is there is a more appropriate subject of a “+ / -” post than michael jackson? his entire career — from his meteoric rise to fame to his subsequent greek tragedy-level fall from grace — was marked by a unique dichotomy. it’s been noted by many that jackson’s obsession with peter pan seemed to manifest itself in his own personal trajectory (he became popular as a mature, collected young boy and died as a man obsessed with childhood, his own appearance; the list goes on). despite persistent allegations of child and drug abuse, bizarre behavior (showing up to court in pajama pants, dangling his child “blanket” off of a hotel balcony), scrutiny of jackson never really stuck. the world was still fascinated with him. he didn’t get nearly as much hate from the public as other similarly troubled icons.
i was never a huge michael jackson fan, but i liked most of his songs, and even loved a handful of them. while there was much of mj to be fascinated with, i’ve always been struck by his earnestness. all of the crazy situations, all of the straight over the top videos, tours and real estate ventures; they were all earnest. none of jackson’s career was ironic. at least not to him. no nudges or winks. try to think of another celebrity or musician of his stature who is as utterly unironic as jackson. i can’t. in a time where almost all culture and media is dripping with self-consciousness, jackson owned his image and music without apology. and that, for better or for worse, is a quality we may never see again.
of a hallway i walked down every day for 2+ years. i’m glad i don’t live there anymore; maybe no one should ever again.
