Memories of Michael Jackson
I Wanted to Marry Michael Jackson - My First Celebrity Crush
I remember the world premiere of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video on Friday Night Videos. My brother and I stayed up to watch.
I listened to a bootleg tape of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album until it broke. Then I saved up my money to buy a legal copy - which eventually wore out also.
My walls were covered in Michael Jackson posters and everyone in my family knew that they weren't allowed to say anything critical about Michael Jackson in my presence. In truth, Michael Jackson was my first real celebrity crush (I don't really count the very early crushes on Sean Cassidy and Rick Springfield - they were short-lived). That's saying a lot for a very white young lady who expected herself to always be perfectly proper. Having a huge crush on an African-American celebrity was a real no-no. I dreamed of marrying Michael Jackson. Yes, it was silly, but to a 12-year-old girl - it was important.
One of those years - which I now call my "Michael Years" - I received a Michael Jackson doll for Christmas. My mom still has it, even though I told her she should get rid of it a few years ago.
There was a girl one year ahead of me in school who had two authentic Michael Jackson jackets - one from Thriller (the familiar red and black) and one from Beat It (the red, zippered jacket). I was envious - wanting one of those so bad, but knowing that even if I had one, I wouldn't be brave enough to wear it in public for fear of being made fun of.
I had several Michael Jackson gloves that I wore around home. Of course I wasn't brave enough to wear those in public either, but I loved having them because they were part of my "love" for Michael Jackson.
I was well over my Michael Years by the time I reached high school. By then, in late 1986, Michael Jackson's popularity was starting to roll down the other side of its peak. I no longer wanted to marry Michael Jackson - he would soon be replaced by Patrick Swayze (a la Dirty Dancing) in my girlish and fickle heart.
I no longer defended Michael Jackson to my family. I put away the stacks of magazines that had pictures of Michael (many of which had either been worn out or had been cut up). Some of those magazines even ended up in the trash. I tore down the posters on my walls and put away the cassette tapes.
Today, as I ponder the sad news of Michael Jackson's death, I look back at the sad and strange turns Michael Jackson's life took over the years. I think back to my Michael Years and feel a little embarrassed. Not completely though - they taught me that it's okay to be who you are - even if everyone around you is disagreeing. Even though I received lots of teasing and ribbing from family members during my Michael Years, I never gave up on my crush.
While I am no longer a fan and in truth have been horrified by some of the events that have transpired in Michael's life in recent years, I still love several of Michael Jackson's songs - most specifically those that were such an integral part of my pre-teen years ("Thriller," "Beat It," "Billie Jean" and others). So I guess I have to give credit and thanks to Michael - for helping an awkward and lonely little girl through a rough spot and helping her to see her own worth. Rest in peace, Michael.
Published by Tammy Lee Morris - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Tammy Lee Morris is a lifelong resident of southern Illinois where she enjoys a quiet life in a rural area. After working for a local newspaper while studying journalism at a local community college, she dev... View profile
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Associated Content Pays Tribute to Michael Jackson
The legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson died unexpectedly. Associated Content Sources join in remembering Michael Jackson, and create a lasting tribute.
- Michael Jackson Dies from Cardiac Arrest Michael Jackson danced his way into hearts all around the world as a part of the Jackson 5 as a young boy. Now he is gone and the world is left in shock.
- Tragic Loss of Michael Jackson and My Memories My memories of seeing Michael Jackson in concert years ago, The world has lost a great entertainer. Who was taken from us to soon.
- Glimpses of Michael Jackson the Man Revelations after watching the memorial service of Michael Jackson, Tuesday July 7, 2009.
- A Final Farewell to Music Legend Michael Jackson A detailed description of Michael Jackson's funeral service held on September 3, 2009 at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California.
- Is Michael Jackson Still a Thriller 25 Years Later?
