This Is a Heartfelt Appeal To Michael Jackson Fans by Nancy

A time of extreme emotional duress is upon us.  Dr. Conrad Murray's arrest is eminent.
This event is understandably going to effect everyone in a multitude of emotional ways and some will want to react in a variety of ways according to their feelings.  I want to appeal to everyone to pause, consider, and temper your emotions for the sake of Michael's legacy.  Yes, his legacy.

The reason I say this is because the fans historically have been the source for media and public scrutiny in regards to how certain performers have impacted society.  The memories of these performers are significantly intertwined with the reaction they inspired in those that either loved and followed them or those that were against them  for general or specific reasons.  The performers overall impact on the fans, the community, and the era are being tallied and assessed by many who will report about it. 

We have to keep in the forefront of our minds what Michael stood for, what he told us, and what he believed in.  It is very important that we reflect the 'Man in the Mirror' to the eyes of the world who may want to judge him through us.  It is through deep love and respect for Michael Jackson that we must consider all the various ways our behavior can have an impact on what his overall legacy is summarized as having been or will be. 

We are a source of his HIStory in the eyes of many who are watching and waiting to report.  The Egomediasts.  There will be many attempts to seek out scandal by commentators in an attempt to provide entertainment to a select group of people who thrive on it.  Unfortunately, there are many who prefer this type of reporting over anything based on truth or concrete facts.

It is just human nature to seek validation intellectually or emotionally for whatever one wants to believe.  Those with a misunderstanding about Michael will be seeking to have their feelings justified.  Those with an abiding respect and love of Michael Jackson will be seeking the same. Each will be hanging on every word in an attempt to find valid points to support their feelings.  Some will be listening for legitimate facts while others will feed their need with speculation and allegation wrapped within a clever veneer of honest reporting.  This is not new.  We are realistic about this being the practice of the media over the more than forty years of Michael's career.

     I know many are feeling anxiety about whether Michael's past allegations and controversies will be rehashed for public consumption without regard as to whether these pieces of slander are relevant to the proceedings about to ensue.  Yes.  They will be.  It is certain.  Each time we hear about these falsehoods it will hurt.  We will consider the impact these illegitimate words are having on his family, and especially his children.  And We will want to react to them in defense
of Michael, in defense of those close to him, those who he can no longer be there for. 

     I make an appeal that you remember Michael's personal reactions during his lifetime when you have the impulse to react in any way that may be seen as negative by those who are waiting for the opportunity to report scandal for the sake of entertainment.  Michael believed in peace. 

Michael believed in love.  Michael would not give substance to lies by allowing himself to react to them in any significant way when being interviewed.  Michael was a lover, not a fighter. Whether we want to see justice served for his untimely and tragic death is not at issue.  Yes. We do.  A crime of unbelievable and shocking proportions has been committed against a gentle, loving, and sensitive human being that we all have an abiding love and respect for.  A man who tried to bring a message of love, hope, and healing to the world.  An extraordinary humanitarian who's total good deeds to many people may never be fully known or appreciated due to his belief in the importance of joyful giving without personal publicity.  A speechlessly talented genius in music, song, and dance, and all the other arts as well.  It us unforeseeable that another
like Michael Jackson will ever be seen again in our lifetime.  We not only love him for the talent he gave us, Michael was/is family as far as our hearts are concerned.

We want to know why and how such a thing could have happened.  We want to know that should this be proven to be a criminal act, that the perpetrator is required to be held accountable.  We want swift justice and proof that anyone found guilty of such crimes do not go unpunished in our society.  Our emotions will be wanting to inform out actions in all respects. Therefore, please, pause and consider the ramifications to his legacy that any actions on the part of the fans may have. 
     In regard to this, I believe it is best to watch the people closest to Michael in order to gain a perspective on how to act ourselves.  Watch the Jackson family.  They have spent many years in the public eye and know how best to portray themselves publicly and with the media. 

Let us take our cues from them.

Sincerely,
Nancy Jackson
2-7-2010