Its a long story.
But long story short :lol:....when I was little (as MJ would say, 'like nine yeeers oallldd') I could really relate to Michael. my family life was not pleasant. I was going through that awkward phase EARLY lol...so i felt really lonely, abandoned, misunderstood. And Michael and his music pretty much helped me through that. So I guess i can relate to MJ on so many levels and stages in my life. he's been a role model for me to work hard, stick to your ideals, and DARE TO BE DIFFERENT.
tHat was back then. Now MJ's my inspiration for a different reason. Perseverance. the trial (if it had to happen) couldn't have come at a better time. At that time I've grown up, become a lot more mature, struggling to find myself, and then MJ is forced into the worst time of his life. But seeing him go through it, I supported him like and old childhood friend. Cuz that is what he was to me...I when i was 9, I was reallllly crazy for him, and obsessed, and unrealistic in my view about him :lol: I got over it in high school and when MJ was going through the trial, I had a totally different view of him. It's almost as if me and Michael/Michael's music went WAYYYY BACK or something :lol: I'm not obsessed with the guy (like I was), but I hold an appreciation for what he's done with his music, and his life in general to inspire people...so pretty much, I'm pretty much gonna support the man for life...I'm along for the ride. I deeply care and love him because of WHO HE IS, what he's BEEN through, what he'd DONE with his life....I love the man. I really do. So yep I'm stuck like Velcro to him and when ever he needs support i'm there, no matter what he decides to do from now on.
Plus the guy continues to surprise me. After the trial, I was really down because I thought MJ would totally change afterwards and give up everything. Damn did he surprise the hell out of me. He hasnt changed a bit, and that right there is inspiring. He's still sweet, gracious, kind...it's amazing. It's a lesson MJ has SHOWN me, and I'm going to keep that lesson close to my heart for the rest of my days.
I sooo get what you are saying J5master. Great topic Shannon.:yes:
For me like J5master and I am sure others
I grew up listening to J5 and MJ (a bunch of other 'solid' artists) coz of my folks. I didn't really become a fan of MJ until later on. When I was a kid I use to marvel at little MJ's talent. I couldn't get enough of this tiny person blowing peeps mind (including my dad who by the way is a proper 'critic' in music) with such composure, dignity and purity.
I started to realize that it wasn't just his talent that inspired me but also the so-called 'contradiction' in his manners/beliefs etc. What I mean is simply that for some time most peeps believe that it took a certain 'type' of person to be 'successful' so things like been 'extrovert' 'macho for men' etc were associated with success etc. I have always wanted to me successful in areas that i am interested in (I don't mean 'celebrity success' by the way) but I or rather my personality doesn't 'fit' into these values. I don't hold much respect for 'successful artist' for example who have 10000 kids by 1000 women they whose names they don't even remember or say 'successful women' who are more like 'sophisticated w*ores' than anything else.
So I never believed or understood why these values were synonymous with 'success' etc which in turn made me feel very odd. MJ taught or rather showed me that you do not have to sacrifice your values/dignity to get to where you want to be. This lesson was very important to me especially when I was younger and kept hearing how the dreams/goals I had were 'unrealistic' 'not-me' wtf etc. The other thing I experienced as I started journey of making my dreams come true or at least die trying :lol: was the 'hate/dislike/falsehood/lies' that seems to pour out of some folks who can't stand seeing anyone even daring to try to be better/best he/she can be. It makes me laugh now at times but (thank God I am not a celebrity coz some ish peeps do/say would have made headlines)! :lol:
So again I understand the 'haters' so well when it comes to MJ coz those folks exist in real life! MJ continues to teach me how to handle things like this (albeit my experiences are very minor in comparison). I have achieved many of my childhood dreams thank God and have many more to go. But through it all its like whenever the ish hits the fan (and I know that my ish will never be as big as what MJ has put up with so far) I can always look at the way MJ dealt with it and know that it will be OK. :lol:
Funny thing is that for years I stayed away from forums etc didn't really think they were for me. Anyway I used to read stuff as a guest and that's it. When the trial hit I was sooooo pleasantly surprised by the way fans investigated, shared, question etc all aspect of the accusations. It was one time that I was blown away not just by MJ's dignity, courage, strength etc but also by the fans. Just like I got a deeper understanding of MJ and a whole new level of respect and love for him, I saw a whole new aspect of MJ fans. I remember watching the verdict and seeing the fans and also one banner which I will never forget that read 'MJ on behalf of manking.. We are sorry' and wished I was there to hug each and everyone of them. I felt like they were all connected to me, to the joy I felt etc.
It was also amazing how this man even at his hardest/darkest times still brought love out of people from across the globe. I don't mean to write a whole book on this topic but I am so glad to be alive in this era coz before MJ all my other 'heroes' are dead and the only way I could learn about them was through books, videos etc
MJ means a whole lot to me! He taught that its Ok to dream, that your dream can be as big or small as you want, you are in control, that anything is possible, that just because many peeps believe in something it anit Gospel, that aim to be the best you can be and be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, that talk is cheap, that its Ok to be care for others even tho' you don't know them personally, that you can make a difference no matter how big or small, that good people do win!
unk:
