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Like many folks I’ve been ruminating about the King of Pop since he went on to glory a couple of days ago. I was saddened by his unexpected passing and conflicted at the same time. I grew up with the Jackson Five and Michael Jackson. I remember boys in my high school classes many moons ago wearing high-waters, blinged out white socks, and “the” red jacket from Beat It. My friend Kim and I actually had Michael Jackson scrap books. We signed Sincerely Mrs. Jackson on the notes we passed to each other between classes. Yes Lord, we had it bad and much to our ever-loving shame we even had Jeri-Curls and reserve bottles of activator.
MJ reigned for quite some time. Then, I couldn’t imagine a time when he wasn’t moonwalking circles around everybody else striving to be some derivation of him. His songs filled me with wistful memories and infectious grooves until the allegations, court cases, and of course that insufferable documentary by Martin Brashear. “There’s nothing wrong with sharing your bed.” Oh, God, I could hurl now just thinking about it. I admit I struggled to enjoy his music after that, and I subsequently realized that what we once had was over. I was a fan no longer even though I smiled and my heart swelled whenever one of his songs graced the radio. Still it was hard to divorce a lifetime of fanomania. As I sit now and watch video after video, I am forced to come to terms with my feelings about the man, his music, and his less than desirable choices. Can I separate the man from his actions? Can I finally dance around with reckless abandon while I listen to Smooth Criminal? I don’t know. Maybe.
In 1992 I worked on the Remember the Time Video as a production assistant on a sound stage in Burbank, California. It was an eye opening experience for many reasons but what I remember most was how sweet and diffident MJ appeared to be. He always smiled or nodded, and he covered his face when he walked to and from his trailer. I wasn’t one to be star struck but watching him rehearse on that stage took my breath away along with everyone else that was fortunate enough to witness pure magnificence spinning around in skin tight black leather pants. So my friends, we have lost a gifted, awe-inspiring, and complex man. This is the way I choose to remember him and the decision sets well with my soul. Man in the Mirror is coming on right now. I’m going to sip on my pomegranate mojito, drop it like it’s hot, and turn up the volume real loud.
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It’s funny you mention Remember the Time. I stayed up all night for the music video to premier on MTV (past 10pm is “all night” to a ten year old) when my sister finally forced me to go to bed. I was so disappointed as if I was missing a once in a lifetime opportunity. But as soon as the video came on, she woke me up and it was worth every minute. I bragged all about the video the next day at school.
He is not just being mourned by us in the States. He was really a universal artist. Even in Iran people had his T-shirts (my sister had a pink vintage one I always envied) and mouthed the words to his songs without knowing a word of English and emulated his dance moves to Persian music. He really did bridge a gap and I can honestly say I am able to overlook the accusations against him and look at everything he’s sacrificed, especially his sanity, to give us his best. I hope when I have children they will know him the way we do!
Comment by Orly — June 28, 2009
Comment by admin — June 28, 2009 @ 6:56 pm
I grew up with Michael. My brothers and I used to race to the store to buy The Jackson 5 albums, we danced around the house as we listened to his music, we watched the Jackson 5 cartoon and just couldn’t get enough of The Jackson 5. As I fast forward to Michael’s solo career, I remember what I was doing in my life with each stage of his life. I remember the music, the videos and the joy that I shared with my friends. I was very proud of MJ for his giving back campaigns and “We Are The World” is still one of my all time favorites.
When the scandal first arose, I didn’t want to believe that MJ would do anything to harm kids. It may be naive, but I still pray that he did not inappropriately touch any of the kids. I do believe that he was truly a child at heart and that he never grew up - kinda like a real life Peter Pan.
I wanted his comeback to be successful. Yes, I would have gone to his concert when it came to LA, and yes, I would have bought his new CD. The loss of MJ is a tragedy. The gifts that he has left behind are truly special! I pray for his children and his family. I also pray that his positive impact around the world is how he will be remembered. I have been a consummate MJ junkie this weekend! My heart is heavy and saddened by this loss.
Comment by Elise — June 28, 2009 @ 8:05 pm
I feel the same as what you wrote, which was beautifully written. I grew up watching him and until after he died, didn’t realize just how much of an emotional connection I had to his music…and him. His music touched people worldwide, and looking back at all of the videos and performances, I’m in awe. I can’t take myself away from the news and I’ve stocked my car up with his CDs. He was incredible and there will never be another like him in our lifetime. He was born with some amazing talents, and blessed to be able to live his dream.
Comment by Erika — June 29, 2009 @ 3:10 am
Congrats Gabrielle!!!! You like other creative spirits know that the work has an energy all its own. Thanks for sharing your gifts with the world.
Speaking of creative gifts, Michael Jackson definitely had one that was bigger than the daily events of his personal and family life. Even with spiritual leaders like Deepak Chopra as personal friends, he couldn’t escape what tormented his soul enough to enjoy the magic beyond the stage.
As someone who was born in Gary, IN and raised across the street from the Jackson house, I’m still sorting out this tragedy. I know what a little bit of time outside playing in the neighborhood could have done for the souls of all 9 children. But that was not to be. What did happen was music that even now touches us like no other. As an adult, I listen to the Jackson 5’s music and feel the magic because I understand and can relate to the lyrics. I like you Gabe will turn up the volume as I remember what he gave to the world what he couldn’t receive….LOVE! Going back to Indiana….. Now you’ll truly rest in peace Michael Jackson
Comment by Kemoh — June 29, 2009 @ 10:00 pm
How difficult it must be to wrestle with the shadows and light of Michael Jackson’s legacy. Certainly, all the fame in the world cannot erase the ill dis-ease over the multiple molestation allegations, and Mr. Jackson’s own admissions, in a TV interview, that he slept with children at his Neverland Ranch, whether the “sleeping” was innocent, pajama-party-style or otherwise. Obviously, the fantasy world this adult man invented for himself, was not in touch with the reality of boundaries necessary for the well-being of children. Perhaps the boundary-crushing experiences he had as a youth ill-informed his behavior, but I cannot help but think, we all are responsible for our own healing as adults, and Mr. Jackson appears to have not availed himself of therapy, or available help, despite having the means to do so, as the allegations stem over more than a decade. While some might contend this is of a “blame the victim” mentality, I have to wonder what the world would look like should every survivor of childhood abuse, male and female, continue the cycle as adults by abusing children. We are responsible, no matter the severity of the abuse, or its effects, to get help. Certainly, the first time Mr. Jackson was confronted by the parents of a young boy, and by members of his own Neverland staff, was not a “wake up” call heeded, nor subsequent events….Once we know better, we do better….and the first knock at the door of recognition certainly went unheeded.
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