Predicto

The late singer, songwriter and pop culture icon Michael Jackson is once again taking control of the headlines. The difference this time is that it’s less about what he did and more about what his fans want.

A petition has gone around campaigning to bequeath the late pop singer the Nobel Peace Prize. This is in recognition of the millions of people he has given aid to through his humanitarian efforts throughout Africa, Asia and elsewhere in the world.

It is difficult to imagine people not ever having heard of the Nobel Peace Prize. Named after industrialist Alfred Nobel, the award is for individuals and organizations whose efforts have been marked by their pursuit of peace, order and harmony among humankind in the world. Distinguished awardees include former South African president Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the 14th Dalai Lama, Mother Theresa and institutions like UNICEF, Amnesty International, the League of Red Cross Societies and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Michael Jackson’s efforts have been centered on helping children and the youth. He is known as an ardent supporter of the United Negro College Fund, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Starlight Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation, and his own Heal the World Foundation.

This proposal to nominate him has not been without resistance from other concerned citizens. Michael Jackson’s colorful life has been marked by highly sensationalized stories. The two high-profile court cases filed against him for his alleged acts of child molestation stand out in particular.

The question then remains: Will Michael Jackson receive a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in February 2010 or not? Will Jackson’s personal life, full of controversy, keep him from the nomination? Is the public clamor for his receiving the award enough to take him forward?

As of August 2009, the current results via Predicto state that some 62% of all respondents have predicted Michael Jackson will be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize come February. A variety of responses have been collected by the Predicto community.

“Userlobb2540” commented “Michael is such an inspiration and … he sure does deserve it.”

“Userjryp8680” said that Jackson “impacted so many lives it’s one of the only honest thing to do to remember his name.”

“GreatGazoo” rejected the idea, asking “What would possibly be the point of Jackson being honored? Has he contributed to the peace process anywhere?”

What do you think? Is Michael Jackson worthy of being in the pantheon of Nobel Laureates? Take part in the discussion! Join Predicto and make your own opinion heard worldwide!