"I love my family very much. I wish I could see them a little more often than I do. But we understand because we're a show business family and we all work." -- Michael Jackson
Do children growing up in show business families ever have the chance to truly enjoy their early childhood years or do they become the unfortunate victims of their own celebrity, success and family fame?
Are musically talented families more socially isolated from other families in their own neighborhoods? Is the time spent rehearsing dance steps and memorizing musical lyrics worth all the fuss and bother? Do the endless hours of practicing and rehearsing tie family bonds or loosen sibling togetherness and sharing?
Michael Jackson started his show business climb to success at a very, very early age. It seemed as soon as he could walk and had the opportunity to learn a few dance routines Micheal was entertaining audiences. He blossomed in the limelight.
His bubbling talent and energy and enthusiasm enthralled his adoring audiences. His family's pride in his presence on the stage performing with them seemed evident and they allowed him from time to time to dominate the stage and steal a lion's share of the applause.
The Jackson 5 hit "I'll Be There" was the family's fourth number one hit in a row and featured the developing and young voice of a young Jacko. The talented youngster delivered this song on stage with as much style, aplomb and energy as did the older Michael of the Thriller and Moon Dance later years.
For many youngsters the call of the stage and the demands of their audiences take precedence over their own personal needs. Family closeness develops but shared moments with outsiders who are not agents, talent scouts or tour promoters is rare.
The same scenario might affect the formative years of children who are suddenly orphaned by the death of one or both parents. Reality is immediately altered and new demands and expectations are thrust upon the remaining family members. The demands of show business causes the demise of one's privacy.
In recent days the amount of media hype, speculation and controversy seems to not focus on the human side of this gifted performer but rather his darker unsavory leanings. Many so called truths about Michael and his lifestyle bubble to the surface daily.
Newsmen and media representatives are always trying to scoop the competition with the latest and greatest inside angle. Nothing is sacred and everything becomes profane and bastardized by a hungry news media machine.
Michael was a talented performer who shared his talent, music and personal best with the world. We should mourn not only the fact that he is no longer with us but also the realization that he gave his audiences his very best till the bitter end.
I think kids who do too much of anything whether it be homework, sports, drama etc miss out on what we see as a 'normal childhood' but 'normal' is such a relative thing.
Their life is normal for them, just as working at age 5 and raising their own siblings is normnal for children in very poor countries.
We have an idealised view of childhood in the West and we keep children as children longer (which I support) but it's not how it is everywhere or in every family as you note.
I don't think celebrity kids have it worse than children in poor countries and regardless of intrusion and isolation they remain very privilaged.
» left by Dr Clarence Rucker, Jr from MI (127 days 7 hours ago.)
Gerry, by your speech in writing, I applaud you for being of Christian Ethics. You are so correct. I appreciate your stand on "Common Sense." It is not too much of that around anymore. The saddest part about Michael is not Michael at all, it is in his own country that probed the negative. The foreign countries looked at the fact that the man had to go through pain to capture the world in music. The only artist that brought forth all nationalities of people. James Brown could not do it, Elvis could not do it, the Europeans did not go for the beetle, but America did...Europe and other countries were into where Michael started out at, Motown (any artist). Again, thanks again.
Added for thought:
Differently, I see Michael. I saw his talent pursuade the world to come unto him. I did not see him as the tortured and or tragic life. I was the "Motown" day. A generation of and in this time went roaring. Some kids grew up with Michael. I remember seeing a little kid in Detroit on W. Grand Blvd., throwing footballs with other kids. I remember his Father during those times what were called discipline and or whipping your child, when they did wrong is now, child abuse. But then, it kept them from prison, jail, and gave them a work ethic...good or bad (they would not dare curse a teacher or break in a house, curse Mom and Dad, or take a gun to school.) The talent I noted. Oh! we may not have the same flaws as he, but yet, we do. Different arenas of course. I cannot name many entertainers that were spotless, yet it depends on how one feels about that person. Myself, Elvis (while on drugs) could never compete and could never crossover to all audiences like a Michael Jackson. Michael is not the "King of Pop", he is the "King." No one else can touch him in our generation. The times even stated the President could not think clearly with an alcoholic brain. Which is worse? To me, he is talent of this era. I could imagine being Thomas Edison, some say: "He was on drugs and crazy for what he was trying to do. But it came out well." The drug mind of Einstein they thought was 'crazy' (mentally challenged). We have so many "Acid Rockers" breaking guitars and OD ing, authorities hate doing autopsies. Some have always said: "Genuises are mental." They stand along and weird within themselves. They even called Jesus, a lunatic, a fool...etc. However, a Godly Christian knows better because He dwelles in us. We always say: "God can use anyone He pleases to bring out the excellence in them. Well, one talent is gone. But we do know one thing of the times, NEWS are not fact finders anymore, they do not report, they are speculators. Except when in a court of law. I, myself, if I have to die, I feel for my wife and Doctor for all the medications they have to account for. I take 11 a day now. But, no mental pills. Do not worry Michael, one thing for sure, "You will rest in peace." You have accomplished the greatness within. No one knows me, however, God has made sure your name will ring. Genuises are an open book, their greatness sets them apart. Who can catch Michael? Michael, you gave your all and you have fed many mouths, you've clothed many bodies, you have given many people homes, you have paid many hospital bills, you have sent many kids to college, and every time your music play, another kid will go to college or trade school, and of course, you have given many kids a place to be treated from abuse. You came as a child and identified. I am glad your mind did not get too old, for if it had, who would have helped the children you touched. I can only give back what you projected, respect. One thing for sure, the world is speaking for God. God will not forget your gifts, because He blessed you to give to others. This world is doing what it is suppose to do, Ignore the good and continue sinning. That is why we are sojourners. RIP and let man continue to throw stones, his living is still in a "Boomerang" position. You have paid your dues.
Thank you Dr Rucker for your comments and added thoughts. Much appreciated.
I too enjoyed the power of the Motown sound. The music represented the spirit and the tone of the times. The artists gave their best and the world appreciated their God given talents. It's easier for many folks to hurl stones and jibes and cutting remarks than it is to appreciate the many miracles that we experience in life.
A warm tribute to Michael Jackson. It is refreshing to see compassion and Christ-like traits in others, Gerry. Thank you for your objectivity. You didn't offer excuses but gave credit where it had been earned. I don't own one Michael Jackson album/tape/CD or DVD but the man was talented. Respond to this comment
Thank you Ms Ward for your comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the article and the spirit in which it was written.
We all appreciated and enjoyed the music, talent and innovation of Michael Jackson. The media machine and its many minions offered us only the hype and the negativity and the relentless critique of a talented performer haunted by his own humaneness and shortcomings.
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