- A Dance Dance Revolution: Michael Jackson in the United Kingdom
- American Idol Has Michael Jackson Night
- Memories of Michael Jackson: My Own Tribute to the King of Pop
- The Death of Michael Jackson is the Birth of an Immortal Legacy
- Live Coverage of Michael Jackson Funeral Has Begun
- Memories of Michael Jackson
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39 Comments
Post a CommentMJ was aquitted of all charges years ago...so can people stop bringing up the child molestation issues already. I am mourning 2 very important and influential people in my life....my brother and only sibling who died at age 37 just 2 years ago and my other idol MJ who died last year at age 50....Now its like what now....what do I have to look forward to. No more new music or concerts to go to etc. Life is hard enough and I've lost 2 bright spots in my life. I'm 40 years old and know what I'm talking about.
Thank you ! Why do people automatically believe the media. If you want to know the truth search for it. If you want to repeat what the "media" spwes then keep it to yourself. We've already heard it.
I am trying to repost. All of my punctuation marks came out as % when I posted.
He was acquitted? Does that mean nothing anymore? Would you like to be set up and run throug the courts unjustly and when you are acquitted have people say that because you were accused you are guilty? Remember that anyone can accuse anyone of anything. He was a victim of greedy people who took advantage of his unconditional love for others and kind heart. Since you have swallowed the media version hook,line, and sinker, give the other side of the story equal time and read Michael Jackson Conspiracy by Aphrodite Jones. If we all had the kind loving heart of Michael Jackson the world would be a much better place to say the least. I love you Michael!!!! See you soon. Add a Comment
Lisa Ling tweeted that Michael was her 1st boyfriend.
I second Rebecca's suggestion for more information. The last 20 yrs. has been a steady diet of tabloid sensationalism & disinformation @ Michael Jackson, especially about the molestation charges.
Regarding the Jordie Chandler allegation which was settled:
1. Redemption by Geraldine Hughes, legal secretary for Barry Rothman, Dr. Chandler's lawyer, who witnessed the set-up;
2. Earl Ofari Hutchison's article "Bury the Never Ending Myth of Jackson as Child Molester" @ the Huffington Post website; and
3. "Was Michael Jackson Framed? The Untold Story," Mary A. Fischer, GQ, October 1994, http://www.buttonmonkey.com/misc/maryfischer.html:
He was acquitted%21%21%21%21 Does that mean nothing anymore%3F%3F Would you like to be set up and run throug the courts unjustly and when you are acquitted have people say that because you were accused you are guilty%3F Remember that anyone can accuse anyone of anything. He was a victim of greedy people who took advantage of his unconditional love for others and kind heart. Since you have swallowed the media%27s version hook%2C line%2Cand sinker%2C give the other side of the story equal time and read Michael Jackson Conspiracy by Aphrodite Jones. If we all had the kind loving heart of Michael Jackson the world would be a much better place to say the least. I love you Michael %21%21%21%21 See you soon.
Hi, I began reading thinking I was going to enjoy it, but ended up feeling kind of let down. I don't blame you for moving on (though I don't think I'll ever get sick of Michael) but I wonder if you have really done your homework about Michael. You say you were horrified by some of the things later in his life. Do you mean the molestation allegations? Being accused does not equate guilt, and I would highly recommend a book called Michael Jackson Conspiracy by Aphrodite Jones. (I am not being paid to endorse it, it just explains way more than I can hope to do here.) Michael was the victim of extortionists.
He was a humanitarian who gave millions to help the underprivileged. He was also a loving and excellent father. I wish you had included some of this information.
I too was a Michael fan, enjoyed this read. Take a look at the articles I wrote on MJ and give me your opinion. thanks
I loved Michael Jackson as well...I had the glove when I was a kid and we definitely lost an icon!
Well this article proves one thing...I'm way older than you! LOL. But I still had an MJ crush, especially in his thriller and Off the Wall days.
Anyone's death is sad and a loss, so it is only humane that people would mourn him in spite of the molestation accusations and million dollars out-of-court settlements he reached with his victims. I used to like his music...until I couldn't stomach his actions as an adult. I honor the music; not the man. Great write-up!