Web Letters: Mirror Man

Tributes to Michael Jackson are important, but so is a frank look at the tragic and troubling aspects of who he was and what he did. As she does so often, Patricia Williams has zeroed in on something key. Her insights about the lengths to which Jackson went to produce light-skinned children tell us a great deal about the man and his life. They are also important pointers to prejudices that we need to leave behind us, and to the future of high-tech reproduction, which we need to approach with a great deal of care and caution.

For a related comment about Michael Jackson and reproductive technologies, see this post at Biopolitical Times.

Marcy Darnovsky
Center for Genetics and Society

Oakland, CA

I have read several letters posted here about Michael Jackson, and frankly I am disappointed. I expected more from this news source. If I wanted to hear all the sensationalism I would read or watch mainstream. I have yet to read an article or see a "real" tribute that covers all the great humanitarian work that he did in his life and leaves out allegations and physical appearance. "Man in the Mirror" has nothing to do with his appearance, it is about changing the world we live in, making it better by starting within ourselves. I am dismayed at the shallowness of so many people who, instead of listening to Michael's message and hearing it themselves, allow themselves to be spoon-fed this incredible media bashing frenzy.

I am also unsure on how you determine red-star letters. Mr. Koch, you simply have to Google and will discover that Jordan Chandler, the first accuser, has come forward to say it was all a lie. Perhaps you should also be aware that Michael was sued over 1,000 times. He was a star from childhood and never had a chance at a normal life. He had many people betray him. What you all should be asking yourselves is why the media, which is owned by just a handful of people, has been on a mission to destroy him. We are in real trouble when the majority of people cannot think for themselves or put themselves in someone else's shoes.

Kris Gordon

Arlington, WA

Finally--an analysis that squarely associates the extreme aspects of Michael Jackson's life with childhood trauma.

Substance abuse, self-mutilation, inappropriate sexual boundaries and becoming a perpetrator in adulthood are classic behaviors for child abuse survivors.

Many of us suffer as extremely, though not as publicly, as Michael Jackson.

Anica Bower

Worcester, MA

I never met Michael Jackson nor did I go to any of his concerts. But then again, at my tender age of 70-plus, I hardly fit the profile of a pop music fan. I know, of course, of Michael Jackson and his extraordinary talent. I never considered Michael to be "the King of Pop." I considered him to be an incredibly gifted entertainer. His music and his creativity went well beyond the definition of pop. If he was not the best, for sure he was one of the best that the world has ever seen.

I love music, any good music, pop, soul, jazz, opera and, like millions of others, when I saw Michael perform on video or heard him singing on the radio or simply through the stereo system of a store, I always watched or listened with great pleasure. As an artist, I thought he was great and, as a person, I imagined him to be a gentle kind soul, with a heart of gold and the eccentricity and uniqueness that is so very typical of many geniuses. I admired his readiness to give, to be kind to others, to extend his hand in help. His music and his incredible performances on stage, his natural talent and seemingly endless energy, inspired and brought joy to so many. He dreamed and he made many dream.

Then it all began to change. For some mysterious reasons that I cannot comprehend, strange and lurid rumors began to circulate. At first they were just whispers, then they seemed to gain steam and the rumors became accusations. They were largely based on perceptions, assumptions, impressions and unqualified opinions. But they were loud enough to prompt over-zealous officials to take the opportunity to be in the limelight and bring Michael to trial.

I must admit that I was disappointed. Could this gentle and kind genius have done these horrible acts that he was accused of? But I have a principle never to draw a conclusion or pass judgment without knowing the facts. There is a system that we, the people, put in place. A system that guarantees that in the eyes of the law, everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. I have great faith in this system. And at the end of the trial, when the jury of twelve peers spoke, they said loud and clear these two powerful words:

"Not guilty."

Those two words said it all. But that was not enough for those creepy individuals, those nullities that seem to draw satisfaction in destroying a person's reputation, belittling their accomplishments so that they can masquerade the lack of their own accomplishments and ultimately destroy people's lives. And that is what they did to Michael Jackson. The words "not guilty" meant nothing to them. They carried on poking at him, making fun of him. Late-night comedians played for cheap laughs at his expense with tasteless and inappropriate jokes, unaware, (or were they?) of the pain that they were causing to Michael's mother, to his family and his children. Yes, those people destroyed Michael's life. Although he was a giant in music and entertainment, he was fragile and defenseless in confronting the harshness of life. He was not equipped to deal with the lowlifes who kept on tormenting him. Like a butterfly whose wings were pulled, he withdrew more and more from the public eye, seeking comfort in the only thing he knew he had for sure: the love of his children.

