MichaelJackson5 said:

I guess MJ did become introverted when he reached puberty. But he didn't seem as shy during his early days with the J5. He even visited Studio 54 back in the late 70s. There are stories about him being holed up in his bedroom surrounded by mannequins when he was still living with his parents in Encino in the 80s before he moved to Neverland.

MJ at the legendary Studio 54.

As an introvert, that isnt shy but needs my alone time, I believe MJ was the same way... He wasn't shy in the sense of social phobia, but rather that he needed his time to be alone, this however doesn't mean he couldn't go clubbing as a teen, or meeting people whenever he wanted. That's a misconception of introversion... Had Michael not been so popular, he would have still not been going out clubbing or doing crazy stuff like other artists, because that wasnt his interests, but I do think it would have been better for him on mental sense to be able to do these things.

Because he wasnt able to go out when he might have wanted to, he became trapped...

Look how happy he was in ireland or in the middle east, because he could go out and do stuff when he wanted to, and then stay at home when he wanted to...

MichaelJackson5 said:

Scorp said:

its' stunning how for such an amazing exclusive clip this posted on youtube over 6 months ago has only drawn 14000 views

word has it Spike Lee is doing this Off The Wall Documentary, but it will probably be watered down some kind of way

what's crazy is, it's almost like this period of his career never happened and this was record that became to this day the quientessential r&b/soul album ever

I see a painfully shy, introverted man in that clip.

Again, performing doesn't mean you cant be an introvert. Many actors, musicians, and creatives in general are introverts but still live "normal" lives... I honestly think he fits the mold of an introvert. He prefered reading books than going clubbing, he prefered meeting a small set of people over big groups, he had few friends rather than many, he was known for being a good listener rather than talker... Sounds like an introvert to me and as a creative person, I know that although i'm introverted, we have extroverted moments, so you can fool anyone into thinking you're an extrovert when in fact you are introverted.

"Since introverts experience the outer world more strongly than the extrovert does, the introvert will be quickly fatigued and “filled” by external influences." . Another example is how both Marlon and Michael were mistreated and bullied by Joe on the same things, but Michael took it more to heart, as he himself said in Moonwalker...

http://theintuitivemusician.com/are-you-an-introvert-or-an-extravert-are-you-sure/

[Edited 10/11/15 11:06am]

mjscarousal said:

CharismaDove said:

MJ was initially good at manipulating his image.

During the "Thriller" era, he was good at playing the innocent, shy, kind-hearted, America's sweetheart character that posed with the President and went to Disneyland etc etc

During the "Captain EO" era, he was good at giving himself a sci-fi image, with all the rumors, changing face, changing skin color, oxygen chamber, film, etc.. I think it was Magic & Madness that talked about this.

^ That wasn't a good idea.

During the "Bad" era, he tried to play the role of a thug/tough gangster but from what I can recount, it didn't really end up all too convincing (imo, he looked most badass in 'Smooth Criminal')

During the "Dangerous" and "History" eras, it seemed like he was trying to mesh "Thriller" and "Bad" together... on record, he'd sound 'bad' and the music could come across as extremely tough sometimes, but in person he'd be acting like he did in the early-80s... extremely shy, innocent, etc.. except the public reaction wasn't the same this time.

Don't remember what my original intention was, but oh well.

[Edited 10/7/15 19:09pm]

Good perspectives

However, here are some things to also think about....

Some think that was "all image" with the shy speaking voice and acting shy but it really wasn't. He did manipulate it to a degree though but I wouldn't say it was ALL completely fake and many of his friends and people that he encounter have revealed that he was also shy and had a soft voice. So it is not like this was 100% a media image.

However, there are also other conflicting stories that Michael was not so shy and didn't have a timid voice behind closed doors. I think Michael acted differently around different people and this was based on comfort level but all these conflicting stories just show how complex and unique Michael was which is why it is hard to put him in a box.

good post, and agreed. He was certainly a very complex and interesting man. And if Frank Cascio is to be believed, MJ became hooked on marijuana for a short time in the early 2000s.. which goes against the "MJ was totally against any drug (drugs that he didn't get from a doctor)" There's so many claims about him from both sides that he's one of the most mysterious people I've ever seen LOL.

