Michael Jackson like Elvis Presley is a name known around the world. I believe everyone has at least heard of him and formed an opinion. You either love him or hate him. There doesn't seem to be much middle ground where he's concerned. Right now, you can't turn on the TV or radio, read a newspaper or magazine and not see his face or hear his music. Sadly this global pop icon died suddenly and unexpectedly last week and that's the why we're being inundated with everything Michael Jackson.
I'm an MJ fan and have been a fan my whole life. He was only 4 years older than me, after all; so, we sort of grew up together. His music always made me feel. Ben was one of those sweet songs that made you believe you had a true friend through thick and thin. It was years before I knew "Ben" was a rat. I'll Be There was another song that made you feel like you weren't alone. Songs like Beat It and Man in the Mirror helped form my social consciousness. And sometimes, his music just made me happy - Rockin' Robin, Enjoy Yourself and Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) come to mind. Yes, some of them were recorded as part of the Jackson 5 but it was Michael's voice that gave them life. His Thriller album, which I own on vinyl by the way, changed everything the minute MTV started playing those music videos. Who could forget the first time they saw the Thriller video on MTV? And what girl didn't want to be a PYT?
It hasn't always been politically correct to admit liking Michael Jackson. His troubles with the law, including accusations of being a pedophile, and a general descent into weirdness have kept many from admitting to being a fan. It's amazing to me how being an MJ fan commits one to condoning sexual abuse of a child. I've never understood the logic of that thought process but there are millions out there that make that intellectual leap of logic every day. As far as I know, Michael Jackson was never convicted in a court of law. I was not at any court proceeding nor was I privvy to any of the court documents. I cannot make an informed judgement without having the facts. Yet, people the world over have judged and condemned him in the court of public opinion daily. Some day we'll all know the truth, whatever it may be, but until then, we need to rediscover the American adage of 'innocent until proven guilty' instead of the French rule of 'guilty until proven innocent.'
Whether or not Michael is/was guilty does not change or detract from the immense talent of the man. MJ has left his mark on the world and I, for one, am glad that I got to experience that incredible talent when his star shone brightest.
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