Then one day his guardian angel came and said, "Come with me Michael, I will take you to a better place." And all of a sudden he was gone, away from his tormentors and finally at peace.

As I watched his memorial on TV and I saw all these people, friends or opportunists tripping all over each other to sing Michael's praise, I remember thinking: "Where were you when he needed you the most"?

They said that Michael was still a child, that he never grew up. They even called him "Peter Pan." There is nothing wrong or sinister in retaining the freshness and innocence of childhood. And if this was the case, then many people, for many years, in tormenting Michael tormented a child. And all I can say to them is:

"Shame on you!"

franco mancassola

Honolulu, HI

"His ignorant brutish father will be delivered three fair-skinned grandchildren, the perfectly rendered apotheosis of Michael's final crossing-over. "

An overused word, "brilliant," perfectly describes this sentence alone--the summing up of a profoundly disturbing life.

Theresa Clarke

Wilton, CT

I find this article extremely disturbing for several reasons, most of which I feel are personal biases by the author towards someone that no one really ever got to know. Your assertion as fact that he was a pedophile [Editor's Note: Williams makes no such assertion.] doesn't jibe with the fact that he was acquitted of the charge! And can we mention that maybe it was the parents--pimping out their child! Yes, it does happen, so don't be surprised.

You speak of his whitening himself, when it has been said more than once that he had vitiligo--which does cause the skin to lighten, and I have seen a few people that have actually turned "white." As for his surgeries, I am not a psychiatrist, but it is possible that depression coupled with self-hate made him want his face to look like anything other than Joe Jackson!

As the whole family is quite eccentric, there is no doubt that something happened to all of them, and Michael was the "youngest" when they became The Jackson 5. I can only guess that he did give up his childhood, and all that went with it, and has paid a big price for it. Not to mention that being famous makes people automatically feel that they must have access to you 24/7, so that he really was a prisoner in his house!

Did you also know that Katherine and Joe Jackson haven't been living together for quite a few years, and Joe won't get a dime from that estate? As for "buying" his children, that may well be the case. But I also wouldn't want to give custody of those children to a woman that sold them and has never seen them since they born.

Finally, could it be that his "childhood and early adulthood" taught him to be distrustful of adults? As most people around him were either sycophants or leeches, I wonder whom he really felt he could trust other than children (who are usually extremely honest). And as his daughter so poignantly said--her daddy was the best father she could ever have! They both were so lucky. RIP, Michael Jackson.

Zora Renee

Columbia , Md.

Interesting how Ms. Williams carves a surgeon's cut in euolgizing MJ. Turns out his father was the culprit in all MJ's doings. Is it fair to convict the elder Jackson as she does in describing who would have access to the children? Presumably all the Jackson kids were subject to similar treatment from the father--harsh or gentle. Why can't you blame MJ? Why are their peccadilloes not noteworthy? Or maybe they are not anywhere near as bizarre?

Turns out the medical profession is the culprit in MJ's excessive medication and plastic surgery and designer babies. She does grudgingly grant that he had the money to get whatever he wanted.

She totally steers clear of the pedophile allegations, which had multimillion-dollar hush payments surrounding them. Makes the Catholic Church look like poor, pure altarboys by comparison.

Someone scholarly as Ms. Williams need not express her hate for men and white people in eulogizing this person.

MJ, in my humble opinion was one of the most talented people of all time. But as an old friend observed about MJ at the height of his popularity, when I wondered how anyone could be so bizarre as to physically change who or what they were, "the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away."

mike flynn

New York, NY

It often is not what people say, it is what they don't say. Ms. Williams neglected or did not know that the elder Jacksons do not reside together. In regard to the future care of Michael Jackson's children, that is a significant and well known piece of information to omit.

Additionally, the letter designated with the red star was purely speculative and not in the least objective. Michael Jackson guilty because he made a settlement? Utter nonsense. Both lawyers and the courts encourage settlements, and since when are the terms of such settlements disclosed?

Please do not invite lawyers to write articles which imply in the least that they understand the human condition. Of all of us, they are the least able.