[Edited 10/11/15 12:33pm]

CharismaDove said:

mjscarousal said:

Good perspectives

However, here are some things to also think about....

Some think that was "all image" with the shy speaking voice and acting shy but it really wasn't. He did manipulate it to a degree though but I wouldn't say it was ALL completely fake and many of his friends and people that he encounter have revealed that he was also shy and had a soft voice. So it is not like this was 100% a media image.

However, there are also other conflicting stories that Michael was not so shy and didn't have a timid voice behind closed doors. I think Michael acted differently around different people and this was based on comfort level but all these conflicting stories just show how complex and unique Michael was which is why it is hard to put him in a box.

good post, and agreed. He was certainly a very complex and interesting man. And if Frank Cascio is to be believed, MJ became hooked on marijuana for a short time in the early 2000s.. which goes against the "MJ was totally against any drug (drugs that he didn't get from a doctor)" There's so many claims about him from both sides that he's one of the most mysterious people I've ever seen LOL.

[Edited 10/11/15 12:33pm]

I would be weary of anything Frank Casio says. Also, he said that MJ smoked it with him, he didn't say he was "hooked" on it. (Its possible....but given Frank's track record its hard to believe anything he says) Frank Casio imo exaggerated the level of closeness he had with Michael and the MJ fans analyzed that book from up and down and found a ton inaccurate stuff. In addtion, Frank did a lot of shady things behind MJ's back which got him kicked out his circle so he is not to be trusted but yes MJ was a very interesting and complex man, miss him terribly! Nice to see you Gold Dolphin, its been foreva! miss u

[Edited 10/11/15 18:09pm]

GoldDolphin said:

MichaelJackson5 said:

I see a painfully shy, introverted man in that clip.

Again, performing doesn't mean you cant be an introvert. Many actors, musicians, and creatives in general are introverts but still live "normal" lives... I honestly think he fits the mold of an introvert. He prefered reading books than going clubbing, he prefered meeting a small set of people over big groups, he had few friends rather than many, he was known for being a good listener rather than talker... Sounds like an introvert to me and as a creative person, I know that although i'm introverted, we have extroverted moments, so you can fool anyone into thinking you're an extrovert when in fact you are introverted.

"Since introverts experience the outer world more strongly than the extrovert does, the introvert will be quickly fatigued and “filled” by external influences." . Another example is how both Marlon and Michael were mistreated and bullied by Joe on the same things, but Michael took it more to heart, as he himself said in Moonwalker...

http://theintuitivemusician.com/are-you-an-introvert-or-an-extravert-are-you-sure/

[Edited 10/11/15 11:06am]

Interesting how when MJ is with young children, his behavior isn't introverted anymore. In fact, he becomes like a little kid, very animated and care-free. Why did he seem so much more comfortable with children than people his own age?

It's not as if chilldren weren't capable of hurthing him as Jordy Chandler, Jimmy Safechuk and Gavin Arvizzo have shown.

Even with large groups of young kids, he was always at ease. It was only with adults that he couldn't handle more than a small group. He was a very unique person, maybe too unique for his own good.

MichaelJackson5 said:

GoldDolphin said:

Again, performing doesn't mean you cant be an introvert. Many actors, musicians, and creatives in general are introverts but still live "normal" lives... I honestly think he fits the mold of an introvert. He prefered reading books than going clubbing, he prefered meeting a small set of people over big groups, he had few friends rather than many, he was known for being a good listener rather than talker... Sounds like an introvert to me and as a creative person, I know that although i'm introverted, we have extroverted moments, so you can fool anyone into thinking you're an extrovert when in fact you are introverted.

