Michael Jackson in Black and White

Michael Jackson fought a duality in life on many levels of his character. As a society we had a dual point of view on the King of Pop: we loved his music but hated his lifestyle. It’s part of reflection and distain of extremism: we felt that he went too far about his personal life: we liked him once, collectively, because we could understand the rise to fame, the hard work, even his first facial surgery. But as he rose more in fame and wealth, Jackson seemed to grow farther away and we could no longer recognize him, connect with him, understand him. He had on-going turmoils on levels many of us cannot understand. And then the jokes came out and the rumours about his relationship with children. We became uncomfortable with him so we tried to bring him down. As a society, we do that we those we believe are extremist.

We may never know the complete truth about his life; but first and foremost, we will come to see the battles he fought: an ongoing battle with identity and the stature of fame that has its rewards and pitfalls. He was like a helium balloon released and rising high: we watch how far it will go; but in the end, like all things, the pressures become great and the balloon will burst.

The world may seem upside down for some. For me, I wouldn’t have it any other way.