Michael Jackson "This is It" promo art. (digital detail)
Following the 1993 allegations of child molestation against Michael Jackson many radio stations stopped playing his music, contributing in a major way to what has been described somewhat obliquely as his “decline in popularity.” Even though he was never convicted of any supposed crime and charges against him dropped without a trial, various media outlets in his homeland clearly decided he was guilty and punished him with silence.
A number of famous individuals who had been great friends behaved as though he had become too much of a PR liability and also quietly distanced themselves from him. In the collective mind of one part of the world, he may have become the equivalent of a Biblical leper but in other corners of the global village his voice grew increasingly stronger as he continued to perform and “give back” as much as he could, possibly even managing to give much more than he had ever actually received.
A Different Behavioral Theory
In his brilliant article, “Back in the Day,” featured in the current issue of GQ Magazine, writer John Jeremiah Sullivan examines Jackson’s growth as an artist and at one point ponders the challenge of writing about a superstar who was both revered for his genius and tainted by charges of molestation. Many people meditating upon the allegations––in conjunction with Jackson’s public statement that he believed it was acceptable to share his bed with children––have struggled to make sense of them because they find it difficult to believe they could love someone as much as the world loves Michael Jackson if the charges were true. Some have surmised there was a part of Jackson which itself was only a child and therefore––as a child––saw nothing inappropriate about sharing bed space with other children. Sullivan describes this perceived aspect of his personality as a “frozen adolescent.” That particular theory of course opens the door to all manner of speculations regarding the precariousness of mental wellness for thousands living in the high-pressure zone of life as a celebrity.
But another theory surfaced after famed mentalist Uri Geller stated he had once hypnotized Jackson and, while the singer was “under,” asked if he was guilty of any of the charges against him. The answer was an emphatic "No" that provided Geller with personal closure on the issue. So the question remained, what then might have been Jackson’s reason for the sleepovers at his Neverland ranch?
And the answer could be this: his fantasy was not a sexual one at all but a fantasy of being the perfect father. To seek refuge from fear or loneliness within a parent’s bed is a common family scenario. Jackson welcomed children in order to practice parenting them with degrees of compassion, empathy, and love that he felt he had never received but which were essential to the greater development of one’s human spiritual potential. Consider that possibility and it becomes no small wonder that his daughter Paris took the emotional risk of speaking before millions to declare, “Daddy has been the best father that you could ever imagine.”
The Blessing of Options
One of the greatest legacies, other than monetary wealth, that Jackson will leave to all the members of his extended family is that of choice. They will not have to work in the same driven manner as he did for survival, acceptance, material comfort, racial equality, or individual integrity because his labors have already paved the way. They have been blessed with resources and opportunities to carry his creative visions and the prosperity they generated, as well as their own, much further.
Michael Jackson during release of Thriller album. (press release photo)
As of this writing, word comes that the entertainer and philanthropist will be buried––just over two entire months following his passing June 25, 2009––several fluctuating days after the anniversary of his fifty-first birthday. Many macabre reports will be drawn from that particularly unsettling fact as well but some will find it poetically and spiritually fitting, reading the occasion of this final ceremony more as a re-birthday than as an overdue burial. However the world community chooses to interpret it, where Michael Jackson himself is concerned, if the purpose of a legacy is to help make the world a richer, more fulfilling, and more humane place than it was during one’s lifetime, he can rest in peace knowing he did exactly that.
To read Part One of Michael Jackson: Legacies of a Globetrotting Moonwalking Philanthropist Please Click Here
by Aberjhani, the African American Art Examiner and author/co-author of eight books including The American Poet Who Went Home Again and ELEMENTAL, The Power of Illuminated Love.
To Walk a Lifetime in Michael Jackson's Moccasins
Notes for an Elegy in the Key of Michael 1
Michael Jackson Bille Jean Video
ABC YouTube Video on Conrad Murray and Homicide Charge
Eternal Moonwalk Tribute Site
Billie Tweets MJ Twitter Tribute
Official Michael Jackson Opus
Philanthrophy and Michael Jackson
Remembering Michael Jackson
Notes for an Elegy in the Key of Michael 2
The Untold Story of Neverland
Comments
I know there are those who will find some of the statements in this story controversial but I assure you that controversy is not my aim since there is more than enough of that going around where Michael Jackson's story is concerned. My goal is simply to respectfully discuss aspects of his life and legacy I feel have been overlooked and deserve more attention. Like any journalist/author I do my best to call it as I see it as objectively as I can. Also like any journalist/author, I sometimes just miss being completely unbiased :-)
Aberjhani
It was a pleasure to read this article.
God bless the writer.
Thank you XOXO. I'm glad you enjoyed the read. And may God bless you also.
