Michael Jackson’s Manifesto: Terrifying and Inspiring
In 1979, at the age of 21, Michael Jackson wrote: “I’m going to shock the world.”
On Sunday, a special program about Michael Jackson aired on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” featuring the head of his foundation, John Branca, and during it Michael Jackson’s very inspiring handwritten note was placed on screen. Michael promised he would become the biggest—and he did.
In days when media attention is built on negative news, disturbing words are heard from the courtroom, rumors are everywhere, and some people take advantage of the moment to point the finger at him; the head of his foundation, John Branca, appeared on television to show viewers the true legacy of the King of Pop. It’s no surprise that the program became extremely popular and attracted a huge audience—far more than shows that try to destroy the King of Pop. In this program, with reporting by Lara Logan and production by John Hamlin, the legacy of Michael Jackson was discussed. In the coming days, we will review this special program on this page. But before that, let’s get to the heart of the matter. What do you think made Michael successful? Talent? Willpower? Charismatic personality? In essence, everything began with a desire—no, something beyond desire, with a force of fate. A fate that Michael imposed on nature.
When Logan and Hamlin went to the storage facility holding Michael Jackson’s personal memorabilia, they encountered a captivating collection of statues, gaming devices, and heavily embroidered clothing. But the most astonishing thing they found was a handwritten note from Michael Jackson.
At 21, behind a tour-planning sheet, he wrote—hurriedly—a manifesto and described his mission for himself.
The sheet is folded and worn out. It seems Michael Jackson had an inspiration in the moment, and using a pen, he wrote his manifesto on that paper:
“My name will be MJ. I am no longer Michael Jackson. I want a completely new character. A completely new look. I have to become a completely different person. People should never look at me as that kid who read ABC or I Want You Back. I have to become a fresh, unique actor, singer, and dancer—someone who shocks the world. I will not interview anyone. I will become magic. I will become a perfectionist, a researcher, a coach, a teacher. I will be better than any other great actor.”
He also wrote about his passion to progress by learning the ways of greats:
“I will learn everything about the world of entertainment, and then I will look at it and perfect it. I will take it a few steps further than what the greats left behind.”
Lara Logan called this note the most personal part of Michael Jackson’s memorabilia. She said: “In the final years of his life, it became difficult for me to understand who Michael Jackson truly was. The real Michael Jackson had disappeared under the onslaught of accusations and the enormous fame. I was thirsty to know him. And what could be more personal than his note at the peak of his youth.”
John Hamlin says: “It’s not strange for artists, musicians, and actors to dream about their own successes. But when someone writes these words on paper at 21 and almost fulfills them completely, that’s an extraordinary event. He set his goals and did exactly what he wrote on paper.”
Source: eMJey.com / CBS