Michael Jackson: Creating a world with no fear, part I
By: Joel Ebert
Posted: 10/1/07

I am going to assert something that you may find extremely ridiculous, so brace yourself: I believe that Michael Jackson is the most "American" entertainer that this great country has ever seen.

While I may be wrong and am certainly open to criticism, all I ask is that you grant me an opportunity to explain my reasoning in this two-part series that analyzes both the King of Pop and the United States.

In order to fully explain myself, we first must do a brief, in-depth analysis of both the United States and Michael Jackson as entities in and of themselves. Naturally, we must start with the beginning for each entity.

The formal founding of the land that would become the US began after it broke free from the oppressive control of England's unjust taxation and the royal governors system that were used in the early colonies. During these years, the colonies were often deliberated and debated over in England. The Brits were absolutely enamored with the endless possibilities and dreams that could be fulfilled in the New World.

With the true formation of the United States of America, the nation burst onto the global scene by forging such documents as the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. These documents were the foundational pieces that were set into place in order to help our developing young nation become the powerful nation that it is today.

Comparatively, the start of MJ's career began after he broke free from the tyrannical reign of his father Joe, who reportedly spanked and whipped the Jackson children. Michael was thrust into the limelight as the star and driving force behind the Jackson Five, where he sang lead on such hits as "ABC," "I'll Be There," and "I Want You Back." Michael's stage presence and powerful voice, matched with his uncanny ability to entertain, helped solidify his presence as an entertainer, which would further develop from the nebula that he began as into the star that he would ultimately become.

Eventually the United States was forced to address a rising conflict: slavery. This split the nation in many ways, culminating with the Civil War. The abolishment of slavery coincided with economic prosperity, as the nation looked to the future and became a part of the industrial revolution. The astounding economic success of the United States since then has been replicated by nations such as China and Germany, but all remain as just that; a replication.

Jackson had to face the facts in the late 1970s after his brother Jermaine, forced the Jackson Five to drop the Five and simply go by "The Jacksons." This led to Michael pursuing his own interests, which he shared with the world by creating the über-successful album Off the Wall. MJ never looked back from there. Jackson's financial success made history, rivaling the sales of both the Beatles and Elvis Presley.

The entertainment industry has certainly seen many attempts at replicating MJ's sales, but all fall well short of his 750 million albums and singles sold worldwide (which surpass the Beatles and Elvis, according to Sony BMG).

One thing is for certain about both the United States' and Michael Jackson's financial success stories: they are both unprecedented in today's economy.

Adding to each other's legacy, the US and MJ have both bolstered their images by being pioneers in their respective fields.

The United States has often been seen as a leader, pioneering in such areas as scientific research and technological advances. Due to these skills, the world has seen the invention of the light bulb, radio, television, motion pictures and sound development, the airplane and the moon landing, among many other great feats.

Jackson can be seen as a true pioneer in many regards. Michael redefined mainstream dance music, revolutionized modern music videos with technology, became one of the most charitable humanitarians of all time with his Heal the World Foundation (which eventually led to his 1998 Nobel Peace Prize nomination), and perfected the unforgettable and oft-attempted dance moves, the Robot and the Moonwalk.

The United States and Michael Jackson can even be compared to each other by seeing each entity's involvement in a struggle between superpowers. Much throughout the 1950s and '60s until the eventual collapse in 1989, the United States battled the Soviet Union for sole title as 'the' superpower. The same can be seen in Michael's career and his battle with Madonna. This may raise some questions, namely, that Madonna has proved more longevity and relevance in today's world than Jackson does.

I, however, disagree with this assessment.

Read next week to see why I crown Michael Jackson the King of American entertainment and label Madonna a yellow communist. © Copyright 2007 Chicago Flame
http://media.www.chicagof...2885.shtml

Thats very nice, but the problem is America can't even appreciates it's own artists without criticism and press. That's why BOTH OF THEM live in other countries

this was too long for me to read and understand

TotalAlisa said:

I'm not surprised

bboy87 said:

I thought they dropped the Five because they left Motown - or is that all tied up with Jermaine's leaving the group & he stayed with Motown?

thedoorkeeper said:

I actually believe it was all tied up. It was an end of an era.

yeah MJ is the king of american entertainment.

http://www.youtube.com/wa...BBLMpzLbkc

Always happy to read something positive about MJ. It´s sooooo rare.

thedoorkeeper said:

They dropped the Five because Berry Gordy (head of Motown) owned the name "Jackson Five"!

Jermaine decided to stay because he wanted a solo career and because Berry Gordy was his father in law at the time!
[Edited 10/1/07 13:02pm]

The abolition of slavery is equal to the Jackson Five changing their name to The Jacksons??

I think it would be far more useful to draw comparisons between Michael Jakson and my desk.

- They both occupy space, meaning they are both "physical matter"
- They are both subject to forces of gravity and the laws of physics
- They are both a pale bluish-white color
- They are both nearing the end of their usefulness - as a result neither one is considered to be of much value in the current marketplace

Wow that was interesting!

In what ways is Madonna like my chair? Well, one has a Purple Penetrator strapped to it and one has none. I'll have to get back to you.

I hate these fucking analyzing topics unless it has something to do with education.

Michael is a pioneer but Madonna ain't no damn communist, the fuck's his problem?

Timmy84 said:

I thought it was because The Jackson 5 was a Motown stamp. They changed their name when entering Epic

paisleypark4 said:

Yeah it was that too. I think them becoming the Jacksons was more complex than just Motown keeping ownership of the moniker. Jermaine wanting to stay with Motown, the other brothers wanting to free themselves of Motown's ball and chain, Joseph at odds with Berry Gordy over control of his sons, etc. And the fact the Jacksons found post-Motown success should be awarded.

paisleypark4 said:

Berry went behind their backs and copyrighted the name. They had the name before they signed to Motown.