Catherine Immer

Saint Michaels, MD

Patricia Williams's piece on MJ is the best I've seen. Brilliant on stage; an abused, tormented soul everywhere else. And America can't get enough of him! Did Michael die for our sins?

Howard Kaplan

Belmont, MA

I am always baffled when a celebrity dies. They are either vilified or beloved. I am in the camp that loved and honored Michael Jackson. He was the greatest and, yes, extremely eccentric. I do not and will not ever believe he was a predator. He was found not guilty for a reason. Was he bizarre, yes but that doesn't make him a criminal. Many of us are just as bizarre as he but aren't nearly as crucified as a result. Do you know why? Because we were never in the spotlight. He made all his mistakes in the public eye. We made ours behind the protection of closed doors.

This man should be allowed dignity, and it is a sad state of affairs when we cannot allow that. This man had a family and friends and fans. We will grieve until the pain numbs, regardless of what others like Ms. Williams thinks. As for Rep. King, as a New Yorker, I have one question: "Who the hell is he?" Oh yeah, just another jerk making himself famous off of MJ, a true King.

Jeffrey Williams

Brooklyn, NY

I only wish to say that for the first time in quite a while, The Nation has awarded a submission with a very deserving red star. Mr. Koch speaks for many of us who see beyond the commercial spectacle and I only wish his letter could be published by every major newspaper in the country. Thank you.

John Molina

Chula Vista, CA

This article was extremely hateful and gave only rumors for Williams's accusations of substance abuse and sexual abuse of children. She did not back up any of her accusations about Michael Jackson with facts. What proof does she have that Michael Jackson was addicted to anything? Has she spoken to his surgeon or read his medical chart to know that his nose actually "collapsed?" MJ was acquitted of sexual abuse in a court of law. To continue to spread those types of rumors, and especially to publish them is irresponsible and, I think, un-American. If you don't like him, fine. Don't buy his records. Please, however, do not continue to spread your vile hatred, based only on rumors.

Patty Smith-Hart

Houston, TX

I just had finished watching the Michael Jackson memeorial service, when I came across this article by Patricia Williams about Michael Jackson. I was staggerred to read that his father repeatedly beat him, and that probably explains a lot of his obvious personal torments. But I am writing this not to dwell today on that tragedy, but to encourage Nation readers to watch the memorial service, if they have not done so. It was an unexpected, astonishing, deeply moving experience. Every singer, every speaker had something important to say about love, life, hope and the human experience on this deeply troubled planet. I knew that something unique was happenning when a beautiful message from Nelson Mandela was first read to the crowd, and then Mariah Carey, accompanied by an singer unknown to me, belted out a song with such deep feeling. And it did not stop: heartfelt eulogies from Al Sharpton, Martin Luther King 3rd, Magic Johnson and others. Here we had the great spiritual power of the African-American experience, and the best of Christianity, shared with the world.It would not be an exageration to say that for two special hours, those who shared this memorial service were on a mountaintop looking over a Promised Land.

Marco Ermacora

Montreal, Quebec

If the reported eight-figure settlement in the child molestation case is correct, one would have to wonder why Michael Jackson's attorney, the superb Johnny Cochran, would ever counsel his client to pay in excess of $10 million in hush money to silence the accusations. Cochran would have never allowed his client to be extorted and slandered, so one can safely assume he thought that Jackson was guilty.

Whatever his tremendous talents were, we should not be praising and idolizing a pedophile. There's something quite repulsive about all the crying and all the adulation from these fans. A great musician, a great singer, a great dancer, yes. But that is all drowned out by his sickening and disgusting behavior with young boys. Inexcusable and worthy of a jail sentence (which he should have received years ago), and most definitely not of praise.

Every day there are people working on cures for diabetes, cancer, aids, muscular dystrophy and heart disease. When they die, the only people attending their funeral or who will know about them are their family and friends. There are people mentoring to youths in the ghetto, volunteering to help the elderly, the infirmed, the poor, the diseased and those with drug addictions. No one will know when their time comes except their family and friends. It's long past the time when we should realize that our heroes are not the singers, dancers, rappers, actresses and actors or politicians, or people who can shoot a ball through a basketball hoop but they are and should be the unsung heroes who are working every day to make our communities, our lives and our country better.

Mark Jeffery Koch

Cherry Hill, NJ