"Since introverts experience the outer world more strongly than the extrovert does, the introvert will be quickly fatigued and “filled” by external influences." . Another example is how both Marlon and Michael were mistreated and bullied by Joe on the same things, but Michael took it more to heart, as he himself said in Moonwalker...

http://theintuitivemusician.com/are-you-an-introvert-or-an-extravert-are-you-sure/

[Edited 10/11/15 11:06am]

Interesting how when MJ is with young children, his behavior isn't introverted anymore. In fact, he becomes like a little kid, very animated and care-free. Why did he seem so much more comfortable with children than people his own age?

It's not as if chilldren weren't capable of hurthing him as Jordy Chandler, Jimmy Safechuk and Gavin Arvizzo have shown.

Even with large groups of young kids, he was always at ease. It was only with adults that he couldn't handle more than a small group. He was a very unique person, maybe too unique for his own good.

I still think he is introverted, but he was more comfortable with children, the behind the scenes video is a clear example of how he was imo.. He is expressive, but in a more focused way and isnt as talkative as an extrovert would be in this situation...

Again introversion, isnt about being at ease in larger settings and while he might have seemed at ease, he probably needed his alone time afterwards... Also notice, how the people you mention, are people that became part of his life - for a long period of time rather than 100s of kids at once...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9U44IBo7Z4

He was very unique, but a beautiful and gifted person.

mjscarousal said:

CharismaDove said:

good post, and agreed. He was certainly a very complex and interesting man. And if Frank Cascio is to be believed, MJ became hooked on marijuana for a short time in the early 2000s.. which goes against the "MJ was totally against any drug (drugs that he didn't get from a doctor)" There's so many claims about him from both sides that he's one of the most mysterious people I've ever seen LOL.

[Edited 10/11/15 12:33pm]

I would be weary of anything Frank Casio says. Also, he said that MJ smoked it with him, he didn't say he was "hooked" on it. (Its possible....but given Frank's track record its hard to believe anything he says) Frank Casio imo exaggerated the level of closeness he had with Michael and the MJ fans analyzed that book from up and down and found a ton inaccurate stuff. In addtion, Frank did a lot of shady things behind MJ's back which got him kicked out his circle so he is not to be trusted but yes MJ was a very interesting and complex man, miss him terribly! Nice to see you Gold Dolphin, its been foreva! miss u

[Edited 10/11/15 18:09pm]

Hmm, I dont trust what Frank says, he is a bit shady... He seems to be one of those people that love to exagerate the truth... MJ might have tried weed, but I dont see him being a pothead or hooked on it lol. Isn't there a song he wrote called California grass? lol... awee missed you too ! <3

there is no one enemy, it's not about Cascio or anyone else

the enemy is the false image itself, that's the root of the whole situation

Scorp said:

there is no one enemy, it's not about Cascio or anyone else

the enemy is the false image itself, that's the root of the whole situation

Dude, you've been on Michaels face for years. Is that all you can think of? lol... Nobody said Cascio is an enemy, but as with most of Michael's friends, many of them were fake or liked to exagerate the truth for their benefit....

GoldDolphin said:

Scorp said:

there is no one enemy, it's not about Cascio or anyone else

the enemy is the false image itself, that's the root of the whole situation

Dude, you've been on Michaels face for years. Is that all you can think of? lol... Nobody said Cascio is an enemy, but as with most of Michael's friends, many of them were fake or liked to exagerate the truth for their benefit....

why is it that everyone who became friends/associates of Michael in the latter years, was it really a coincidence they were fake?

Scorp said:

GoldDolphin said:

Dude, you've been on Michaels face for years. Is that all you can think of? lol... Nobody said Cascio is an enemy, but as with most of Michael's friends, many of them were fake or liked to exagerate the truth for their benefit....

why is it that everyone who became friends/associates of Michael in the latter years, was it really a coincidence they were fake?

Well, I do think that when someone is on Michaels level of fame, people try to worm themselves into your life... Many of these people werent interested in being his friend, but rather be seen with him and say that they knew him.... Also Michael wasnt no control freak when it came to people he talked to, which is different from many, Prince is a control freak and only keeps a small group of people close to him.

