Do you remember parachute pants? How about bandannas? Growing up in the ‘80s was quite a memorable experience. I can remember taking break-dancing lessons at a local teen club in Louisville, KY. I was about 8 or 9-years-old then, and my competitive nature propelled me to be asked to become a member of the club’s break-dancing team, “The CC Breakers.” Crystal Cove was the name of the club, and I still remember many names and faces from that experience. One of the first dance-moves I learned, which was before the break-dancing lessons, was self-taught. I picked it up by observing my idol, Michael Jackson. I was an incredible moonwalker at a very early age. Mike was my hero.
My parents bought me the “Thriller” cassette, and I still remember carrying my table-top tape recorder/player around everywhere I went and playing the tape over and over and over. The lyrics of “Beat It,” “Billy Jean,” “The Girl Is Mine,” “PYT,” and especially, “Thriller,” are forever ingrained in my memory. I loved Michael Jackson.
My mother, being more aware of time and history and having the realization of documenting the present, helped me to start a Michael Jackson scrapbook. I still can recall sifting through newspapers and magazines — carefully cutting out pictures and articles about the King of Pop (MJ). My parents bought me the famous, shiny, right-handed glove (of course, it was not as cool as the real one). They bought me two special articles of “outerwear,” too — the badass Thriller jacket, and the zipper-covered Beat It jacket. I was the man… I had the training, I had the passion, but most importantly, I had the attire. “You Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”? I was the man.
Okay, Elvis was my first love… And, KISS came shortly thereafter. But, I can remember MJ being the first musical artist that hypnotized me. I cannot listen to any song on the Thriller album without being jettisoned back 27 years in history — it’s like association in its purist form.
Last night (6-25-09), I received a text message from a friend. It informed me of MJ’s untimely demise. To be honest, I first thought it was a spam-message — you know, the crappy Forwards you get from your friends and family. But, when I got home, and then today, watching the news is like watching my own funeral. I mean, my childhood idol was way too young for this to happen. Is this a joke? Is this one of those “fake your death and run to a 3rd world country for anonymity” schemes?
Michael has been chastised over and over for being a little “eccentric,” and many things (like reconstructive surgery) he brought on himself. But, he has been an easy target for many cruel jokes over time, and especially the last ten years. I read a book about him when I was a kid — one that talked about his childhood. His life, as a child, was more messed-up than his life as an adult. I admit that I don’t know the truth about Michael, and I never will. However, a part of me has always sympathized with him. How could anyone that lived his life be expected to act normal?
Well, he’s gone now. It still seems surreal, but there are a few things that will always be “real.” Michael Jackson entertained millions of people, Michael Jackson changed music videos forever, Michael Jackson was the architect of Pop Music, and most of all, Michael Jackson affected many people — even some simple folks like me.
“Eccentric”?!
Eccentric is wearing a tuxedo every day of the year. Or speaking with a faux accent. Michael jackson was not merely eccentric.
Look, I appreciate your loss and will not condemn you for overlooking someone else’s failings. But saying that Michael Jackson was chastised for being “eccentric” is like saying Charles Manson was tried for being “violent”.
In your grief, please don’t forget that a lot of people believe MJ was a child molester who bought his way out of trouble. We may never know that if that is true or not, but let’s make darned sure not to create the impression in victims of child molesting that kind of behavior is acceptable “eccentricity”.
I’m sorry T.R., I thought I made this clear, “I admit that I don’t know the truth about Michael, and I never will. However, a part of me has always sympathized with him. How could anyone that lived his life be expected to act normal?”
Now is not the time to pile on. What he did wrong in his life is between him and God, it’s not my duty to persecute — especially without evidence. This piece was more about my youth and not about MJ’s criminal record.
Thanks for posting this Ron. Oh how I remember breakdancing, and I wonder what ever became of the parachute pants I once not only owned, but wore as often as possible with great pride? In hindsight I can’t remember why, lol. And Thriller was the very first cassette I bought with my very own money, and it was so worth every penny. At first I thought it was a fake your own death thing too, till they said the LA coroner had confirmed it. It still seems surreal, for all of the wierd things he’s done or not done, one thing is undeniably certain, his music is on the soundtrack of my life.
Hey Chris, thanks for the input.
Some people are having a hard time trying to understand why people like you and me are a little bummed-out over this. I wouldn’t have thought it would be like this. I mean, I haven’t really followed MJ for many years, and the circus surrounding his life made him less than appealing to me. But, I guess that since a few years of my life revolved around “everything Michael,” it just sort of stings a little.
Weird, I know.
I have always liked the young boy Michael Jackson. Didn’t really follow his career after he went solo. Not to say that I am not touched by some of his music, but he didn’t have a prominent place among my “idols.”
However, no matter what everyone thought of him while he was alive, it’s very sad to think of someone whose talent was as great as his unhappiness and whose tragic end could have been prevented.
