Written Analysis - Analysis 1

Written Analysis-Analysis 1

            Even posthumously, Michael Jackson is someone who embodies the concepts of popular beliefs, myths and icons of popular culture. In this analysis, I will focus on the myths that surrounded Michael Jackson’s life.

Michael’s appearance transformations were shrouded in myth. In the early 1980s, when the album, Thriller, was released, he changed from a “lithe, afro’d, fresh-faced sensation” to a sex icon (Cowley, 2001). Additionally, Cowley wrote, “[Michael’s] nose was more sculpted, his cheekbones higher and his lips seemed thinner” (2001). Jackson underwent many more physical alterations—including multiple rhinoplasties and skin pigment changes (Triggs, 2009). Jackson’s appearance transformed entirely, and the world followed these transformations for decades.

Many myths that enveloped Michael’s life concerned his relationships with women. He was twice married. Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley secretly married in the Dominican Republic in May 1994 (Time). Maintaining a completely private marriage, nearly two years later, they divorced with no children together (Time). Three months after his divorce, he married Debbie Rowe, had two children and divorced after three years together (Wikipedia, 2014). Later, Jackson fathered a third child by a surrogate mother (Wikipedia, 2014).

Lastly, myth surrounded Michael’s peculiar relationships with children. A lawsuit was filed against him for seduction and sexual abuse after being accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy (Montaldo). Jackson countered the allegation, pleading innocence. Eventually, he paid his accuser approximately $20 million. Additionally, in 2002, Jackson dangled a baby over a hotel balcony (Montaldo). No confirmation was made to whether or not the child was one of his three children.

Between Michael Jackson’s appearance alterations and personal relationships, he exemplifies the myth theory. However, these myths didn’t and don’t hinder his album sales.

References

Cowley, J. (2001, January 29). The man in the mirror. Retrieved February 28, 2014, from NewStatesman.com: http://www.newstatesman.com/node/139525

Montaldo, C. (n.d.). Michael Jackson - the king of pop or wacko jacko? (Part 2). Retrieved February 28, 2014, from About.com: http://crime.about.com/od/current/p/michael_jacksn2.htm

Time. (n.d.). Top 10 Michael Jackson moments. Retrieved February 28, 2014, from Time Lists: http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1907249_1907255_1907251,00.html

Triggs, C. (2009, July 10). Inside story: Michael Jackson's plastic surgery. Retrieved February 28, 2014, from People.com: http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20287787_20290367,00.html

Wikipedia. (2014, February 23). Personal relationships of Michael Jackson. Retrieved February 28, 2014, from Wikipedia.org: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_relationships_of_Michael_Jackson