Many might say that Michael Jackson’s success was his downfall – that he was so big, successful, so popular that he become troubled and isolated. But there are many other lessons that we can learn from the life of Michael Jackson.
There is the issue of child care – whether we choose to believe the rumours that Jackson was abused physically and mentally when he was child, rumoured abuse may have contributed to his sometimes incomprehensible behavior.
In addition, Michael’s life underscores the negative impact of the entertainment industry on the lives of child entertainers; the industry may rob child entertainers of their innocence.
However the bigger issue is one of self acceptance. It is rumoured that the transformation of Michael’s Negroid features to Caucasian may have been self-induced. That is one of the major reasons why many African Americans say Michael Jackson betrayed the black community, that he may have been ashamed of the colour of his skin. But others respond, by quoting Michael’s lyrics: “It don’t matter if you’re black or white.”
President Barack Obama did prove that content of character transcends race. In Michael Jackson’s case it was star power.
This is a warning to all the seekers of fame and fortune – these are cruel masters that rob their victims of not only their privacy but the opportunity to be like us-ordinary folk. Rest in Peace, MJ – the greatest entertainer who ever lived.
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