Monday, August 10, 2009
Michael Jackson Vindicated
Michael Jackson Vindicated
Not to say the family and I ever truly met, our paths frequently crossed in my hometown of Gary. As a teenager, I was among the throng of youth who threw pennies at the brothers’ feet as they bested all the talent in every competition. I came to say, “that’s why Michael doesn’t like spare change today.”
Yes, MJ's death constitutes a sad story. I find symbolism in everything. I've long told my students that, if Western ideology did not predominate, our worldview would differ significantly. On one hand, as relates to cosmetic surgery....everyone's doing it. Not to be totally judgmental, but it is symptomatic of "insanity by majority rule." Michael's life was one of excess and so, of course, he'd take even this to the extreme.
However, he was a complex personality. When contacted by a local paper to comment on Michael Jackson, during his trial, I reported that he believed in crossing boundaries. Therefore, theoretically, it should not have mattered if he lightened his skin....whether he's black or white. He preached tolerance and embodied it. As a border crosser, he believed that he was Peter Pan and to attribute adult sexual behavior between him and children, I believe, demeaned what he tried to project.
Ironically, about a week before his premature death, I was reading the London Observer. It published an article, "Who Stole the Soul of the Boy from Indiana?" Now, I read it as his eulogy. I was telling everyone about the thoughtful in-depth commentary...the likes of which we still have to see in a US paper. Of course, the article was in anticipation of his London comeback. What really jerked me around was how the writer compared Michael's words with Jesus': "'This is it," he said, "this is reallyit, this is the final curtain call.' With the addition of the theatrical metapor, these are the last words of Christ, who announced his expiry by gasping, 'Consummatum est'." Deep, huh? Here's the URL:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/jun/14/michael-jackson
By profession, I teach about spirituality and tolerance. Therefore, I will claim a direct line to MJ’s spirit force. I wept uncontrollably while tuned into his funeral, who knew that it would open with the gospel song, “Soon and Very Soon.” It also accompanied the body of my son, William, at his Homecoming in 2006. Two Gary boys transitioning in the spirit of celebration.
Not to say the family and I ever truly met, our paths frequently crossed in my hometown of Gary. As a teenager, I was among the throng of youth who threw pennies at the brothers’ feet as they bested all the talent in every competition. I came to say, “that’s why Michael doesn’t like spare change today.”
Yes, MJ's death constitutes a sad story. I find symbolism in everything. I've long told my students that, if Western ideology did not predominate, our worldview would differ significantly. On one hand, as relates to cosmetic surgery....everyone's doing it. Not to be totally judgmental, but it is symptomatic of "insanity by majority rule." Michael's life was one of excess and so, of course, he'd take even this to the extreme.
However, he was a complex personality. When contacted by a local paper to comment on Michael Jackson, during his trial, I reported that he believed in crossing boundaries. Therefore, theoretically, it should not have mattered if he lightened his skin....whether he's black or white. He preached tolerance and embodied it. As a border crosser, he believed that he was Peter Pan and to attribute adult sexual behavior between him and children, I believe, demeaned what he tried to project.
Ironically, about a week before his premature death, I was reading the London Observer. It published an article, "Who Stole the Soul of the Boy from Indiana?" Now, I read it as his eulogy. I was telling everyone about the thoughtful in-depth commentary...the likes of which we still have to see in a US paper. Of course, the article was in anticipation of his London comeback. What really jerked me around was how the writer compared Michael's words with Jesus': "'This is it," he said, "this is reallyit, this is the final curtain call.' With the addition of the theatrical metapor, these are the last words of Christ, who announced his expiry by gasping, 'Consummatum est'." Deep, huh? Here's the URL:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/jun/14/michael-jackson
By profession, I teach about spirituality and tolerance. Therefore, I will claim a direct line to MJ’s spirit force. I wept uncontrollably while tuned into his funeral, who knew that it would open with the gospel song, “Soon and Very Soon.” It also accompanied the body of my son, William, at his Homecoming in 2006. Two Gary boys transitioning in the spirit of celebration.
