Michael Jackson will not be down for breakfast

[Syndrome]

My feelings can be summed up this way:

As a counseling professional, I see him as a very sick man who needed help that he never had any hope of getting because he was surrounded by enablers and dysfunctional people.

As a music fan, I enjoyed Thriller, and Billy Jean will always be one of my favorite videos.

[Goofyernmost]

...I know that you weren't directly addressing me, but you made refrences to things that I said, so I want to make myself clear.

I never called anyone here a bigot. And I never said that I excused his behavior. Truth be told, I never cared much for Micheal Jackson, but it is sad that a life is lost none the less. I'm willing to bet that his family is sad!

You are correct...my post wasn't directed at anyone in particular and derived from the thoughts of many. My gripe is not with his family (although they can be described as dysfunctional as can be found) because as his sister said, "he's an icon to you but, to us he is family". My question would have to be...where was that loving family when he was circling the drain of mental illness? Where were they when he might have been able to pull out of that downward spiral. I'm guessing feeling sorry for themselves because he got all the fame.

What has me upset is the way that the public and the media have turned him into some type of super human to be worshiped and adored. Aside from his musical talent, he was a sick, sick man. He had the resources to help himself, but he didn't for whatever reason. He is not a hero, he harmed, in all likelihood. many young children and for that I cannot forgive him.

Just look at random at the way this news had dominated everything. Yes, he died and yes, he died relatively young, however, thousands of people died that same day that were role models and/or solid, moral and unselfish people. The fact that MJ has been eulogized as if he were almost "god" like, sickens me. If that is all we have come to in this society, there isn't much hope left is there?

[Bright Scouter]

You know, I will probably get a lot of disagreement on this, but,,,

I think he was mentally very young. He had never had to grow up. We will never know if he actually abused any children sexually.

Personally, after watching several interviews again, I feel he was psychotic. I think he thought like a child. I think he had the morals of a child. He may have been a musical or entertainment superstar or genius. But, many artistic "geniuses" are psychotic or mentally ill. I think he just felt that what he was doing with those kids was acceptable. Did he have sex with them??? Who knows. If he did, someone else will judge him. Would he have been able to get off as mentally unstable, I would bet so. That may have been the best thing for him. It may have been the only way to force him to get the mental help he needed. But, personally, I think he just was living out his childhood with them and did not have sex with them.

I think he abused his children mentally at the very least by not letting them have any hope of being normal. they had no interaction with people. They always had to wear a mask if they went out in public, etc. So I feel so sorry for his kids. They probably have no hope of being normal either.

It's probably me seeing the glass half full, but, I would rather see the world that way.

[Syndrome]

I think he just felt that what he was doing with those kids was acceptable.

As a counselor, this is what I believe too. Of course I never spoke to the man and know no details, but I just get the impression that he was mentally "stunted" in a way. Little kids playing doctor don't see anything wrong with it. Whatever he was doing with them, I truly believe he saw no wrong in it either. And with enablers all around him wanting to continue suckling at the MJ money teat, no one was going to tell him any different.

[Disneyguy85]

What has me upset is the way that the public and the media have turned him into some type of super human to be worshiped and adored.

I know what you mean. Its a real shame that his death has taken up so much media time. I personally am getting tired of hearing "more developments" about it. Especially when its still sad about Farrah Fawcett. :(

[felinefan]

My impression of the child molestation charges was that the one boy's father, who was the only one who pressed charges, was greedy for a piece of Michael's money. There's lots of people like that.

As I said in my first post on this thread, Michael was robbed of a childhood. And once his gifts started coming to the fore, everybody, including his family, did everything they could to keep the money flowing. It's happened to other people (think Judy Garland, and Marilyn Monroe).

What bothers me the most is the fact that Michael named all of his kids after himself, and gave them Prince as titles. I hope those kids apply for name changes, at least to remove the Prince and Roman numerals, and not all of them to be named Michael. That's too confusing, and as there will be a point in their lives when they will be mixing with "normal" society, they probably will want to distance themselves from their famous father. Otherwise, life could be difficult for them. They deserve better. I'm sure when they heard their father was dead, they probably asked, "Can we take these dumb masks off now?"

[Syndrome]

It's coming out now (on TMZ and others) that they are not related to him at all (which I figured) but also that the first two have no biological relationship to his ex-wife...she was just a surrogate. And the third kid has a different mother and father, of course. No surprise there, but can you imagine how messed up they are going to be as this all gets out, the custody battles rage, etc?

[darph nader]

I know what you mean. Its a real shame that his death has taken up so much media time. I personally am getting tired of hearing "more developments" about it. Especially when its still sad about Farrah Fawcett. :(

Thank you DisneyGuy. I'm burned out also. The day he passed,it was like, "OH MY GOD,HE'S DEAD, ( btw,Farrah died too)
They seem to be :deadhors: to no end. :(

[darph nader]

This just gets weirder and weirder. The baker just heard on the news that his kids may not be 'his'.
(note to baker,STOP watching the news)

[DisneyMom]

I sure hope CPS will step in- especially after all the stories of dysfunction within MJ's own family. Can't help but think those kids need an advocate/lawyer on their side who will do the correct thing for them parentally and financially.
I predict an ugly battle :(