“The greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work.” ~Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson inspires awe amongst many. Not just because of his music, but also because of who he was. His death seemed too soon and it remains a mystery to this day what happened exactly. In my humble opinion I believe he was murdered for his catalogue among other possible reasons. As for the media induced controversy around him, we’ll get to that later. Most important is his legacy; the art, soul and passion that he left us with.
- Who was Michael Jackson?
Most of us know Michael Jackson as he appeared to us. It would be more accurate to say ‘displayed’, because that’s what happens in reality. More often than not the media shows its subjects of observation through a specific lense, what we call prejudice. Very dangerous when it’s mistaken for truth. I think that it’s his music that gives quite a truthful picture of what happens inside of Michael’s head and heart. A few songs that come to mind are Man in the mirror, Heal the world and Earth song. I have too many favorites to name, but I like his albums since Dangerous the most.
I’m pretty sure that it’s around this time (early 90′s) that he started to get more rebellious against his masters in the music industry. This is reflected in his music. He sings about prejudice, corruption and accusations. At the same time he also sings about his concerns regarding the world, valuing human wellbeing and preservation of nature. He also raised millions of dollars with his Heal the World Foundation for charity. That’s how he wanted to make the world a better place and I think it’s beautiful. Michael wasn’t the typical self-absorbed shallow popstar(like so many these days), but an artist of world class and authenticity with a humanitarian ambition to do something for those in need.
He was grateful for his gifts and talents and was dedicated to share them with the world. In his work he was a perfectionist who wanted to perform the best and most impressive show for his audience; something they would never forget. His life philosophy was giving, rather than taking. His fans loved him for those reasons and I’ve always found it wonderful that his fans stayed loyal despite the lies that were being spread about him later on. He has also said that the unconditional support of his fans really helped him to push through some of the tough times he experienced during his life, which were many.
It’s very cruel how people tried to take advantage of his innocent nature. Even though Michael never really had a childhood he still kept his child-like innocence. He loved children for their free and pure spirit and I guess spending time with kids also gave him back some of the childhood that was taken away from him. It’s absolutely abhorrent that he was accused of child molestation while he was doing the exact opposite of that. He just wanted kids to be kids that don’t have to suffer from the viles and vices of the adult world.
- Don’t believe everything you read
The media burned him to the ground while he was alive and praised him into heaven when he died. For that reason I suggest taking anything the media tells us about Michael Jackson with a big grain of salt. However, there are clues hidden in plain sight that one can use to make an educated guess about what really happened. In cases like these where there is a lack of evidence and investigation it’s important to look for clues, instead of taking ‘official statements’ as authority to explain what happened.
The ritual that has been played around his death was scary to say the least. These kind of events are carefully planned and thought over. Symbols are consciously used to convey a hidden message to those who can read them. Symbols aren’t placed in specific spots because they ‘look cool’ in the same way that traffic signs are not there to spice up your adventure on the road. Symbols contain meaning and color the atmosphere by their very presence. Coincidence doesn’t exist is all I’m saying.
Neither was it coincidental that Michael Jackson became the target of a media campaign in an attempt to destroy his image. Obviously this was a very stressful period in his life and it would get worse. He’s been the victim of racism, police abuse, corruption and false rumors. Initially they underestimated him, because they didn’t think that a soft, loving and compassionate person like Michael would stand up to them as strongly and bravely as he did. He risked a lot with his decisions and witty yet respectful attitude, which ultimately resulted in his death.
How he died cannot be said with 100% certainty, but the autopsy did show physical trauma inflicted on the body. What is more revealing are the possible motives for killing Michael Jackson. For one Michael was a thorn in the eye of a ruling elite that tries to oppress its people through means of fear, while he was empowering people with love. From a business point of view Michael’s catalogue was a very valuable prize for Sony to grab. Next to that they signed a deal with the Jackson Estate allowing Sony to release a new album anually for the coming years. Michael’s death also served as a catalyst for his sales as a whole, estimated at around 1 billion since his death.
- Michael’s legacy
If Michael Jackson could tell us what really happened, I think he would say it’s more important to listen to his music. He wasn’t the kind of person to badmouth someone else. He didn’t just sing about love and compassion, but he really lived it. This is what makes his music so special and real. You hear the soul and you know he really means every word with such intensity. Combined with his amazing dancing skills he was a very well-rounded artist that stirred the hearts of so many people. Anyone who has ever worked with Michael Jackson has had only good things to say about him.
He was forced to defend himself against all the injustice which was done to him. But his real mission was to inspire people with his music and to help make the world a better place through his fundraisings for charity. Other than that he also spent much of his time giving profound attention to the poor and weak. In fact, contrary to what the media might have shown, Michael was getting ready to make a huge comeback with new music, videos and performances. It’s a shame that this has been taken away from all of us, but the seeds of his work are already planted and growing.
Michael Jackson lived for his work in service of a higher cause. He was curious by nature and learned from his masters like James Brown. Then he put the elements together and created what became the new standard of pop. His style has influenced and inspired many artists that came after him. Especially with singers like Ne-Yo and Chris Brown you can often see Michael Jackson written all over it. But Michael Jackson hasn’t just changed music, but also dance. Said singers have incorporated many of his movements in their choreographies and thousands of dancers got into dancing because of him.
It’s amazing to see that what one creates leaves waves of inspiration in its wake. Michael became a master himself who surpassed all those who came before him. He was always seeking for perfection in his work and that’s what made him the best. He always created something out of his heart and that’s what gave his music the magic that seems to be missing in a lot of music nowadays. When you listen to his songs carefully you’ll feel that it’s genuine and authentic, but also wise and intelligent. Michael wasn’t just a great artist, but also a great thinker. All these elements combined makes his work as powerful and inspiring as it is.
- In conclusion
The world lost a great man on the 25th of June 2009, but what made him special lives on in his music forever. I hope this article shed some light on who Michael was and what he stood for. I also hope that it will inspire you to rediscover his music. I’ll end this post with a personal favorite of mine, which I always like to listen to when I feel the need for some inspiration and upliftment.
In memory of Michael Joseph Jackson (1958 – 2009).