Trog, we are all sinners before God. He knows our hearts and is not fooled by any facade. My hope, is that somehow, Michael, like one of the thieves on the cross, put His faith in Jesus before his life here ended.
Well said Jordan. I couldn’t agree more. I know that Jesus died for Michael’s sins as much as he did mine. I’ve seen on other forums people saying that they hope MJ “rots in hell.” I question the heart of a man that hopes for another person’s eternal suffering.
Jordan, Ron, you’re missing my point. There are many people who, when they hear “Michael Jackson” think “pedophile”. And some of those folks are undoubtably victims themselves. I just caution the worship of Jackson- something that could alienate those folks. We shoudl in no way condone Jackson’s freak years. In fact, now that I think about it- the Michael Jackson you and so many loved, died years ago, replaced by a bizarre parody.
Dear world,
Pedophilia is wrong. It is disgusting and evil.
That said, if you’ve never been molested, but you are considering a way to extort a wealthy innocent man…DON’T! If you are able to convince society that an innocent man is guilty, and therefore people chastise him, threaten him, and make crude jokes about him — causing the man to live his life in overly-drugged isolation until he eventually kills himself from his drug abuse — you are just as evil as a child molester.
However, if you have been molested, don’t take money as a trade for silence. By not effectively exposing such a predator, you not only let him avoid punishment, but you also are directly endangering other kids that this man may prey on later. Actually convicting the molester would serve society much better than the big houses and fancy cars you can buy with your hush money.
Your friend and fellow believer in truth and justice,
Ron
Trog, in no way do I excuse Michael Jackson’s behavior nor was I taken in by his talent.
His actions were despicable and not to be overlooked, but taking the man apart now that he’s gone or wishing that he “rots in hell” – as some people have [elsewhere] is just as wrong.
God doesn’t rejoice when someone ends up in hell. Neither should we.
Ron’s last comments are quite sensible.
I said the same things about MJ when he was alive, Jordan. What irks me is folks conveniently overlooking his more-than-likely evilness just because he’s dead.
And yes, Ron is right on both counts- framing and settling on child abuse are evil. But the reality is people don’t think the way you do. Where Ron might stay the course and demand a trial, a victim might not want to be on the stand and have to recount abuse in front of a live audience. To them, a settlement or plea counterbalances justice quite nicely.
Trog, we are more in agreement than it appears. During the trial where MJ was charged with pedophilia I hoped he would be made accountable for his actions. However, like with most celebrities they get scot-free and go on living their lives as nothing happened. I suppose juries don’t have the “heart” or guts to hand out sentences that match the crime, particularly if they like the personality (remember OJ Simpson? He is not alone).
Having said that, I remain of the opinion that MJ is gone and has met the One True and Just Judge.
I used to believe my sins were not as bad as others.’ Used to rationalize that I never robbed a bank, killed anyone or “really, really” lied.
Society, in order to maintain order and some form of human justice, has created a hierarchy of sins, yet, in God’s eyes the person who commits murder is on par with the one who wishes it but doesn’t carry it out.
Sin is sin. No degree of it can grant us favor with God or make Him love us less if we are in Jesus.
I find it interesting how opinion gradually becomes fact. The circumstances surrounding the 1993 accusations are more than peculiar. Just because general consensus convicted MJ through opinion, doesn’t make it fact. Disliking someone and/or their behavior is not ample evidence for conviction.
Michael Jackson was a pedophile, and George W. Bush lied about WMD…in fact, now that I think about it, Dubya also stole the 2000 election.
Fact is not based on emotion.
I skipped thru all the BS , Ron…….
I know what you mean.
And add that no one even knows any truth to allegations.
It is a fact that when “financially blessed” accusations and allegations are prevalent…….personally know from past experience. In a nutshell, which becomes the lesser of two evils ? to pay-off the accuser or spend more money thru those other sharks ? (attorneys)
MJ changed music, like it or not, he shaped youth of our time, and he made a difference. I would dare say he turned out “as expected” and none of us could prob handle what he went thru from his own youth. Alot of that will get played out in the court battles that will rage and the “family” matters his legacy will undoubtedly have to endure.
I agree Ron……..I cannot take the position of judge.
Despite the fact that MJ was not convicted of the charges, he admitted to sleeping in the same bed as the boys who were guests at Neverland.
Were there not other accomodations? Certainly that was not the reason.
At least for me, it has nothing to do with whether I liked or disliked the man.
No offense Jordan, but it has everything to do with whether or not you liked MJ. Here’s why:
I slept with my dad — no one was suspicious. I slept with friends — no one cared. Even with “other accommodations,” I’ve slept in the same bed with many different people — boys, girls, men, women, et al. No one has ever accused me anything. Here’s another point, why did he do these things out in the open and not in secret?
