Opinion: Before you cancel Michael Jackson, we should listen to what he was telling us in plain sight. And we need to ask ourselves why we might value beautiful fictions more than ugly truths.
Michael Jackson waves to supporters as he arrives for his child molestation trial at the Santa Barbara County Superior Court in Santa Maria, Calif., on March 2, 2005.
Jackson’s obsession with children, childhood and childish pursuits was one of the dominant elements of his stardom and his artistic work in a way that was obvious even while he was still alive, even if those interests have acquired a very different sheen in the aftermath of the 1994 civil settlement he reached with the family of Jordan Chandler, whom he allegedly abused, and Jackson’s 2004 child molestation trial, at which he was acquitted.
The essence of Jackson’s music wasn’t in any one song or set of songs but in that synthesis between the saccharine and the caustic. His ability to release “Scream” and “Childhood” as the A and B sides of a 1995 single, to toggle between declaring that “/the whole system sucks” and singing “Have you seen my childhood?” without inducing national whiplash was his talent.
Jackson’s seduction of the public was an insurance policy, and judging by how tenaciously some of his supporters defend him in death, and even when faced with evidence like “Leaving Neverland,” it was an effective one. And that’s why it’s important to listen to Jackson’s music one more time, even if it’s a repulsive experience rather than a joyful one.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Backlash begins over 'Leaving Neverland' Jackson abuse documentarySome radio stations in Canada and the Netherlands stopped playing Michael Jackso...
Consulte Mais informação »
3 major radio stations pull Michael Jackson music citing child abuse claims in 'Leaving Neverland'While Michael Jackson fans are divided over the child abuse allegations in Leaving Neverland, Cogeco Media, one of the largest radio networks in Quebec, has pulled the late singer's music from its stations.
Consulte Mais informação »
Sony made $250 million bet on Michael Jackson music library before ‘Leaving Neverland’ documentarySony Music Entertainment last year entered a deal worth $250 million for the rights to distribute Michael Jackson’s recordings over seven years, according to a person familiar with the matter. That investment looks riskier following a new documentary accusing the late pop star of sexually abusing young boys.
Consulte Mais informação »
Sony's $250 million bet on Michael Jackson's music could be threatened by HBO documentaryLast year, Sony Music Entertainment entered a deal with Michael Jackson's estate for the rights to distribute the musician's recordings. Now, in the wake of HBO's explosive documentary 'Leaving Neverland,' that investment could take a hit.
Consulte Mais informação »
Michael Jackson's music dropped by radio in New Zealand, Canada following HBO documentaryRadio stations in New Zealand and Canada have dropped Michael Jackson from their playlists, following new accusations of abuse by the late pop star in the documentary 'Leaving Neverland.'
Consulte Mais informação »
How should we hear Michael Jackson’s music after ‘Leaving Neverland’?For years, Michael Jackson seemed to dodge suspicions of child sexual abuse. Now, in the wake of the explosive HBO documentary 'Leaving Neverland,' that invincibility may be weakening.
Consulte Mais informação »
'Leaving Neverland': Corey Feldman, Jermain Jackson react to Michael Jackson documentaryAfter HBO's 'Leaving Neverland' Michael Jackson documentary aired, several famous names took to Twitter to comment.
Consulte Mais informação »
Baby Boomers upend the workforce one last timeWe've seen the upcoming wave of Boomer retirements coming for decades, so why is it taking some companies by surprise?
Consulte Mais informação »
25 Songs You'll Immediately Recognize If You Listened To Alternative Music In 2009From emo to indie rock, these were the anthems you were rocking out to 10 years ago.
Consulte Mais informação »