Aberjhani
Michael shared one bedroom with 6 brothers until he was 11. Sharing a bed with a male relative was security and comfort and normal to him. I think the way he talked about it in the interview was a bit like Janet's wardrobe malfunction. I think this ultimately lead to his death. I am devastated at the last 15 years of his life. He was such a loving soul. How could the world be so cruel to him? I abhor all his friends who basked in his glow and then turned their backs on him. And now he cannot redeem himself which I am sure he desperately wanted to do.
I love Michael Jackson and wish more people would acknowledge his philanthropic contributions. I have never seen a public person so mistreated and persecuted. I know his heart was pure. He desperately wanted a loving father so I know he wanted to be one, too. He wanted to be a loving father to all the children of the world until they crucified him for it.
Anne--You make a strong point about the half dozen brothers sharing a single bedroom for so long, something not at all uncommon among large families that happen not to be wealthy or even middle class. It is one authentic example of how a person can grow up with experiences that are innocent and genuine yet ultimately place them at odds with public mis-perceptions of who and what they really are. And you're right, he was less articulate when speaking in interviews than he was when performing on stage.
Cathy--Action Jackson site recently posted an extensive listing of Michael's philanthropy activities so I suspect more people are going to start taking greater note of that particular facet of his life. And yes, the public persecution he endured was pretty amazing and downright scary too.
Thank you both for your comments.
Aberjhani
This was beautifully written. Filled with genuine insight and rendered with a poetic touch. Thank you so much.
Wonderful wonderful. Thank you so much for that. You could teach the other "journalists" out there a lesson. A thoughtful and selfless piece.
I appreciate you reading and commenting Sarah and Beaker. This article started out as a simple short blog but the more I heard and saw on TV the more I felt compelled to do a bit more. I even thought the 'bit more' was going to be my birthday poem tribute to MJ--titled Notes for an Elegy in the Key of Michael--but it turned out to be this story as well.
Aberjhani
Thank you for this unusually balanced and elegant article, that tells essential things without shouting and without thrashing anyone. Really refreshing. No wonder that you appreciate the excellent GQ cover story.
About the first part of your article - I am from Bucharest and can tell you that his Romanian fans remember fondly his first visit, in 1992 (the Dangerous Tour), when he donated $10,000 for an orphanage park. I'm proud that he chose the Bucharest show for his live DVD. And then he came back in 1996. He was ours too.
That's a great first-hand account Monica. So glad to see the rest of the world sharing its positive encounters with this exceptional soul.
There are definitely points where I disagree with John Sullivan in his article but I respect his courage to write as honestly as he did and also appreciate the overall depth and scope of the piece.
Aberjhani
Have you ever watched The Untold Story of Neverland" on youtube? It is a documentary that shows Michael Jacksons innocence and how he was a victim of the police coaching an accuser and an extortion attempt. I think the media should show this documentary for 24 hours straight on his birthday since the media convinced the public he was guilty of a crime and destroyed his reputation.
It's a strange thing Cathy how such a huge development as Larry Nimmer's documentary got buried beneath the huge avalanche of mainstream coverage in regard to Michael Jackson. I was completely unaware of either it or the very strong reaction that so many people are having to the documentary so thank you for bringing it to my attention. I'll add a link to the more information section as soon as possible.
Aberjhani
Sono una Fan Italiana di Michael.Ho seguito tutto il suo percorso artistico.Lo Adoravo!!! E' stato davvero il Re del Pop.Emozionava tantissimo quando era sul palco,quando ballava così meravigliosamente bene,cantava e trasmetteva calore,amore.Lo sentivo così umano,dolce.Non ho mi creduto neanche per un solo attimo a quella orribile "calunnia" che il padre di Jordan Chandler gli fece.Mi domando perchè solo poche testate giornalistiche hanno riportato l'intervista fatta a Jordan in cui ha rivelato che Michael è Innocente! Che si era inventato tutto spinto dal padre Evan! Vergogna! Perchè nessuno ne parla? Perchè non ridare a Michael la dignità che merita? I Media continuano a scrivere notizie Trash anche adesso che il mio amatissimo Michael non c'è più.Continuano questa vergognosa farsa.Perchè non lo lasciano in pace? Ho scritto un articolo in un sito web che è anche un giornale settimanale in cui parlo dell'innocenza di Michael e di come è stato accusato ingiustamente.Continua...
Dato che non si possono lasciare link fate una semplice ricerca:Jordan Chandler.E scoprirete che ha mentito,che ha rovinato Michael spinto dal padre Evan,per una questione di soldi.Michael è stato ricattato.
