Michael Jackson: How We Let Down Pop’s Biggest Icon
AN OPINION PIECE
How We Let Down Michael Jackson: An Opinion Piece
The world fucked up when it came to Michael Joseph Jackson.
We live in a time (or at least, we like to think so) where we embrace true individuality, a time where our differences are celebrated and the dark struggles of public figures are no longer used as media fodder. In 2022, we are perhaps more enlightened than ever, due to our deeper understanding around mental health, bullying, self-esteem and the impact of the media.
Where once mainstream journalists crucified (metaphorically speaking) public figures for their mistakes, omissions, differences and struggles — using such things as an ugly selling point — we now find ourselves part of a more sympathetic generation. We stand up against harassment, we name-and-shame if we see people being unfairly targeted and we listen with an open mind when a person raises awareness about tough issues that they are experiencing.
All of this is positive, of course, and it cannot be argued otherwise. Yet it is hard not to contemplate the difference our current attitudes may have made to entertainer Michael Jackson before his death, if he had been afforded the same understanding and grace that we give to others today.
It is without exaggeration that many of Jackon’s supporters believe he is one of the most vilified figures in recent history. While many may argue against this because of the astounding success of his music career, it does not take much research to uncover the poisonous way that the mainstream media (and a multitude of ignorant attitudes from the public) constantly attacked the singer in some of the most insidious ways possible.
During his lifetime, Michael Jackson shared with the public that he suffered from a skin condition called vitiligo, a medical issue that destroys the pigmentation of the skin causing it to lighten and become pale in patches. It is almost inconceivable now to think back to that time, when the media ignored this information and instead perpetuated the erroneous myth that Jackson had decided to bleach his skin so that he could “be white.” Journalists conceived this lie, carrying it to full term — despite Jackson coming forward about his personal medical history. They may as well have called him a liar.
In today’s world, issues surrounding heritage, race and ethnic origin are treated with extreme respect — and rightly so. Yet Jackson, in his time, was hounded by a press who incorrectly informed the world that he didn’t want to be a black man, and that it was by his own doing that his skin changed. It was only in death, after Jackon’s autopsy report confirmed that he had indeed lived with vitiligo, that the lies of the media were finally put to bed, but few mainstream presses, if any, seemed eager to come forward to correct their past insensitive reporting. It is almost impossible to imagine something this insensitive happening today, and thankfully so.
Over time came the vindictive headlines about Jackson’s appearance, many presses sharing what they believed to be “unflattering” photos of the star through the years. They highlighted his facial surgery with headlines such as “Scarface” and “Freak” across the front of tabloids. Such was the mocking of his appearance by the press that Jackson soon took to covering his face when he was out in public (this too, would eventually be criticised). Yet again, it is impossible to imagine this treatment being given to any other celebrity or public figure today. Indeed, plastic surgery and body modification has become such the norm that there appears to be few in Hollywood and the music world who have not had some kind of alteration to their appearance.
Michael Jackson was the father of three children, and it didn’t take long for the press to make savage comments about his role as a dad. Whilst some celebrity’s have been criticised for allowing their children to be paraded publicly, with photos shared across the press and media, Jackson was belittled for covering his children’s faces when they were in front of the press —something he did to protect their identity. It seemed that he could do no right.
It seems Jackson was all too aware of the perception out there regarding him. This is why, perhaps, he agreed to be interviewed by journalist Martin Bashir in 2003. Televised across the world, Jackson invited Bashir into his home, life and inner circle for 6 months, trying to share the truth about himself and to dispel the damaging myths that had come to surround him. Jackson, it seemed, trusted Bashir and spoke to him about intimate issues regarding his childhood, the abuse he suffered and his surgery.
The resulting two hour special was a blow to Jackson who felt bitterly betrayed at the way Bashir portrayed him and the manipulative way he had edited the show. Indeed, a lawyer later called for an investigation into Bashir and the interview, claiming Jackson had been exploited and deceived. It seems to be no surprise to many that Bashir has since been heavily criticised for the way he handled his Panorama Interview with Princess Diana in 1995 (he allegedly faked documents in order to gain the trust of the Princess).
Even in his death, Jackson was afforded little dignity. Photographs of his dead body were plastered across numerous front covers, with little thought to the impact this could have towards his own children and family. For an artist who spent his life being pulled apart by the mainstream media, it seemed that even in his death, he would be afforded no privacy. His autopsy photographs were quickly shared across the internet and press and in this, we revealed more about ourselves as a society.
Michael Jackson seemed to be the easy target and no matter how often he tried to express his personal pain, nothing changed. He spent a great deal of time lamenting his lost childhood (Jackson started singing at the tender age of 5), and he often said he had experienced physical abuse in his early years. He suffered serious facial/scalp burns in a fire in the 80s leading to years of severe pain. He spent time in rehab in the 90s trying to deal with his struggles. He was publicly accused of a crime he was adamant he did not commit (in 2005 he had his time in court over allegations and was found not guilty on all charges of supposed abuse). These moments were a part of Jackson’s life and career.
As an entertainer, Jackson changed the face of the music world. His undeniable talent resulted in groundbreaking record sales and innovate music videos. His dancing skills were ahead of the curve and the impact of his influence is still felt today. To many, however, he serves as a stark reminder of the cruelty of a mainstream press who chose rumours over facts, who put strain on a celebrity’s wellbeing, and who mocked and belittled the star’s appearance and lifestyle.
Today, we tread more carefully (or try to) around the delicacy of the private lives of celebrities by trying to respect the human behind the headlines. We realise the importance of respecting our differences and experiences, of the fragility of mental health and the impact that the press and society can have upon an individual. In Michael Jackson’s time, he was not afforded these most basic of rights. He was set apart and made “fair game” for morbid, poisonous headlines and in this way, Jackson was failed. If a public figure was treated in this way in 2022, there would be an outcry. We would simply not have it.
While nothing we say or do can wash away the truth regarding the despicable role of the media in maliciously attacking his character, perhaps the biggest tribute we can make in Jackson’s memory is to never allow something like this to happen again. May we keep moving forward with our understanding of what it means to be a compassionate society. With more than just catchy social media hashtags, may we live this truth out in the way we treat each other. In our own attitudes. Such differences must surely begin with each of us?
