Michael Jackson Talk

No one can deny that the Michael Jackson in this photo from 1984 looks distinctly different from the child that was a key member of his family's band, "The Jackson 5." Michael evolved constantly, thoroughout his tumultuous life. Evolution, in itself, is a species adaptability to become more diversified to meet changes. The problem with Michael is that he took it too far.

When I look at pictures of Michael as a child, then as a teen, a young man in his twenties, and then what he finally became at the end of his life, I am saddened. I see a person who so desperately wanted to change his appearance that he lost who he really was.

I think the majority of people would look at this pic from 1984 and say that Michael looks good. It appears that he had a nose job at this point, but nothing like the total reconstruction he endured in later years. If only he would have left well enough alone.

I know Michael had some health issues that caused his skin to lighten in spots, so that's what spurned the skin color change. But he had something much deeper going on. I am guessing that he didn't like himself very much. I think that -- and no doubt others do, too -- that's why he evolved and changed with such dramatic results.

It's a shame that Michael couldn't rejoice and take comfort in the fact that he had millions of fans that world over that loved him and his music. It's a shame that he couldn't leave his appearance alone instead of altering the way that he looked so much that he was unrecognizable from that sweet-looking child and young man that he once was.

Michael Jackson visibly deteriorated in front of his peers and his fans over a period of years.  In fact, the late Whitney Houston made some comments about Michael’s untimely death when she visited with Oprah on the set of Oprah’s talk show in 2009.

Whitney was visibly shaken about Michael’s death. She couldn’t believe that he died in the way that he did. She made comments that she didn’t want her fate to be the same.  

If Whitney did die from a combination of prescription pills and alcohol, her death has some similarities to Michael’s who died from an overdose of an anesthetic prescribed by his own personal physician. Both deaths were tragic and at least one was preventable.

What drives stars to a place where they find themselves at the mercy of substances? Is it the pressures of fame, the frenzied adoration of their fans or the realization that they can’t live up to their own personal expectations or the expectations of everyone else? Or is something deeper? Something such as scars from the past that never fully healed, so they use the substances to dull the memories and the pain.

Michael had a beautiful family with three healthy, precious children. He did have some legal troubles, which certainly were not the highlight of his life; but he moved past them. He apparently had trouble sleeping; but he and his doctor approached it in the wrong way. Somewhere it all went wrong for him and ended in tragedy. Even Whitney knew this, but she hurdled down the same path, which ultimately may have been to her destruction

Michael Jackson continues to be remembered by his children and the world. Most recently, his brood participated in a hand and footprint ceremony in front of the famous Grauman Chinese theater. Prince Michael, Paris and Blanket all helped make imprints of their late father's black loafer-style shoes and his trademark sequined glove into the concrete block. At the top of the block "Michael Jackson" was written by Paris, with a heart separating his first and last names. As the children imprinted images their dad's belongings, the crowd showed them love by cheering. Also in attendance was Mr. Justin Bieber, supposedly because Michael was his idol. He sang a bit of "Rockin' Robin" (without any instrumental accompaniment) as a tribute. He also posed in pictures with Michael's children, which seemed a little inappropriate. It looked like Bieber felt a little out of place, too, judging from the look on his normally sunshiny face. Even though the Biebs has said he wants to be of the same status as Michael someday, it's unlikely that it will happen, IMHO.

Michael's mom, Katherine Jackson, was present. Tito and Jackie, two of Michael's brothers, were also there. It's nice to see the family support -- especially for the children.

Speaking of children, little Blanket had his characteristic scowl on his face. He also had some defensive posture going on, like arms across his chest during the ceremony. Maybe because of his age he has a harder time dealing with the death of his father and all of the issues and events he must face. It's my hope Michael's family can find peace.

 

In a December 2011 interview on the "Ellen" show, Paris Jackson talks about her dad -- the late, great Michael Jackson.  It seems that his passing has had a profound effect on his daughter's existence. Things she didn't understand when her dad was alive, she now gets. 

Michael protected his three children from the world. He told them to wear masks when they went into public and Paris said she thought it was "stupid." Now, she says she understands that her dad was just trying to protect her and her brothers. She doesn't fault him for doing what he thought was best. 

She also mentioned that she didn't get how big of a star her dad was and how much influence he had on his fans. She told Ellen how she thought her dad had some songs out -- just like other singers. Yet, she never realized the enormity of his fame until she became older. It seems Michael protected his children from his fame on all fronts. 

She also has an obsession with his music. She told Ellen that 99 percent of her brain is her dad's music. Michael's music has many good messages, so that could be a good thing. Paris also stated that she wants to follow in her dad's footsteps and try to "heal the world." Paris has big plans, indeed. 

Paris has gained a place in the spotlight, and rightfully so. She sings, she dances and she acts. She's multi-talented, just like Michael was. No matter what Paris does, she takes her dad's advice with her. She solemnly told Ellen that her dad told her that if he were to die tomorrow, she should remember the things he told her. Paris states that she remembers it all.