When I was very young girl, my parents took me to see the Jackson Five/ABC Concert in Dallas, Texas. My military dad and mom were so proud of this young black child who seemed to be able to do anything on stage. Normally they would never had dreamed of taking such a little one to a concert but, Michael Jackson to my parents and many blacks in America… was more than just a performer.
Jackson at just 11 years old… along with his brothers had a Saturday morning cartoon… opposite of the Osmonds. Back then it was one of the precious few times on TV when one could see black people in a positive light… not arrested on the national evening news in a crime story. The Jackson Five cartoon show spurred many a young black child to dream about a life in TV… including yours truly. They made us glimpse what was possible.
In their own strange way, Michael and his brothers became part of a Civil Rights conversation and movement in America.
I mentioned my dad was in the military– the Army to be exact. As a family we traveled the world… lived for a few years outside America on an Army base in Germany. Seeing black in non-tradition roles (for the 1960’s that meant anything outside the service industry really) was not uncommon when you left the U.S. When we returned to the states, I was just 4 years old or so. Word of the Jackson Five’s success in America had spread all over the world and I begged my parents to take me to see him in concert… along with some of my Dallas cousins, aunts and uncles. We went.
The ABC Tour was history making. Huge crowds… people of all colors, races, cultures… cheering and dancing, shouting “A-B-C… Easy as… 123 Or simple as… Do re mi… ABC, 123, baby, you and me!”
I’ll simply never forget it… or my first sighting of Michael Jackson on stage. We had great seats… close to the stage. But, no one sat in their seats. It was like a house party with a little boy stealing the show with awesome dance moves and a young powerful voice.
What happened to Michael? Why do I dislike him so much now? And, why am I so fascinated by him, even in death, at the same time? He got wierd. And, that strange, toxic mix of child molestation charges, skin/appearance mutalations… along with God-gifted talent leaves me conflicted today.
His burial imminent… the craziness of crowds of fans… thousands strong at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The talk of the price tag north of $4 million. Why? And, why can’t I celebrate in my heart along with them?
Because I’m conflicted.
My husband asked me if I would wear black today. My answer, No. I’ll just be black… and, remember how Michael seemed not to want to be black or anything recognizable anymore. I’ll let my anger at him be buried… with him. I’ll remember the good times, the music, the joy he brought to the world… my world as a young girl and throughout the years.
But, I will not celebrate… engage in the pomp and circumstance. Because that would make me as confused and addicted to the idea of greatness as he seemed to be.
I’m not confused. Just conflicted.
Goodbye Michael Jackson… of course, I bid you farewell many years ago. Today is just a formality.
Thanks, Harris! I appreciate your insight and perspective. Being a white guy from the Deep South, I am conflicted as well. He fell of my musical radar after “Man in the Mirror” and was a fleeting blip for “Black and White”. He was a gifted & artist that was certainly flawed. I just wish his funeral wasn’t being treated as a “Royal Spectacle”.
Well said. I wonder what more will come out from his past as a result of his death. Will he be vindicated? Will the music outlast the controversy?
I’m actually very surprised that he’ll be buried somewhere other than Neverland. I thought that would have become his “Graceland”, and in turn could have made a profit from fans venturing to this new mecca, one that might have been able to help pay off his debt.
But regardless of how anyone feels about him, he’s certainly a tragic figure.
OH, WOW! That was great Harris! I must pass this around. God Bless.
One of the most intelligent articles about Michael Jackson that I’ve seen!
Dear Harris Faulkner,
I so enjoyed your article on Michael Jackson and your description of the wonderful concert in Texas when you were a little one-and now your ambivalence toward what he chose to become. I’m 69 and will always remember and love to see clips of Michael on stage-he was a darling, talented child with such openness and naturalness. That’s how I’ll remember him.
And I have loved seeing your progression on Fox News and I shall watch and read you in the future.
The best of all things for your future!
Harris, I to am conflicted. Deep in my heart. Sadness has overcome me today but not so much because of his death rather his life. Searching for but never finding the inner peace. It’s over for MJ now. But there are others.
Well said.
White girl born in SoCal in 60’s. Grew up listening to Jackson 5 45s and MJ in the Top 40 ’til I was out of college.
Last two decades were sad and disappointing for someone who had so much talent and promise.
Feel like the Michael I grew up with died a long time ago.
Sad to see it end like this and pray for the best for his kids.
I think the thing I took away from the Funeral service was that the one really human side of the story was his daughter. She obviously loved her dad. It is a shame that he hated himself so much. I enjoyed the music of the Jackson Five. They were tight as a group.
There was one other thing, the prayer at the end of the service was heartfelt. I don’t know who it was, but I was truly impressed with the sincerity of the prayer.
May Michael Jackson rest in peace in the hope of the resurrection in Messiah Y’shua (Jesus).
Steve
Brilliant stuff Harris. I loved the line “I’ll just be black”. Evolve in life and faith. The Devolution of Michael Jackson is painful. I’m white, but personal growth transcends color.
Lyn
I really enjoyed reading your views on Michael Jackson’s life/death. You put everything into perspective and said everything so eloquently.
Mrs. Faulkner,
I saw you on FNC last night and was reminded how every time I have caught a glimse of you doing news I was ’spiritually’ in tune with you. That is as weird as your comments here on MJ. I want to tell you that I believe your approach to life is the answer to so many of the world’s problems; not just prejudices, but hate for all the excuses people use, and the answer is found in belief. I’m 58, divorced – so you know I’m not a perfect man by any stretch, and inspired by you. Thank you for living the integrity that makes me know you are genuine. So, I want to see your name on the ballot in 2012… If you are so led by God…