YORKE: My love, Michael
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Updated: July 07, 2009 3:54 PM
My first love was a man with a velvet voice and moves that can make your head spin. At the ripe old age of two, I fell in love with Michael Jackson. I spent hours listening and dancing to his music before I could string paragraphs together.
Of course I do not remember when my love affair with Michael began exactly but I know from stories that my family have told me that I was young when this infatuation began. Home videos from 1991 get pulled out (in the name of embarrassment,) and friends get to witness this pint-size kid with a big afro (me,) shaking her groove thing to the song “Black or White.” My love for Michael has remained strong since I was that nappy-headed toddler.
Michael was misunderstood. He was a darling Peter Pan figure that at times needed to be defended. Michael’s tumultuous life made me love him more and caused me to jump to his defence on many occasions. I felt like the song “Black or White” (which promotes racial unity,) was the anthem of my life and for this I will always be grateful to the song’s creator. Thank you Michael.
I can remember, growing up, when Michael was the butt of jokes and at times he was scorned by some individuals and criticized. There was a point in the artist’s life where he was hung by the media without a fair trial. People were quick to critique Michael and jump to conclusions about his life. This was incredibly sad.
The man was legendary. He was gentle, eccentric and without a doubt, one of a kind. His music, unlike his life, has always been incredibly up-beat and positive. He showed courage in the face of adversity and the strength to keep coming back. One of my dreams was to see Michael Jackson perform in concert. This dream was shattered on June 25th when the superstar's life ended suddenly. Shock waves were felt around the world, including here in Shanghai. I felt like I had been punched in the stomach when I heard the news. Like so many, initially I couldn’t believe this was true. Jackson is a larger-than-life figure and his music has made a global impact.
Over these past weeks since his death, I have witnessed people standing around TV screens in Shanghai watching Michael’s performances. The DVD stores have suddenly printed up every Michael Jackson DVD ever made and big displays are situated front and centre in the stores here. Sales of his music have sky-rocketed all over the world, which is no surprise. Suddenly, folks have kinder, gentler words to offer about Michael. The tributes are pouring in. Now that Michael has died, there is a certain generosity in the words that are used to describe him. The world has lost a gifted artist. A bright light has gone out on planet earth. I only hope that Michael has found his place up there among the stars.
Rest in peace, Michael Jackson.
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