Perchè tutto è passato così silenziosamente? Perchè nessun giornale scrive la verità su Michael? Io come sua Fan desidero che la verità venga fuori.Vergogna! Spero che Jordan Chandler e suo padre siano puniti in un modo o nell altro.Hanno distrutto Michael nella sua anima e nel suo cuore.Michael era troppo buono per questo mondo così duro.Gli amici di Michael? Altra gente vergognosa e falsa.Nel momento del bisogno lo hanno abbandonato,dov'è Diana Ross? Dov'è Quincy Jones? dov'è Tatum O'Neal? Dov'è Madonna? Solo bravi a dire parole di circostanza.Vergogna!!!God Bless Michael love love love love.
Catherines
Fan-Italy
Grazie Catherine per dirci circa le vostri interviste ed articoli per quanto riguarda Michael Jackson. Realmente non conosco l'italiano ma tenterò questa traduzione per rispondere alle vostre dichiarazioni. I giornalisti differenti stanno cominciando scrivere i rapporti più equilibrati circa gli eventi di vita del Michael Jackson. Aiuta mólto quando la gente come voi ed altre intorno al mondo confermano l'impatto positivo che ha avuto sulle vostre vite.
Grazie ancora,
Aberjhani
Thank you Catherine for telling us about your interviews and articles regarding Michael Jackson. I do not really know Italian but will attempt the translation below to respond to your statements. Different journalists are starting to write more balanced reports about the events of Michael Jackson’s life. It helps a lot when people like you and others around the world confirm the positive impact he had on your lives.
Thank you again,
Aberjhani
Grazie a te Aberjhani,per la sensibilità con cui tratti questo tema.Adoravo Michael,ed ho pianto per la sua morte,non mi aspettavo tutto questo.Michael era amatissimo in tutto il mondo,perchè ha portato gioia nella musica,novità,bellezza.Quando ballava il MoonWalker mi faceva impazzire:)))troppo Grande la sua Arte.Ho seguito sempre la sua vita,le sue interviste,i suoi video ed ho imparato a conoscerlo.Secondo me si è fidato troppo degli altri,e stato troppo generoso e molti ne hanno approfittato.Qui in Italia ha tantissimi Fans che gli hanno dedicato siti web e blog era ed è amatissimo.Impossibile non amare Michael per tutta la bellezza Artistica che ci ha regalato,che ha regalato al mondo,per questo merita rispetto.A tutti i Fans chiedo di mandare di mandare un email a tutte le testate giornalistiche del mondo per far conoscere cosa ha rilasciato in quell intervista Jordan Chandler.Tutti devono sapere che Michael non ha fatto del male a nessuno,Michael amava i bambini amava la gente..
Michael amava i suoi Fans.Non sopportava i giornalisti perchè scrivevano bugie ed aveva ragione.Scusa se scrivo in Italiano,la prossima volta lo farò nella tua lingua:Inglese.E se farò errori pazienza.l'importante e capire.Non ci sarà mi più un altro Michael perchè lui era unico.Resterà nel mio cuore come il solo artista che amavo fin da piccola.Era un mio contemporaneo.Grazie ancora a te.Seguirò sempre questo sito.Seguo tutto quello che riguarda Michael.
Ciao e Buona Giornata:))
Siete Catherine molto benvenuta.
Apprezzo la vostra passione per Michael la visione creativa ed umanitaria di Jackson. Inoltre ritengo molto fortunato per potere scrivere circa lui. Anche se ancora stiamo imparando alcune cose preoccupanti circa la sua morte, è meraviglioso che oggi almeno la gente sta celebrando la sua nascita e la sua vita. In onore di quella celebrazione, ho inviato una lista permanente delle mie scritture circa lui, chiamata “celebrare Michael Jackson„ nella colonna alla destra.
Grazie per lettura, scrittura, ripartentesi e celebrante.
Aberjhani
You are very welcome Catherine.
I appreciate your passion for Michael Jackson’s creative and humanitarian vision. I also feel very fortunate to be able to write about him. Even though we are still learning some disturbing things about his death, it is wonderful that today at least people are celebrating his birth and his life. In honor of that celebration, I have posted a permanent list of my writings about him, called “Celebrating Michael Jackson” in the column to the right. Thank you for reading, sharing, and celebrating.
Aberjhani
Excellent work, Aberjhani. Just very well written--it's great to see someone approaching an MJ article that others are not doing.
Definitely contact me via e-mail if you'd like to cross-promote each others websites--I like your work.