The kicker? People thought MJ was weird, so logic would tell you that he had to have had sinister intentions, right? So, yes, your perception of MJ directly leads you to believe he was guilty.
Totally disagree, Ron.
My “perceptions” as you like to label them are a product of deductive thinking based on knowledge. It’s presumptuous for you to conclude that based on what transpired during the trial, with MJ’s own admission he slept with boys, and his whole thought pattern, documented in interviews he gave, that if I conclude something was not right with him sleeping with boys, I must not have liked the guy.
Your experience of sleeping with your dad or friends is not the same and it’s besides the point. Otherwise, we can now proclaim that every man who sleeps with boys does so innocently.
BTW, in case you missed it, I have nothing against MJ, so I don’t understand your combative attitude.
Addendum ~
It’s ironic that while you categorize people who have a different opinion of MJ than yours as jumping to conclusions, you just jumped the gun about me.
You don’t have a clue what I thought or think of MJ, but because I lean on the side that his behavior/words (not his looks, not what others say or think of him) gave ample reason to question his actions you pigenoholed me as acting on emotions and not facts.
Could it be that it’s you who overreacted with emotion, forgetting all about logic?
Jordan, let us converse for a moment, shall we?
Firstly:
J: “Could it be that it’s you who overreacted with emotion, forgetting all about logic?”
R: No.
Secondly:
J: “It’s ironic that while you categorize people who have a different opinion of MJ than yours as jumping to conclusions, you just jumped the gun about me.”
R: You are absolutely correct. My opinion of MJ is the only correct one, minus a few select entities (including God). I stated, “I admit that I don’t know the truth about Michael, and I never will.” If you garner a different opinion, you are either ethereal or lying.
Thirdly:
J: “My ‘perceptions’ as you like to label them are a product of deductive thinking based on knowledge.”
R: Your past experience is not knowledge, but is based solely on probability and not absolutes. Having no “real” knowledge of the facts in this matter, you could never accurately deduce anything about Micheal’s innocence or guilt.
Got more?
Hey look, there’s something. It could be a plant or an animal.
Hey look, it is round. It could be a plant or an animal.
Hey look, it has limbs. It could be a plant or an animal.
Hey look, it has eyes. Could it be a plant or an animal?
Hey look, it eats. Could it be a plant or an animal?
Hey look, it moves. Could it be a plant or an animal?
Hey look, it is a turtle. Could it be a plant or an animal?
MJ- how many factors indicate innocent, how many freak?
We shall. Let’s recap.
J: “Could it be that it’s you who overreacted with emotion, forgetting all about logic?”
R: No.
I maintain you employed feelings over logic.
J: “It’s ironic that while you categorize people who have a different opinion of MJ than yours as jumping to conclusions, you just jumped the gun about me.”
R: You are absolutely correct. My opinion of MJ is the only correct one, minus a few select entities (including God). I stated, “I admit that I don’t know the truth about Michael, and I never will.” If you garner a different opinion, you are either ethereal or lying.
Non-sequitur.
The essence of my statement was that while you clamored other people judged MJ unfairly due to their biases, you turned around and attributed those same prejudices to me, without any ground.
In your own words: “People thought MJ was weird, so logic would tell you that he had to have had sinister intentions, right? So, yes, your perception of MJ directly leads you to believe he was guilty.”
An egregious inference between what others think of MJ and me. Faulty reasoning, at best.
A friend of mine likes to say, “Don’t assume, ask.”
J: “My ‘perceptions’ as you like to label them are a product of deductive thinking based on knowledge.”
R: Your past experience is not knowledge, but is based solely on probability and not absolutes. Having no “real” knowledge of the facts in this matter, you could never accurately deduce anything about Micheal’s innocence or guilt.
Time and again, Ron, you predicate opinions about me without foundation. Where did I mention my “past experience”? I formed my opinion of MJ after having gathered the facts, plus using logic, plus common sense.
People (the smart ones) do that all day long (processing information) with the best data they have available. Naturally, imperfect beings in an imperfect world are apt to err, now and then, but listening to you and Dave , no one should be able to judge anything or anyone, because only God knows EVERYTHING.. No one, except you and Dave. Because, despite the posturing both you and Dave have through your comments prejudged the “dissenters.”
All the intellect and “smarts” and “knowledge” and “wisdom” and……..you get the point… will not save those guilty of improper persecution.
MJ could be guilty, but there’s no PROOF to say he was, the same as no PROOF to say he wasn’t. Opinions proclaim truth based upon what it “looks” like in the public realm, further biased by what opinions one desires to adhere to. Unless you, Jordan, were there to witness anything immoral, you have no say anymore than us, nor any “facts” you speak of to stand upon.
They crucified Jesus regardless of the real “facts”…….so what “facts” do you speak of ? The ones issued to the public for His demise or the ones that really existed ?
