianne Halcott, 39, of Kankakee, Illinois, "but that was, like what, 25 years ago?"

Many older Americans say they would like to mourn alongside everyone else but have become worn out by decades of watching pop stars die.

"I've been through Buddy Holly and Elvis and Rick Nelson," said Harry Toomey, 72, of Gallup, New Mexico. "And then, let's see, there was Morrison, Joplin, Hendrix, Lennon, Cobain…I've got nothing left, man. I'm drained."

Toomey did feel he could work up some tears for Madonna, however. "I've always had a thing for that gal. When she goes, I'll stand in the rain and hold up a candle. You know if she's sick or anything?"