Thanks,
Michael Langston Moore
(African American Entertainment Examiner)
I'm glad you enjoyed it Michael just as I enjoyed your post on Michael Jackson birthday happenings. I'm all for cross-promoting but tend to get so caught up in the creative moment that I don't really do it very well in a systematic manner; it kind of happens automatically. But hopefully I will get better at it :)
Aberjhani
Me again. I've read everything you've written about MJ on this site, including your gorgeous poem. The GQ article -- after a terrific first part about Michael's artistic process -- then veered into the inevitable unsupported tabloid speculations. I'm saddened to think we will never get certain answers about how he made his art because we didn't ask, and now we never can. I think possibly having children around was Michael's way of trying to access his muse. It seems that many people think of him as all "one thing," ignoring the beautiful, complicated human being and artist he was. You have an extraordinary poetic gift. I'd love to see it applied in an even wider sense to this artist. I hope you'll consider writing more about Michael, perhaps even a book for those of us who loved his creativity.
Non c´è più niente da fare
è stato bello sognare
un grande amore sincero
ed un felice futuro
da vivere insieme per
sempre con te.
La vita ci ha regalato
qualcosa da ricordare
il nostro amore sincero
ed un felice futuro
qualcosa che il tempo
non cambierà mai.
E domani forse troverai
quello che vuoi
e domani forse ciò che
voglio troverai
ma so già
che tra noi
niente mai cambierà
basta solo che ti ricordi che anche se...
Non c´è più niente da fare
è stato bello sognare
la vita ci ha regalato
dei lunghi giorni felici
qualcosa
che il tempo
non cambierà mai.
E domani forse troverai
quello che vuoi
e domani forse ciò che
voglio troverò
ma so già
che tra noi
niente mai cambierà
basta solo che
ti ricordi che anche se...
Non c´è più niente da fare
è stato bello sognare
la vita ci ha regalato
dei lunghi giorni felici
qualcosa
che il tempo
non cambierà mai
La vita ci ha regalato
qualcosa che il tempo
non cambierà mai
E' una canzone di un cantante Italiano che interpretava anni fa.Sono parole Bellissime."E' stato bello sognare" dice ad un certo punto.E sognerò ancora con la musica di Michael.
Ciao:))
Dedicato un Michael--
Grazie per la compartecipazione della questa canzone di bellezza eterna, di amicizia dedicata e di una memoria che continua a durare e spiegare come un sogno vivente. Forse l'un giorno se sono fortunato io otterrà di sentire il cantante che la ha registrata.
Aberjhani
IN ENGLISH:
Thank you for sharing this song of eternal beauty, dedicated friendship, and a memory that continues to last and unfold like a living dream. Maybe one day if I am lucky I will get to hear the singer who recorded it.
Aberjhani
Welcome back Beaver—
Thank you for checking out my pieces on MJ. I would have considered it too negligent not to do whatever I could as a writer to honor his life & story. We can never know in total how great artists do what they do because often even they don’t fully understand it. Many will sometimes describe a synthesis between conscious creative intent and intuitive/spiritual instinct. I suspect that being with children was indeed one way that Jackson cultivated his muse and developed a public personae that fascinated many while also, to an extent, shielded his true inner self.
I have not been so bold as to consider writing an entire book on Jackson but I have found myself meditating very deeply upon the different facets of the artist he was, and what I see at the center of those meditations does move me a great deal. He was not very different from the singer/prophet Ruzahn in my novel, so maybe I’ve already written a book about him but just didn’t know it :-)
Aberjhani
Thank you for this beautiful piece on Michael - the Angel of my Life. So much of what the media puts out about him seeks to define him darkly negatively, yet he was a person of light - almost the opposite - we either knew, or now learn - of how he was often portrayed (and still is) by the media/tabloids.
I'd like to see his legacy properly cleansed for he surely deserves that, as do we - The World he gave so much to, so that we can more appropriately carry on in both his light and his shadow.
Of course there will always be negative commentary but am wishing the record on who Michael Jackson really was could be more aligned with the truth than it currently is.
Your article here contributes towards that and I thank you.
Beautifully said. Thank you so much!
I appreciate your comments Robin and Barrett. Michael Jackson lived such a rare and expansive kind of life that there's really no way to even begin to understand him or his art by focusing on a single aspect of it. He left quite a bit to work with and writers, poets, and historians like myself will be balancing the books of his creative spiritual legacies for quite some time.
Aberjhani
I believe you show great insight about Michael's role with children as one of a father more than anything (and a playful, fun-loving one at that). That's exactly what he was doing and it answers everything. So far, the journalists writing about Michael Jackson have yet to get it. And, without a genuine love for him, they never will. But, they are the ones being heard the most. Sadly, their reports "cut like a knife."
Before all is said and done Sherry, I suspect many will find themselves reevaluating their assessments of Michael Jackson's life and person, and eventually find themselves viewing him in a much more humane light.
Aberjhani
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