Michael Jackson Memorial Roundup
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
For all those living under a rock, the Michael Jackson memorial tribute was held this afternoon out in Los Angeles. True to form, even in death, the King of Pop was controversial.
Prior to the shindig, New York Congressman Peter King called Mr. Jackson a "pervert" and a "child molester."
[Link]
For all I know, there could be some truth to the accusation. But be that as it may, it is difficult not to feel for Mr. Jackson's daughter, Paris, who had a markedly different reaction, mourning her 'Daddy' as 'the best father you could ever imagine.'
At risk of seeming a bit sentimental, it strikes me that the disparate reactions speak to the unique ability we have to see what we want in other people. Congressman King clearly saw in Mr. Jackson the embodiment of a fawning mainstream press that he has grown to loathe. Meanwhile, Ms. Paris Jackson clearly saw in her late father the epitome of a loving Dad.
Both perspectives require suspending some disbelief.
Congressman King surely understands that Michael Jackson was never convicted of the child molestation allegations levied against him, and, indeed, ours is a land that presumes innocence rather than guilt. Meanwhile, Ms. Jackson, at the tender age of 11, is probably not completely out of the loop of her late father's infamy.
The contrasting opinions simply underscore our ability to look at others and see what we want. Perhaps the whole matter is a lot like love?
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Prior to the shindig, New York Congressman Peter King called Mr. Jackson a "pervert" and a "child molester."
[Link]
For all I know, there could be some truth to the accusation. But be that as it may, it is difficult not to feel for Mr. Jackson's daughter, Paris, who had a markedly different reaction, mourning her 'Daddy' as 'the best father you could ever imagine.'
At risk of seeming a bit sentimental, it strikes me that the disparate reactions speak to the unique ability we have to see what we want in other people. Congressman King clearly saw in Mr. Jackson the embodiment of a fawning mainstream press that he has grown to loathe. Meanwhile, Ms. Paris Jackson clearly saw in her late father the epitome of a loving Dad.
Both perspectives require suspending some disbelief.
Congressman King surely understands that Michael Jackson was never convicted of the child molestation allegations levied against him, and, indeed, ours is a land that presumes innocence rather than guilt. Meanwhile, Ms. Jackson, at the tender age of 11, is probably not completely out of the loop of her late father's infamy.
The contrasting opinions simply underscore our ability to look at others and see what we want. Perhaps the whole matter is a lot like love?





