Pulitzer Prize Winner Writes About Michael

The name Michael Jackson alone is enough to cause controversy, and there’s no one who doesn’t have an opinion about him. Margo Jefferson’s new book, titled “On Michael Jackson,” is—just as the title suggests—about Michael Jackson. It looks at the impact Michael has had on American culture and society, and the impact that society has, in return, had on him. In Jefferson’s words, “Michael, with all his influence, leaves us unsettled.” This author, who had no direct contact with Michael or any members of his family, used biographies written about him as her sources and published the results of her research and findings in this work. In one part of the book, she compares Michael’s life to P.T. Barnum’s shows and claims that Michael constantly tried to entertain people—even by using events from his personal life. She writes: “Michael was a devoted fan of Barnum and wanted his life to be the most interesting and most watched show on earth.” Another point the author brings up is Michael’s interests such as Disney and Neverland. In her book, Jefferson writes: “Over the past two decades, we have seen how Michael Jackson has transformed—from a tall, slim man with brown skin—into a white man who appears to be suffering from anorexia.” She believes Michael’s method of achieving success was precisely these transformations. The author also addresses Michael’s relationships, using events from his influential childhood to explain his relationships with adult women and young boys. In her book, she says that the women Michael had friendly relationships with represented a motherly figure for him, and that the boys were, in fact, a manifestation of his own mindset. She lists Michael’s relationship with his mother—and being exposed to the public at a very young age—as the most influential factor in this matter. Chris Rogers, a communications student, says: “He never had the chance to live like an ordinary person. I’m a huge Michael Jackson fan. His transformations may be a bit worrying, but for me it doesn’t matter at all, and I still listen to his music.” Eric Heffenden, an engineering student, also reminds us of one of Michael’s most powerful and lasting impacts on American society: “He’s a maker of trailers,” the album that forever changed the face of music. Heffenden describes Michael’s music as “phenomenal,” and says that Michael’s past and present are inseparable. People can’t talk about Michael’s past without thinking about his present. Another point the author mentions is: “I defend his talent and genius, but not him. I still grieve the turmoil he created in his personal life.” Jefferson is the Pulitzer Prize winner as top critic and writes for The New York Times. Source: eMJey / thelantern.com