General cynicism and Michael Jackson

Quoted from American Chronicle If the 1970s were the decades of violence and the 1980s were the era of reckless freedom, then the 1990s can be called the decade of cynicism. It seems that the events of the 1990s have affected many of our understanding of life. In reality, we’ve turned into a cynical generation. We only see the bitter part of life and focus on negative news, with no willingness to see people’s strengths—especially if that negative news becomes widespread. As a result, we are now facing a generation that either has to show its positive side or becomes the target of the harshest criticism. The person who was once the King of Pop, Mr. Michael Jackson, is one of those who has had to endure such pressure. (To view the photos in larger size, click on them) Michael Jackson has faced a flood of criticism, especially in the music industry. His private life has been carefully scrutinized by people and mocked and humiliated in various ways. What happened—how did the person who was once a people’s idol become a bad figure in another time? In the past, children in schools would do robot dance and moonwalk. No one made fun of Michael Jackson. Jermaine, the handsome and older brother, was there. Tito was the quiet member of the group. But it was Michael who sang for us. When he began his solo career, we listened to all of his songs. At our night parties or while going out, we would stand up and dance to his pleasant and powerful voice, entertaining ourselves. Even while being healthy, he was charming and sexy. Women loved him. And he was the opposite of James Brown—someone men liked more because he was rough and politically savvy. Spinners, O'Jays, and Stylistics were good groups. But if you asked the girls who they wanted, the answer was Michael. Even if, according to many, he appeared with hair and makeup. He was misunderstood, but he was compassionate enough to understand us. He was very good-looking—with those big eyes, beautiful eyebrows, and a sad smile. Then his appearance began to change. In many circles, it has been said that his unusual childhood had a major impact on this. It’s said that Michael was never able to behave like a normal child. He kept performing on stage—like all star children who experienced a cruel and unhappy adulthood. At the age of 12, he endured endless work hours and exhausting travels for hours. Maybe that’s why he built Neverland—a childlike heaven—for his lost childhood. By chance, his strange behavior was both his most fascinating trait and his biggest trouble. It turned him into a riddle, and on the other hand into a negative character—especially when allegations of sexual abuse were brought against him. He was a solitary person, and that fueled these suspicions. That’s why, for many people—even perhaps some of his fans—it was easy to think of him as guilty. The 2005 trial was the drop that filled the cup of patience. In the end, he was acquitted of the charges. But still, I have to admit that the verdict of “innocent” was, besides saving Michael, also part of the problem. He had to face harsh media and cynical people—cynicism that also targeted Michael’s physical changes. At its core, they were upset about the “innocent” verdict and were ready to crucify him. Even though most of the evidence and documents in the case testified against the accuser. But it didn’t matter. People were tired of Michael—his appearance and his behavior. Nobody was willing to listen. Well, maybe you can’t blame people. Michael was no longer the man they knew. He had changed. He had become a different person—someone they couldn’t understand or connect with. And people flee from what they don’t understand or reject it. He had changed his appearance and behavior, and now he felt the outburst of anger from an unforgiving, cynical generation turning against him. But how did we really get here? How were we able to go from someone who once brought us so many enjoyable moments and happiness, to hating him this much? Someone who was once the symbol of innocence for us. What happened? Michael Jackson can’t be perfect. By changing his appearance, he put himself in the position of being judged. But it was Denzel Washington who once said that if Hollywood people who have had plastic surgery were to leave the city, Hollywood would be empty. So Michael’s guilt isn’t only his. And if the issue is allegations of sexual abuse, the evidence has shown again and again that this case was a pre-planned show. Here, we must focus our attention on the problem of mixing Hollywood’s rich stars with the poor people in this area—who try to improve their lives by getting a little of the wealth of famous individuals. No doubt we live in a world where nothing is as it seems, and sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction. But if every one of us were to be dragged to the gallows for our mistakes, none of us would survive. Maybe it’s because of our cynicism that we don’t notice this truth. In any case, for me, the tragedy of this story is Michael Jackson himself—not because of the public criticism and harassment. But more because of the way he dealt with this ordeal—because of his disappointment. The fact that Michael Jackson was freed from a barrage of accusations has turned him into a true warrior. Unfortunately, it seems he is unaware of this God-given trait. Michael has to face storms and overcome them. Now is not the time to retreat. It’s time to rebuild yourself and do what will make us believe in you again. This time, your true self. Considering what we saw in you in the past—you shone like a million stars, and you can still shine. Find peace within you, step out of your shell, and be the man you should be. It’s definitely not too late. And for our generation, all I can say is: let the innocent one be the first to break our cynicism. Source: eMJey / American Chronicle