Bumping an old thread bc I can't find a better one for posting this tweet. Depressing account of the media treatment of Michael but also well-written, articulate and thoughtful.
"In the tumultuous arena of media coverage surrounding the enigmatic figure of Michael Jackson, it becomes painfully evident that no faction of the media spectrum possesses pristine hands. Indeed, the left wing, right wing, and ostensibly non-partisan outlets have all contributed, to varying degrees, to the modern-day crucifixion of the late King of Pop. The genesis of this defamation can be traced back to the sordid inception within the bowels of right-wing tabloid sensationalism, where fabricated narratives birthed a grotesque tapestry of scandal.
Right-wing media outlets, notorious for their penchant for salacious headlines and sensationalism, spearheaded the campaign of character assassination against Jackson. Fabrications masquerading as truths permeated the tabloid sheets, tarnishing Jackson's legacy with tales of outlandish behavior, dubious relationships, and grotesque allegations. These narratives, while lacking in factual basis, nonetheless permeated the broader media landscape, infecting even ostensibly impartial platforms with their virulent strain of character assassination.
However, the culpability of the media extends beyond the confines of right-wing tabloid sensationalism. Left-wing outlets, ostensibly champions of social justice and equity, were not immune to the allure of sensationalism when it came to the figure of Michael Jackson. Instead of providing a counterbalance to the baseless accusations proliferated by their right-wing counterparts, left-wing media outlets often succumbed to the temptation of exploiting Jackson's eccentricities for the sake of ratings and circulation.
Moreover, the ostensibly non-partisan media outlets, entrusted with the sacred duty of upholding journalistic integrity and impartiality, have also failed in their mandate when it comes to the coverage of Michael Jackson. Seduced by the allure of clickbait and sensationalism, these outlets too have succumbed to the pervasive narrative of Jackson's alleged transgressions, perpetuating falsehoods and half-truths under the guise of objective reporting.
The tragic irony of Michael Jackson's plight lies in the fact that even in death, he remains ensnared in the web of sensationalism and scandal. Social media movements such as, while undeniably instrumental in amplifying the voices of victims of sexual abuse, have also served to obstruct the path to fair and balanced reporting when it comes to the false allegations levied against Jackson. The presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of the justice system, has been callously discarded in favor of expediency and moral grandstanding.
The saga of Michael Jackson serves as a sobering reminder of the pernicious influence of sensationalism and scandal within the media landscape. Regardless of political affiliation or purported neutrality, no media entity emerges unscathed from the crucible of Jackson's narrative. It is incumbent upon us, as consumers of media, to exercise discernment and critical thinking in the face of such narratives, lest we become unwitting accomplices in the perpetuation of falsehoods and injustice.
In envisioning a brighter future, we must confront the systemic biases in media coverage, especially concerning figures like Michael Jackson, a black man in a predominantly white media landscape. By fostering empathy, understanding, and accountability, we can strive for honest storytelling and honor Jackson's legacy with the dignity he deserves. This requires both a shift in media practices and broader societal reckoning with issues of race and power. Only through collective action can we ensure a fair and balanced portrayal of Jackson's narrative."
