Childhood abuse- who or what really killed Michael Jackson?
Michael said in an interview that this song, “Childhood” was
is heartfelt revelation of the essence of who he was. When I
listen to the music and the words of it, I hear pain and sadness
of a child who was denied a childhood while making sure
everyone else was happy and enjoyed their childhood. I hear
the lyrics of a child that felt unloved, lonely and abused.

With Michael’s death I think of the joy and hope that he brought
to my childhood. My fantasies of marrying a Jackson brother,
dances, parties, hope for the future and a faith, and a belief that
yes, we can make this a better world.  A part of my childhood
has now died with Michael’s passing. 

Who or what really killed Michael Jackson- abuse, fame, success,
enablers, etc.? Did Michael self-medicate or overdose like Elvis or
Anna Nicole? I don’t know, will we ever know? Fingers are pointing
to his dad who allegedly abused him. There’s talk now of enablers
who knew he was depressed and supported his addiction to
prescription medicines. Yes, we look now for a scapegoat, someone
to blame for his untimely death. 

Have you looked at the man or the woman in the mirror? Do you
realize that when you point your finger, three are pointing back at you?
His father admitted that yes, he did beat Michael as a child. Many
black and white children have been beaten and still are being beat or
whipped- whatever term you choose to use. I was beaten as a child
by my dad.

My prayer is that Michael forgave his dad. Mr. Jackson probably
thought he was doing the right thing. He probably reared Michael
and his siblings the same way he was reared. After all doesn’t the
Bible say, “spare the rod and spoil the child”.  Mr. Jackson I forgive
you as I did my dad. But abuse in any form is wrong and should
not be tolerated. Yes we do need discipline but with love and not abuse. 

When I look in the mirror and see those three fingers pointing back
I think of the media, the paparazzi, and Michael’s critics. Why do
we have this obsession with celebrities and expect them to be “normal”?
How can they when cameras follow them constantly? They can’t even
perform a basic function like using the bathroom without someone
wanting to get a story, an autograph or a picture. 

We, the onlookers, kill and destroy our prophets knowingly or unknowingly.
Martin is gone, Diana is gone and now Michael is gone. Do we really want
this world to be a better place for our children? If so, when will be our
brother’s and sister’s keeper? We need laws to protect child stars so that
they can experience childhood. A child should be free to run, play, use
their imagination and have friends, not just fans. No one wants to be like
a caged animal in a zoo, constantly on display and ready at a moment’s
notice to perform.

To the media, the paparazzi, and Michael’s critics I say, develop a social
conscious. We are on this ship called earth for a limited period of time.
Can we just get along and use our time, talents and the airways to bring
about good so that when our time is up we will have left a footprint that
promotes goodwill for all mankind? Perhaps it’s too Pollyanna, I must be
thinking too much with my right brain to want to have peace and harmony.
I’m sorry I have to be me. 

Who or what really killed Michael Jackson? Look in the mirror; it’s what’s
killing us all. Our insistence on more information at any expense. We become
voyeurs, choosing to look at someone else’s weaknesses. Is it to inflate our
egos? Does is really comfort us to see someone else in pain or in a dysfunctional
relationship? Where is our humanity? Have we forgotten how to love?  

Are we truly the highest form of creation, but like the scarecrow Michael played
in the movie, The Wiz, we don’t have a brain? I pray that Michael is with the great
Wiz now and that he is still interceding on our behalf and asking not only for a brain
for mankind, but also a heart. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, the family and Michael’s friends please accept my sincere
condolences. I pray that with time your hearts will find peace and that the memories
of all the love Michael brought to the world will be a source of constant comfort.  

Michael you were loved by so many and will always be in our hearts- may you rest
in peace with the great Wiz!  

Love Always, 

Joyce

© C. Joyce Farrar-Rosemon 2009
You Can Be A Winner At Life!