Happy Birthday, M.J.

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   QC_1983posted 13 years ago

   Even though it has been over 20 years, I still hear The Gong Show-inspired gong, the edgy lyrics and the hard heavy metal sounds of Michael Jackson’s classic “Beat It” from his 1982 masterpiece album Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, echo in my head. I even try to do the video’s climatic dance routine at the warehouse with him and the gangs members. I still to this day have to watch the John Landis-directed Thriller music video/short film, no matter where I am or what I’m doing. I’m still trying to get that zombie dance scene down (well, what I’m able to do). Sometimes I fantasize that I’m in that New York subway station rocking the leather outfit, and showing Wesley Snipes and the boys I’m Bad. Or, I’m the one chasing after that girl down the ghetto street and trying to sweet talk her like he was in The Way You Make Me Feel video.   
   
   Today marks what would’ve been the 52nd birthday of the late, legendary King of Pop Michael Jackson. When his sudden and tragic passing hit worldwide last year, a newfound appreciation resurrected for M.J. Not even a week after his death, his albums were at the top of the charts again, millions of tributes all around the world, on YouTube and many other sites were done, his memorial service was the most-watched televised event in TV history, and his concert movie This is It was #1 its opening weekend. And, I’m finally glad that Michael is getting the appreciation, recognition, and love that he deserves. But, he should’ve gotten it a whole lot more when he was alive.
   
   Unfortunately, everyone focused so much on the scandals such as his child molestation cases that people forgot about his accomplishments and contributions, not only to pop music but to world music. Even thought, he was found not guilty, and the boy involved in the case admitted that he was coached by his father, (who committed suicide a few weeks after Michael’s death), to lie in order to extort Michael. That has paved the way for so many artists today like Usher, Justin Timberlake, and, yes even Chris Brown. Yes, Mike was a man with many flaws like any human being in this world. I definitely don’t agree with a grown man sleeping in the bed with kids who aren’t his relatives. He wasn’t the only person with issues.
   
   Roman Polanski raped a 13-year-old girl, Woody Allen married his own adopted daughter, and Morgan Freeman is now dating his step-granddaughter, but they are still regarded as some of the greatest directors and actors today. Another example, Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time, had a huge gambling problem. But, everyone overlooks it because he’s accomplished so much by setting record numbers, and winning six NBA championships as well as six NBA Finals MVPs in a decade.
   
   All I’m saying is that it’s a shame that it took Michael’s death to show the appreciation that should’ve been there all along. But, a few good things that came out of his passing. People are starting to honor the legends while they’re here instead of waiting until they’ve passed on (i.e. the 1992 Dream Team being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame recently). It’s also good to see that Michael’s music still lives on through us, our parents, and the younger generation coming up today. Michael got the comeback he wanted, but sadly he wasn’t around to see it. This is It would’ve been one hell of a concert. Happy Birthday, Michael.

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      lrohnerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      You make it sound like his "child molestation cases" were a minor afterthought. That is truly disgusting. Do you mean that if I am a gifted artist I can go and rape children and not worry about the consequences?
      
      I have NO doubt that his victims' families were paid off to keep their mouths shut. No wonder that victim's father killed himself. I wouldn't be able to live with the guilt either.

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         QC_1983posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Hell no! It is very disgusting to molest children but this man was found not guilty in a court of law. He went through the legal process like any other criminal on trial. And, people still tried to make it out like he was still a criminal.
         
         But, it seems that everyone wants to make Allen, Polanski and Freeman's deals afterthoughts. Polanski should be getting a lot of scruntity because he forced a 13-year-old girl into anal sex. Allen married his own adopted daughter, it makes me wonder did he start messing with her when she was a teen. But they're still highly regarded in the movie industry.
         
         And, I don't blame that boy because he was a kid at the time who didn't know any better. I blame his father. What kind of father coaches a little boy to blame a very hineous crime on someone? That's not an example you set for a child. See, nobody ever mentions it. It's like people stuck up for the father for getting all that money. And, you're not for child molesting but you're saying you don't blame the dad for killing himself. Taking your own life is just as wrong as molesting kids. Because it's a sin and that's the punk way out instead of dealing with the consequences.

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   Pearldiverposted 13 years ago

   Yes, Mike was a man with many flaws like any human being in this world. I definitely don’t agree with a grown man sleeping in the bed with kids who aren’t his relatives. He wasn’t the only person with issues.
   
   Roman Polanski raped a 13-year-old girl, Woody Allen married his own adopted daughter, and Morgan Freeman is now dating his step-granddaughter, but they are still regarded as some of the greatest directors and actors today.
   ___________________________________
   
   
   So What are You Really Saying?
   That we should all 'Forgive' the actions of MJ and others because their infamous ways are overridden by spin doctors who promote their famous personnas?
   
   You Are Writing this as if you knew this guy?
   If so; then you will know that he called his chimp Bubbles Jacksoff instead of Bubbles Jackson!!
   Other than the questionable 'relationships' that he had with children.. what do you consider the monkey's pet name intimated?

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      QC_1983posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      No I'm not saying that. I'm just saying that it's ironic on how people got on Michael for his scandals involving kids. But, Allen and Polanski did similar things, but nobody constantly mentions that. Hell, Polanski's was a lot worse. To me, it seems like a double standard because nobody came down hard on them, and Michael was scandalized hard despite the fact he was proven not guilty. I'm just saying be fair and talk about everybody who's been involved in this type of stuff. Don't just pick certain situations.

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         Pearldiverposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Ok I hear what you're saying... but what about the monkey huh?  
         Poor Bubbles Jacksoff subjected to that touchy feely BS too!

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   Ginger Meowposted 13 years ago

   Again, better said in a hub.

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      QC_1983posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you. Can you please guide on how to hub?

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   robyn1476posted 13 years ago

   So sad about MJ, he had an amazing voice, pitty about how he's life went!

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      QC_1983posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Yes it was. He could never get a moment's peace to himself or his family.

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         Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         And why are you saying Happy Birthday to someone who is dead?
         
         Don't take it wrong. Or are you related?
         
         I mean, seriously, is this what people do with their time nowadays?

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