On the one-year anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death, I must admit that I’m part of the Cult of Michael Jackson (MJ).  (I will be playing his music ALL DAY tomorrow.) The immediate news of MJ’s passing crippled the Internet for hours and went on to dominate the media for weeks on end. What is the draw/appeal of Michael Jackson in both life and death?

I. The Freak Show

Anyone born before 1981 remembers what MJ looked like naturally. Anyone born before 1986 remembers what MJ looked like with relatively dark skin. Anyone born before 1994 remembers when he was still of musical relevance. Anyone born afterward probably cannot disassociate MJ from allegations of child molestation. The fact of the matter is that MJ was the train wreck we all loved and hated to watch. His nose frequently changed. Then there was the sudden lightening of skin color. Rumors of hoarding the Elephant Man’s bones, spending time with his monkey friend Bubbles, and sleeping in a hyperbaric chamber. He seemed so normal then suddenly became… so weird — “Wacko Jacko.” The moonwalk was a cool dance move; the crotch grabbing… eh, not so much. It’s always easier to make fun of the person who stands out and seems a little off rather than express care and concern.

II. The Magic

In spite of the freak show status that surrounded Jackson, the Elizabeth Taylor-dubbed “King of Pop” infused new life  into entertainment. Jackson was a creative genius, a brilliant mind who is emulated by many R&B stars in song and dance today and helped solidify MTV (for a little over a decade anyway) as the place to turn for innovative music videos. His concerts were nothing short of amazing and nothing was too over-the-top to be used on stage. *NSYNC, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, and Xtina (to name a few) have all taken cues from his spectacular ability to put on a mind-blowing show.

III. The Madness

Jackson grew up in front of the spotlight, working hard as a child star. When most boys were outside running around or playing with trucks and toy soldiers, Jackson was running through rehearsals or performing in front of audiences. As a child, all he did was work — he was never able to have a childhood. Once he grew up and established solo success, he craved the childhood he’d been robbed of. He founded children’s organizations, created Neverland, and loved to play childish games. At a point where most adults had matured and accepted the responsibilities of adulthood, Jackson reverted to a childlike mind with juvenile mannerisms. In American society, such behavior is not tolerated or accepted and shunned. And it’s this behavior that would unfortunately bring him legal trouble and rumors of child molestation, tarnishing his reputation forever.

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A year after Michael Jackson’s passing, he still has devout fans (of which I am one). These fans loosely comprise a cult which will rival that of Elvis Presley’s. Why is this so? Continue reading “The Cult of Michael Jackson” →