Michael Jackson

I remember the first cassette tape I ever purchased. It was Michael Jackson's Bad.

I was at some sort of bookstore in Taiwan... I was young... and I saw this tape. It had Michael Jackson in the front. And the only thing I could think of was... "man... this guy looks so cool." I had no idea why. I recall his black outfit. His large eyes.

My mom bought the tape for me and I listened to it in the car. I was hooked. This man was singing perfect melodies complete with woos and ahhs and yelps that fit perfectly in each song. His voice had so much passion and soul, I was at first confused and stunned. I never realized someone can express such deep emotions through songs and beats and rhythm. As a young child, this was like opening the door to another dimension where things that were so ridiculously beautiful... I couldn't even possess the ability to comprehend the scope of it's beauty. The thing is, I didn't even understand a lick of English. I was a Chinese boy in Taiwan, but Michael Jackson spoke to me with his melodious and passionate songs. His passionate music, addictive beats and daring rhythms captured my soul and my imagination like no other medium of entertainment ever have or ever will again.

It opened up my eyes, ears, heart, and soul to something that was so universal and so overwhelmingly powerful... that I didn't even need to know the language to understand Michael's message.

It wasn't until later on did I get to watch Michael Jackson perform on tv. I then realized... this man... is amazing. I realized that such talent... such beauty... such perfection.. in song, in dance, in performance. It can happen. It exists. Because we're all here and we all saw it.

Michael Jackson's music, his perfected dance moves, his deep passion and love for music... it had a profound effect on me as a child. I grew up idolizing the man who grew bigger than his own legend. And everytime his performance or video was on somewhere, I would stand there and watch proudly.... as if he belonged to me. I would watch... and wait for others to be impressed... and try to hide how excited and amazed I am at his performance.

When people make fun of him... I don't know what to say or do. I don't know Michael Jackson personally. I just know... his music. His dance moves. His performances. It touched me. As a child, it bedazzled me. And now as a married man... it still amazes me and brings me to my feet applauding excitedly at the tv screen. Though I wish I was watching him performing live somewhere.... even if it was pay-per-view... I could only stand there, with tears in my eyes... and applaud with the rest of the crowd... as he bows and waves to the fans... and the dvd ends.

"...Smile... when your heart is aching..."
- posted by Jack @ 10:40 PM