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Wednesday, 12 February 2003 |
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Michael Jackson - what an extraordinary show. But the truly disturbing part of it wasn't Michael at all. Clearly a very sad man, at best failing to cope with a ruined childhood and the negative aspects of fame, but a TV show is never going to reveal the true man - a huge talent and a musical giant, whatever else. No - the frightening thing for me was the predatory desire of Martin Bashir - on behalf of the media and, of course, us - to reveal the worst. We WANTED Jackson to be discovered as a freak and a pervert. We HATED the possibility that he might be an innocent. That was the most upsetting aspect. This century has witnessed the turning against innocence by civilization. Although Michael is not the best champion for the philosophy of true love and affection, and clearly has never managed to experience it himself, his ideal world, of adults actually caring for children, has been destroyed. As Bashir kept nagging away - it's not NORMAL for a 44 year old man to indulge in friendship with children. He pushed his suspicions into the face of Jackson's 12 year old friend. Two clear messages. We now see sexuality in everything - and are disappointed if it's not exposed. And, as society, we now regard sexuality as wrong and evil, no matter what we may pretend. The total destruction of innocence. That was the most frightening revelation of all. King (FF 8782) HMP ELMLEY, SHEERNESS, KENT, ME12 4AY 4/2/03
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