Why do we respect people so much more once they're dead?

This isn't just in the case of Michael Jackson's death, it's for everyone. When MJ was still alive, a lot of people were insulting him about how he had problems and was a pedophile. Now that he has passed away, I find that a lot more people have been saying nice things about him. This goes to all people; sometimes I see people talking, and someone says, "I hate that person!" and the other guy says, "Be quiet, he's dead!"

...So is it okay to say bad things about someone when they're alive!? When they actually live on this earth and will possibly be offended by what was said about them? We say bad things about everyone when they're still living and don't realize that they may be offended by what we say. I think it's really important to understand that backbiting or saying bad things about others is always a terrible thing, but that people should be equally respected when they're still alive and able to contribute to the development of the world. Thoughts?

EDIT: Some of you are misunderstanding. I'm not saying we shouldn't respect people as much after they've passed away, I'm saying we should respect people more while they're alive.

People ry to remember the good, and the dead still have people that miss them.

We didn't know what he was, until we lost him. I think thats how the saying goes anyway, I've always respected MJ. So I ain't on that list.

well the media is being a hypocrite and he was one of those people that one thought was immortal...but what your saying happens alot especially with artists...wasnt da vinci unpopular during his time but know is regarded as a god

I'm sure that will all be coming in time. It would show pretty bad taste to start bringing back up all the problems he had immediatly after he passed away. No matter what you might think about him, he still has family and fans who are grieving right now and should be respected.

Greatness is never appreciated in youth, called pride in midlife, dismissed in old age, and reconsidered in death because we cannot tolerate greatness within our midst, thus we must do all we can to destroy it.

- Babylon 5, Lady Morella

Thats not always the case. Jade Goody is dead and i still cant think of many good things to say about her, if any. Its not that im gloating or disrespecting the dead, its just that my opinion of her remains the exact same now as it did when she was alive.Krusty40

We don't know what he was, until we lost it. sam280992

probably the best way to say it.

It's just thatfans don't go around saying- Mike is great, he's a star, woopady doo- i luv u.. We got haters for that..

But it would be illogical for fans not to say something after somethi as shocking as this!

[QUOTE="Krusty40"]Thats not always the case. Jade Goody is dead and i still cant think of many good things to say about her, if any. Its not that im gloating or disrespecting the dead, its just that my opinion of her remains the exact same now as it did when she was alive.marluxia101

Yes she really was, But the reason we respect people when they are dead is just decency, they have just lost there life and we see them in a different light and respect that.

You guys should read my edit in my first post. Some of you are misunderstanding me. :)

I still see him the same way as when he was alive. The guy probably commited suicide with all the debts he has to pay :/

i don't, i don't think anybody should. i remember going to my dads funeral and everybody but me got up to say something about him. i couldn't find anything nice (he was a real piece of work) in fact, i remember laughing halfway through thinking "they're really doing his memory a disservice" voltaire said it best....

"to the living we owe respect, but to the dead we owe only the truth"

Have you ever considered there are michael jackson fans shocked and saddened by the news he DIED? How are they supposed to react?_Verm

[QUOTE="Krusty40"]Thats not always the case. Jade Goody is dead and i still cant think of many good things to say about her, if any. Its not that im gloating or disrespecting the dead, its just that my opinion of her remains the exact same now as it did when she was alive.marluxia101

i never understood all the hype was she really that much of an ass...i dont watch big brother

.

My guess is, when you loose something you realize how much you appreciated it, or how it should have had more of your appreciation. Ever had a time when you we're a kid and you lost a certain toy? It might not have been your favorite toy, but you've lost it and you'll never be able to play with it again.

If there was something good that the person did, we emphasize that over the weirdness (in Jackson's case) out of respect for the dead, and his achievements.

When someone like Charles Manson dies, we all accept that he really had no redeeming values, and that'll be that.

We didn't know what he was, until we lost him. I think thats how the saying goes anyway, I've always respected MJ. So I ain't on that list.

sam280992

Before I die I'm gonna make a video tape of me doing terrible things, so people remember that i wasn't amazing. I hate it when people do that, its annoying.

It's just taboo in our society to speak ill of the dead, right after they die anyways. The media will just air whatever they think will be more interesting to viewers, which since there's no real news about all the kiddie stuff, the easiest thing to do is "celebrate" his life. Personally, my opinion hasn't changed about him.

Believe it or not, Death brings people closer together. I always respected Michael because he is a powerful influence to the things I want done.