Trying to make sense of what we researched up to this point:
- This whole situation is all about what it looks like versus what it actually is.
- The problem is that the media narrative is so much more compelling than the Peter Pan image, while the reality behind it is complicated, and, to put it bluntly, messy.
- Michael had quite the time trying to get a grip on how distorted the world saw him, and for good reason. There’s strong evidence that he either didn’t see these external cues or deliberately and defiantly chose to resist societal pressures, which only exacerbated some situations.
- Expecting Michael Jackson to adhere to arbitrary behavioral norms is essentially setting him up for failure. He was never not famous, and his existence was anything but ordinary.
- As it stands, there’s no solid proof backing the allegations against him. In fact, the evidence suggesting his innocence is quite robust.
- The difficulty of his defense is tied to his shy, innocent image. It’s akin to stepping into the ring with Muhammad Ali while your hands are tied behind your back. To effectively counter the false media narrative and the accusations, he’d have to show his true self, which he chose not to do.
- Imagine this scenario: Your life hinges on you telling the truth in order to receive the medication specifically tailored for you. Would you still keep up the facade? This mirrors MJ’s dilemma, where he remained guarded. His ever-eroding trust in others likely contributed to his cautious approach as well.
- Jackson chose to show everyone a different side of him. He knew exactly what people expected of him, so while he could be his authentic self behind closed doors, once he stepped into a PR event, he transformed into a master of theatrics. For him, it appeared that nearly every moment was a PR opportunity, and he consistently donned a mask to play the part. For us watching from the sidelines, it’s like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces.
- When women came out and said there was no romance, maybe just a peck, they might have been playing into his story and going along with what he wanted. (This, of course, does not imply that this was always the case.) But it would’ve been an easy lie to sell – why would Peter Pan have an active sex life, anyway?
- Michael’s first wife was just as keen to defend herself from the bullying, shame, and ridicule that came with loving him as she was to correct the public perception of the person she knew him to be. She found herself largely isolated in this line of reasoning, as many within MJ’s orbit had little to gain from going against his image.
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