Our friend Seham sets us straight:
Did you guys come up with some offline pact to not mention Michael Jackson's passing on your site? Lame. Arabs
loved Michael Jackson, they loved him, unapologetically. And my Arabs
still haven't tired of talking about him or his death yet. One of my
cousins sent me a $2.00 text message from Ramallah when he heard the
news that just read: "Mikaeel!!!"
That's what we call him, Mikaeel.
I liked his music and all but I grew up in the post 'Beat It'
Internet era so I can't rightfully claim him as my generation. I do
have some vague memories of being dragged to the flea market before a
trip to Falastin to buy red faux leather "Beat It' jackets for my
cousins. And I really hated that flea market because the guy
collecting money at the entrance was missing an arm and always wanted
to pat my face with his good hand that had really filthy black
fingernails. I was a classist child.
Anyway, this is the most badass performance, ever. Nothing is cooler than this and nothing will ever be cooler than this.
And here is a dance tribute to Mikaeel by Saudis, one by Tunisians, Lebanese reactions here, here and here, a Palestinian reaction here.
And here is Michael himself clad in abaya in Bahrain (see, Phil, some people choose to wear it even if they don't have to…) while his daughter or son sports hijab.