GoldDolphin said:

GoldDolphin said:

Scorp said:

why is it that everyone who became friends/associates of Michael in the latter years, was it really a coincidence they were fake?

. Also Michael wasnt no control freak when it came to people he talked to, which is different from many, Prince is a control freak and only keeps a small group of people close to him.

Wish michael did the same, he might be still alive

BTW did anyone see The Jacksons docu-series?

I saw the first episode.

Not bad.

Not bad at all.

Nowhere near as goofey as Latoya's series, but that has its charms as well.

Nobody cares about the 3Ts in America and outside MJ fans, most of the general public don't care about his three artificially inseminated kids who haven't a strand of Jackson DNA inside of them.

MichaelJackson5 said:

Nobody cares about the 3Ts in America and outside MJ fans, most of the general public don't care about his three artificially inseminated kids who haven't a strand of Jackson DNA inside of them.

>

All of that may be true but as famous family reality series go you could do worse.

The Kardashians or The Westbrooks anyone?

CynicKill said:

MichaelJackson5 said:

Nobody cares about the 3Ts in America and outside MJ fans, most of the general public don't care about his three artificially inseminated kids who haven't a strand of Jackson DNA inside of them.

>

All of that may be true but as famous family reality series go you could do worse.

The Kardashians or The Westbrooks anyone?

Well, anything looks like steak next to dog food like the Kardashians...I'm even being generous cause dog shit is a more accurate description of what that family is.

SoulAlive said:

[Edited 10/20/15 20:38pm]

I think Taylor Swift is having a very successful album with 1989 and its videos.

I wouldn't say it's impacting the pop culture landscape though.

MichaelJackson5 said:

I guess MJ did become introverted when he reached puberty. But he didn't seem as shy during his early days with the J5. He even visited Studio 54 back in the late 70s. There are stories about him being holed up in his bedroom surrounded by mannequins when he was still living with his parents in Encino in the 80s before he moved to Neverland.

MJ at the legendary Studio 54.

MJ could have kept his looks here. I wonder how many total plastic surgeries did he have to his face.

Astasheiks said:

MichaelJackson5 said:

I guess MJ did become introverted when he reached puberty. But he didn't seem as shy during his early days with the J5. He even visited Studio 54 back in the late 70s. There are stories about him being holed up in his bedroom surrounded by mannequins when he was still living with his parents in Encino in the 80s before he moved to Neverland.

MJ at the legendary Studio 54.

MJ could have kept his looks here. I wonder how many total plastic surgeries did he have to his face.

Let's put it this way - he released 6 major solo albums for Epic records from 1979 to 2001. He underwent surgery to a greater or lesser extent for each of those albums and even during an album's run. Even from 1999 to 2001, he had extensive work done on his face.

1999:

2001:

Having become more familiar with the contouring techniques of drag queens (Thanks RuPaul ) I can see that sometimes what people are seeing is really different MAKEUP on his nose, especially the bridge of it, when comparing different photos. I don't think we saw him without makeup after 1985.

Even his makeup is more relevant than Taylor Swift's.

HAPPYPERSON said:

Is Swift’s “1989” having the biggest impact on the pop-culture landscape since Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”?

Whoever wrote this must not have been around for New Kids On The Block sleeping bags and cartoon TV show

MickyDolenz said:

HAPPYPERSON said:

Is Swift’s “1989” having the biggest impact on the pop-culture landscape since Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”?

Whoever wrote this must not have been around for New Kids On The Block sleeping bags and cartoon TV show

Word!

If that's the measure of cultural impact, the Partridge Family is one of the most iconic acts in music history.

Even then it all swings back to The J5!

>

CynicKill said:

Even then it all swings back to The J5!

Not really. That would be Paul, George, John, & Ringo or maybe even Fess Parker (aka Davy Crockett) before them.

Taylor Swift needs to up her merchandising game, clearly.