White socks and shiny black loafers…Can’t it be that simple?
So much has been written about Michael Jackson. Like many others I have read and watched every single detail about his life, legacy and vision. Back and forth between CNN, CNBC, Time and numerous other media houses I tried to take a pause and ask myself what I have thought of this extraordinary and somewhat controversial person. All I can say that comparable to only a few other people Michael Jackson has done an extraordinary job in making people accept and like the unexpected and nontraditional.
Beyond fame and money MJ has become a phenomena known and adored by almost everyone around the world. As spectators we liked him for being completely out of the ordinary. We did not blink an eye when he took the stage with his short pants, white socks and shiny loafers to perform the moonwalk. We wanted him to be thinner than ever to better see what miracles he could do with his bones and muscles. We were yet again amazed when he was able to turn our fright of zombies into a dance beat that we continue to sweat to. The military outfits that are a sign of unconditional power, weapons, wars and treaties were now hidden under semiprecious sparkling stones on a singer who was shouting out “So tonight gotto leave that nine to five upon the shelf and just enjoy yourself”.
And when it came to MJ’s private life none of us can or could expect him to be ordinary beyond the stage. With all the hard work, success, money and praise comes the desire to take a step back and attempt to have all the things you have missed along the way to fame: the peaceful childhood you never had, the power to disappear whenever and however you want and the yearning of a traditional family. I believe his creation of the Neverland, the monkeys, the elephants, his marriage to Presley and unconventional veiled appearances in public were all signs to the construction of a part of life he never had.
Like many others, my ideas on the life and behaviour of this extraordinary man are nothing more than Utopian assumptions that I really want to hold onto after his death. I believe he deserves all this credit in a world that continues to see the kinds of stars who achieve a fraction of his fame and completely lose control. For me he has been one of the greatest singers, dancers, creators and activists. In my book, he will always be the only man who can get away with wearing white socks and black loafers.
