Michael

Michael Jackson was a brilliant singer, song-writer and dancer. He was a leading entertainer and musician for more than three decades. The world was his stage. So it is only proper that we celebrate his exceptional musical accomplishments. But let us not celebrate this life.

There are so many questions about Michael's life. There was his childhood in Gary, Indiana, apparently filled with abuse. This we should not celebrate. There were many accusations of pedophilia, including some very explicit news accounts, and reports of substantial out of court settlements. This we should not celebrate. There was a lengthy addiction to drugs, including Valium and Ativan, to help him cope with chronic pain, and Xanax for panic attacks. This we should not celebrate. There was his whitened skin and his clef chin. This we should not celebrate. There was a child who became a man only to do everything possible to remain a child. This we should not celebrate. There were his children who were frequently shrouded in veils and always denied a normal life. This we should not celebrate.

Yes, there were many generous acts. Jackson supported about forty charities. He did do many good things. But these cannot answer the questions. There was the unprecedented We are the World campaign. But this cannot answer the questions. Yes there were many shrewd business decisions. Yet there were so many terrible personal decisions.

Yes there was Thriller, Off the Wall, Bad, Dangerous and History. Yes there was Beat It, Billie Jean and Black and White. Yes there was the Jackson Five as well as an extraordinary solo career. Yes there was the moonwalk, the hat and the glove. Yes there were the break through music videos and magical dance routines. Michael Jackson was a historical talent, a one of a kind person. But this does not answer the questions.

Michael's music is an exceptional legacy. As an entertainer, he was the best. As a role model for our children, Michael was among the worst. Michael's music moved us, inspired us, lifted us from our sorrows and troubles. Yet so much in Michael's life disappointed us.

As millions around the world watch the endless television coverage of Michael's memorial, let us keep this brilliant life in proper perspective. Let us celebrate the King of Pop. Let us celebrate his music.

Follow Joe Peyronnin on Twitter: www.twitter.com/joepeyronnin

Comments

[marysandra]

Michael's first accuser has stated that he was put up to the whole thing by his stepfather. The second accuser's family has been widely discredited.. The jury found him innocent...There is evidence from Lisa Marie that their's was a loving marriage..
Brilliance and genius are often misunderstood and resented by those who have neither.
RIP MJ.

[HoldthatTiger]

Jordie Chandler has NOT recanted regarding the Jackson allegations, as for the second case, being found "not guilty" only means that the evidence didn't convince a jury, it does not mean that improper conduct hadn't taken place. By MJ's own admission he was a middle aged man who shared a bed with pubescent boys...inappropriate behavior by any standard I'd say.

Michael Jackson was a musical genius but a flawed human being, to overlook his flaws is to white-wash some unfortunate truths.

[702diva]

What is being WHITE-WASHED is the nature of the allegations against Michael Jackson along with the credibility AND character of Michael Jackson's accusers.

There have been numerous rumors that Jordan Chandler recanted his allegations against Michael Jackson, but, because the media in this country is preoccupied with scandal and consumed with bias, no definitive report has been put forth on the Chandlers or the legitimacy of their allegations.

Here's what I found:
The purported settlement that Michael Jackson's INSURANCE company paid the Chandlers was $15,331,250 (that's 15.3 MILLION). Of that, the liar father (Evan Chandler) got 1.5 MILLION, the gold-digging liar mother (Ruth Chandler) got 1.5 MILLION and the blood-sucking lawyer got 5 MILLION. The supposed victim, Jordan Chandler may have ended up with 8 MILLION from Michael Jackson's INSURANCE COMPANY.

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/graphics/art3/0616041jacko6.gif

The 'Confidential' Settlement that was leaked to Michael Jackson stalker, Diane Dimond (who has also made a living off of MJ through her unfounded scandal-mongering of this celebrity via the show Hard Copy, books she's written & TV appearances) is very demonstrative if you are interested in learning the 'Art of a Shakedown'.

A lot of people act as if they are personally invested in continuing the defamation against this good man's image, celebrity and person. Thus, the only "White-Wash" is coming from people who hurl the same old, tired, stale media-driven lies.

[StillAmused]

Jordie?

Close buddy, are ya'?

Ooops...

http://sjsandteam.wordpress.com/2009/06/28/jordan-chandler-admits-he-lied-about-michael-jackson/

http://www.usnewslink.com/framedjackson.htm

[deluk]

The We Are The World campaign wasn't "unprecedented" it was a copy of the British Live Aid campaign initiated by Bob Geldorf and Midge Ure. There has been too much hyperbole concerning Jacksons career acheivements.

[Adebukola]

You are wrong. All you needed to see were the tears Paris Jackson shed at the end. Those were tears of love, real love, unconditional love, AGAPE love. They transcended all of the terrible things people are saying about Michael during a time when we should highlight his legacy. His songs were an inspiration for many people all over the world. How is castigating Michael making this world a better place?

[sherbug]

I wonder who died and appointed you guardian of good taste when it comes to Michael Jackson. You have found so many things not to celebrate about him, I wonder why you bothered to say anything kind.

His childhood in Gary Indiana and whatever abuse he suffered should not be something to be celebrated or criticized. The accusations of pedophillia were just that accusations , but obviously you believe him guilty, just not convicted.

His addition to pain killers was dealt with by going into rehab and it should be celebrated that he was able to kick an addition. His whitened skin and clef chin and the veiling of his children was a personal choice that should not have affected you one way or another. But Michael did act like you (thank God) so you found him inappropriate as a role model for all children.

Your post is self-serving and hateful.

[Roseberry]

I agree with you completely, as regards to his lack of proper choices in his life. Only God knows why he did what he did, and what damage was exactly inflicted on him as a child....we are not to be the judges. But we are also not to turn him into some kind of god, either.

What he did well was create an entire package. Dance, sight, and image were all fantastically impressive, and perfect for the times, when music became visual on MTV. And when he was a little kid with the Jackson 5 he was a real pleasure to watch.

The images he created once he grew up were more important than the tunes he sang, which if taken alone, I just don't think were all that great. "Billie Jean" will always be a ripoff of Van Morrison's "Moondance" to me..."Bad" to me is just a silly funk thing..etc. I don't begrudge people's appreciation for the songs, I just think they should admit he was a magician when it came to presenting a particular image. But not a great musician.

[chitown]

Great talents do not struggle and persevere so they can become role models for your children. That's your job. You don't have to pretend to admire Michael Jackson. But people used to have the common decency to not trash the deceased before they're even in the ground.

[blaqntelligence]

"Great talents do not struggle and persevere so they can become role models for your children. That's your job. You don't have to pretend to admire Michael Jackson. But people used to have the common decency to not trash the deceased before they're even in the ground."

Perfect......and high five!!!!