Michael Jackson: Who's bad?

June 27, 5:50 PMLong Island Television ExaminerMarc Ciborowski

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    A/P Photo: The Jackson Five

On the day of Michael Jackson's death, I wrote an article referring to the music video legacy left behind by a man who is considered by many to be one of, if not the most, influential musical icons in history.

I conducted my research for the article online, while listening to the frenzied media storm that was being broadcast on every major cable news network. During this process, I experienced nostalgia about the public conversation and excitement that was always generated by the anticipation of a new Michael Jackson music video in my youth. It's interesting how easily the recollection of music videos and related media is such an extraordinary catalyst for setting off a chain of memories and emotions.

As I continued to review and relish information and material from Michael Jackson's career, including his amazing early performances with "The Jackson Five", I eventually arrived at the event in the time line that may have forever tainted the legacy of Michael Jackson as a performing artist. People v. Jackson, the 2005 trial of Michael Jackson based on child sexual abuse charges.

Michael Jackson was acquitted of all charges in this trial, which according to the law, made him an innocent man. If we truly have faith in this country's judicial system, then we should technically be able to enjoy his artistic contributions without harboring feelings of reservation based on his controversial past. The same human emotional receptiveness that allows us to be inspired by the man's artistry, may make us susceptible to feelings of moral obligation and hesitance when it comes to that enjoyment.

I take into consideration that Michael Jackson may have been robbed of his youth in order to facilitate his success. I can not, however, overlook the fact that Mr. Jackson's physical and psychological behavior was sometimes questionable at best, especially where it related to childhood and children.

I would like to be able to say that I am capable of separating the issues when it comes to Michael Jackson, but for me there will always be an enormous elephant that has taken up permanent residence in the room.

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