Legacy of Michael: An 80s Retrospective

Today in 1963 Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York City. I think about that dude every. single. day. Not as a person…if you think he’s a jerkface or an asshole it doesn’t matter I don’t care. Being a nice guy or a jerk are not deal breakers; s’utterly irrelevant. But as a Gold Standard of total excellence…6 and oh in championships. Utterly imposing his will; ruthlessly making all the necessary sacrifices to be great.

That’s…that’s stunning because it’s so rare. We accept so much mediocrity from pop culture creators to politicians to you name it (it’s always weird when somebody tries to hold a famous person accountable…why? They don’t know you: really if it doesn’t come from the self it ain’t coming. That’s as futile as bullying an alcoholic for drinking.)

It is astonishing to me we lived through Michael Jordan…I’m so grateful. I got to see him live a few times; never enough. In a recent interview Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson talk about how Michael Jackson’s approach to making music shaped their desire to be perfect on the court. It’s the same principle…that rare glimpse of utter greatness. (I’m so grateful we lived through Michael Jackson too…but sadly I never saw him live. So fired!)

We make decisions everyday and they’re not always good ones. We get tired, frustrated…it’s so hard sometimes. It don’t matter if you are raising kids or finishing school or even working. The activities change but the principles remain the same. I stopped wishing it was easier a long time ago: Jordan is right I wish I was better. And that’s why you get a new day.

Bonus: the Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson discussion on Michael Jackson…

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