I am not trying to pick a fight, just help you see our side/opinion.
MJ was not a “normal” person. But “normal” is defined by personal prejudice. Being not “normal” does not qualify one for automatic expulsion. But, they persecuted Jesus, Joan of Arc, William Wallace, and the many peoples released from prison wrongly accused by some “legal” stretch due to DNA evidence. It is quite easy to invalidate a witness’ sworn statement by digging up dirt on them. Creating a bad character trait creates a monster out of a “different” person. I don’t know if MJ was a monster or a “different” person, but I’ll not accuse him of being a monster. I’ll give him credit for wanting the children to be loved. I love my dog and sleep with him but …….oh, yeah, my wife is right there also. MJ did something that is not “socially-acceptable” because yes, there are creeps out there.
So, who is normal ?
Jesus or those who crucified Him ? JdeA or the HRCE who burnt her at the stake ? The defendant or the lawyer who is “wiser” and more cunning and sly to bring about a victory in judgement? Some of these , we know, have been released due to real “evidence/proof” in today’s technology providing a reversal of verdict.
AHHHHHMMMMENNNNN-AYYYYYYY! (Mell Brooks from Robin Hood: Men in Tights)
Dang, Dave, so many things to argue about- hope I can do them all…
Okay, first normal isn’t what you or I say, it’s what society deems; average or standard.
Secondly, no one is talking about convicting and imprisoning MJ; that would require absolute proof, beyond a reasonable doubt. What I am saying is that we, society, should not gamble when it comes to things like possible child molesters. They should be shunned, not deified, as an example to others who would do the same. Maybe society would be wrong, but better to shun and mock an innocent person than let one child be molested. Worshipping Michael puts a stamp of approval on his behavior that some nutjob at home might use to justify their actions.
Jesus? Oh, boy, here we go… Jesus got crucified because he “broke” the Jewish laws, offending the priests of the time. They didn’t believe it was His place to make new laws. so they whipped the crowds up into a frenzy, saying he was blasphemous.
Again, I’m going to reiterate, MJ was a music icon, who turned evil. Sad but true. Worshipping him, and overlooking behavior he had no intention of changing, is plain wrong.
I have to amend my last comment. It was Dick Van Patten, not Mel Brooks, that chanted in pig-latin. It just hit me a few minutes ago.
Sorry Dick, I didn’t mean to credit Mel…but, Mel probably wrote it…anyway, it’s your voice in my head, Dick. Thanks.
Trog, no offense, but your answer to the problem (shun even innocence) smells of paranoia or at the least reflects why many people have serious issues with ever attending church again.
Your words : Maybe society would be wrong, but better to shun and mock an innocent person than let one child be molested.
Shun and mock, with no proof or validation to rightly do so. By your evaluations, I may use the same approach and “shun and mock” you and your church (if so) to protect my children from such behavior rubbing off on them. Get the point ?
You don’t know if MJ was “evil”…….but it’s easy to label what is not “normal” to your beliefs. That’s society, yes, but not me nor the God I believe in. The difference lies in the fact that I never idolized MJ, but yes, he changed music. Some good; some bad. What’s more wrong is our society which promotes such attitudes; same as the attitude of playing God like it’s a deck of cards to draw upon.
We should shun every other person we know, live in a damn cave……they may eventually become a child molester, of course unless they are just like me ?
Oh, yes, lastly and most importantly : you must !!! shun me, because I am not like society, therefore I cannot be “normal” !
Jesus was crucified regardless of the “facts”….debate it all your life and you will still be wrong. If they knew the facts, they’d never have sent Him there, but you sound like a good candidate for the mob crowd.
If you’ve never watched SlingBlade….PLEASE !!! go rent the movie. Then ask yourself if you would trust your child with that very un-”normal” person ? Or do you feel safer with the church peoples that end up being molesters, because they seem to be “normal” ?
Dave,
I saw Slingblade, years ago. Didn’t he actually kill someone? After being pushed to do it? That still makes him a murderer, so no, I wouldn’t trust my kids with him.
You’re right that taking anything to the extreme is wrong- like my idea to shun the different. But I don’t want to shun the different- I want people to not make excuses for behavior that alarms them. If the guy next door to you did all the weird shit Michael Jackson did, you’d have nothing to do with him. But because Michael Jackson was a “star” and so talented, people make excuses for him, and ignore his alarming behavior. That’s stupid.
as for Jesus… uh, what? Yes, he was crucified. Yes, the crowds ignored the truth. What is your point?
And no, I would never willingly be in any mob. I’m NOT one of the sheeple, too lazy to think for myself.
You are all wrong. An innocent man was given a bad name and humiliated to death.
Welcome to the future, time traveller! Were you more relieved that Apes didn’t rule the world, or more aghast at this old article?