Is this the New American Form of Imperialism?

This week an icon passed and we were reminded of the vast influence American pop culture has throughout the far corners of the planet.

Within hours of collapsing that afternoon, news of Michael Jackson's rush to the UCLA Medical Center on Thursday, June 25, 2009 was broadcasted around the world via every communication tool available. Aside from the "normal" media frenzy, individuals were trying to be the first to break new developments and alas his death. By dinner time, massive crowds had gathered to begin the mourning process and tributes were immediately presented - from music channels constant music video loops, You Tube clips, Wikipedia biography updates, and personal interviews of family, friends, and fans - billions of people were sharing common experiences simultaneously.

So much so that the web actually collapsed on some servers. I read a CNN byline that said, "How many people does it take to crash the web? One man apparently....if that man is Michael Jackson." The thought that one single African-American male can create that kind of technological response is trully amazing, a testament to the prolific advances in media and world-wide fame. This may be the prime example of a new form of American imperialism.

Phillipino prisoners created a video that was posted on You Tube in which they performed dance to MJ's songs...songs that were initally played on American radio almost 30 years ago and still are today. Ask anyone born between 1968 and 1988 and I bet you they can sing at least 5 MJ songs. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone who has never heard of him.

Despite all of the drama and frenzy that surrounded one single man, his music and influence in people's lives has continued for over 40 years and will probably will for many more. Through the media, this icon became much more than a simple American export; this icon became the world's top historical pop cultural influence.