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Derived Regulation

Harnessing tech to address a nation's challenges

by Lim Sheng Ming , Brunei Darussalam

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The King of Pop culture

Jun 30, 2009 14:08

While the rest of the world mourns the passing of Michael Jackson (or waits for all the mourning to pass) the International Hearald Tribune publishes an article claiming ... even Michael Jackson would have a hard time becoming Michael Jackson these days.

After Jackson, fame may never be the same. Author David Segal says that the days that made Michael Jackson and The Beatles famous saw less competition for the attention of the adoring masses. MTV and the Ed Sullivan Show have been replaced by online video, social networking and video games. The Internet has brought with it so much choice as well as the freedom to choose, giving audiences the luxury of selecting their pleasure at their own discretion.

No more record companies cramming their latest boyband/bubble gum teen sensation down our collective throats. This freedom to choose, and the potential market for it, is probably best expressed in Chris Anderson's oft-cited book The long tail.

The Internet has proved valuable in connecting those with similar, even obscure, interests. However, this ability to find what we want when we want it means we share less of modern day culture with each other. When I was 10-years-old, Tuesday morning school meant talking with my friends excitedly about the previous episode of MacGyver. Now, I'm lucky if I meet someone familiar with Red vs. Blue despite the show (in 2006) having had an audience comparable with Cartoon Network. The concept of a shared culture became one of the major themes of yet another book, The cult of the amateur, which has as many supporters as detractors.

Far too often, and far more annoying, is when these cliques turn into camps recruiting fanboys for trolling and flamewars: Microsoft vs. Linux vs. Apple, Wii vs. PlayStation 3 vs. Xbox 360, Devil-divorced Spider-man vs. happily married Spider-man. Ironic how the technology both connects and divides.

Images of paedophilia aside, we all shared Michael Jackson. His passing should at least remind us of the message in songs such as Heal the World and Man in the Mirror.

Farewell, Michael. You'll always be remembered in video games.

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About Lim Sheng Ming

Tired of relatives misspelling his name, Lim Sheng Ming christened himself "LSM". Born in Brunei, he is currently based in intoxicating Japan where he is supposed to be doing research. A published writer, an accomplished Latin dancer, a Tai Chi practitioner and a committed Lifehacker, he still finds time to follow standards-based Web development and promote Internet accessibility. He is also one of the few who have switched from a Mac (but don't judge him for that).