I’ve been listening and reading with interest some of the debate around Michael Jackson and Leaving Neverland, the film about the experiences that the two boys had with the big star. I am fascinated that rather than trying to work out how we protect young people from celebrities who abuse, we divide into camps of those who believe or disbelieve the boys and stay with that discussion.
Why do we have this need to protect our icons from all taint or see others as unredeemable complete bastards? Why do some disregard all the stories about MJ whilst others become converts who will never listen to any of his music ever again? Is it too hard to see a balanced picture so that we see the person and acknowledge the shadow they cast? Does our need to worship heroes and cast others (people and organisations) as evil, help or hinder in our lives?
I would much rather see Jackson’s ability to harm together with his genius and talent in bringing joy; it makes him human. Why is that so difficult for us?
