Michael Jackson...role model?

[FireDancer]

I think he had the good heart

Uh, not to be Oliver Obvious but if his heart was so good how did it kill him? That's like wishing for the immune system of Arthur Ashe or the strong liver of Mickey Mantle.

To answer the original question, heck no I would not want my children to be like him. You have to look at the totality of a person and I don't think the record sales over shadows the kiddie fiddling, child sleepover parties (uh, who in their right mind does these), the "Jesus Juice", the altering of ones self. I would also like my child to die at least resembling the same race he is born as, whichever one that is.

 

[lillygator]

Uh, not to be Oliver Obvious but if his heart was so good how did it kill him? That's like wishing for the immune system of Arthur Ashe or the strong liver of Mickey Mantle.

To answer the original question, heck no I would not want my children to be like him. You have to look at the totality of a person and I don't think the record sales over shadows the kiddie fiddling, child sleepover parties (uh, who in their right mind does these), the "Jesus Juice", the altering of ones self. I would also like my child to die at least resembling the same race he is born as, whichever one that is.

how do you feel about Lance as a role model?

 

[Mickeyistheman]

I am trying REALLY REALLY HARD to ignore what certain people keep saying.

But I wanted to add that yes I would LOVE for my children (when I have them) to grow up and be as talented and loved as Michael Jackson was and will be. For the past 2 weeks now his music is #1 AGAIN.

He will more than likely be out of debt in a matter of months maybe even less because I think many forgot how awesome his music was.

Since some people did not see the Memorial Service today they may not have heard or known that MJ is in the Guiness Book as the most charitable Celebrity EVER! Why do people have to continue to put him down, but really if you looked around the world today....EVERYONE was mourning, it wasn't just here in the USA. It was in the West Bank, London, China, Japan, Haiti, Germany, Iran...need I go on?

However I digress from the question..

Now as for the Solider that was killed the day MJ died, I don't know if this answer will give me points as I do NOT want to start any debate of this manner, but a certain soliders mother (the solider was killed in combat) tried to tell a important person of how many people died in Iraq and that didn't go over to well. That person didn't want to hear how many had died.

This year in the media I think there also may be other logistics to that as well. Doesn't the family have to be notified first AND then if they choose it is shown on the news? Last week I saw a solider's casket coming home and I cried as I watched it.

 

[redrosesix]

No. But, only because he was never at peace while alive. Great entertainer, wonderful humanitarian, but couldn't go to the store. I would never want my child to be subject to the papparazzi and all the other creatures that lurk when your famous.

ITA! I don't want my child to be famous. Bleck! What a horrible life.

But, I also don't want her to be a drug addict, which was probably the root of most of his problems.

 

[MoniqueU]

Uh, not to be Oliver Obvious but if his heart was so good how did it kill him? That's like wishing for the immune system of Arthur Ashe or the strong liver of Mickey Mantle.

To answer the original question, heck no I would not want my children to be like him. You have to look at the totality of a person and I don't think the record sales over shadows the kiddie fiddling, child sleepover parties (uh, who in their right mind does these), the "Jesus Juice", the altering of ones self. I would also like my child to die at least resembling the same race he is born as, whichever one that is.

Ok, I couldn't back away. I agree with all of this. And also want to add in his nearly 50k a month prescription drug habit. That has been going on long before he ummm attained the kids he has. No telling what those kids went through with him loaded up like that though I do believe the nanny or nannies probably shielded them from alot.
My kids see this freak on TV and can't see why I went to his concert back in his heyday. It was a great show no question, I will never forget it. But that doesn't erase what this man turned into after that and the harm he did to the people he was supposed to have loved the most never mind his innocent victims. I am not one to belittle peoples feelings but I am stunned on the Dis I am finding people that admit they were crying over this today. UMmm I must live in an alternate universe. The only thing that made me want to cry was Sheila Jackson Lee. WTH was that about??/? Seriously there was no fanfare and crying going on for anna nicole smith the other latest unfit parent and major drug addict to die, she wasn't even accused of half the stuff MJ was. She couldn't sing or dance and didn't really have any talent but she was still famously and died the same way.

 

[redrosesix]

I am trying REALLY REALLY HARD to ignore what certain people keep saying.

But I wanted to add that yes I would LOVE for my children (when I have them) to grow up and be as talented and loved as Michael Jackson was and will be. For the past 2 weeks now his music is #1 AGAIN.

He will more than likely be out of debt in a matter of months maybe even less because I think many forgot how awesome his music was.

Since some people did not see the Memorial Service today they may not have heard or known that MJ is in the Guiness Book as the most charitable Celebrity EVER! Why do people have to continue to put him down, but really if you looked around the world today....EVERYONE was mourning, it wasn't just here in the USA. It was in the West Bank, London, China, Japan, Haiti, Germany, Iran...need I go on?

However I digress from the question..

Now as for the Solider that was killed the day MJ died, I don't know if this answer will give me points as I do NOT want to start any debate of this manner, but a certain soliders mother (the solider was killed in combat) tried to tell a important person of how many people died in Iraq and that didn't go over to well. That person didn't want to hear how many had died.

This year in the media I think there also may be other logistics to that as well. Doesn't the family have to be notified first AND then if they choose it is shown on the news? Last week I saw a solider's casket coming home and I cried as I watched it.

Ah hem, there were 7 US soldiers killed in Afghanistan on the same day that MJ died.

Hate to tell you that, being a Canuck as I am, but your American news channels have been rather busy the past 2 weeks. It was, however, reported widely on the Canadian news since it was a record for the highest fatalities in 1 day for the past year (think I got that right, sorry if I didn't)

 

[FireDancer]

how do you feel about Lance as a role model?

On a bike and as an advocate for cancer he is great. As a husband there are better. If he starts to have sleep over parties with children and then pays their family not to press charges I will gladly have nothing further to do with him. Again it goes to weight.

 

[Mickeyistheman]

Ah hem, there were 7 US soldiers killed in Iraq on the same day that MJ died.

Hate to tell you that, being a Canuck as I am, but your American news channels have been rather busy the past 2 weeks. It was, however, reported widely on the Canadian news since it was a record for the highest fatalities in 1 day for the past year (think I got that right, sorry if I didn't)

But this is not the first time a celebrity had died and the news went crazy...anyone remember Anna Nicole????????????? She was NO WHERE NEAR as famous as MJ. She was on for days and days.

On our local news station that also were reporting other things the day that he died as I am sure most other places did as well. BUT you are not going to get names or pictures of the soliders. The family must be notified first and foremost, then if they so choose it can be on their local news and have a picture of the casket, which I feel should have been shown several years ago, but again I digress and don't want to get into trouble b/c I don't think we are allowed to talk about that subject anymore.

Our Soliders are important and not just ours...All that are fighting no matter the country. We should be united in that way.

 

[lillygator]

On a bike and as an advocate for cancer he is great. As a husband there are better. If he starts to have sleep over parties with children and then pays their family not to press charges I will gladly have nothing further to do with him. Again it goes to weight.

well on his bike? what about his allegations?

 

[FireDancer]

well on his bike? what about his allegations?

Which allegations? That he cheated on his wife, I believe them. That he survived cancer, I believe them. That he ever took performance enhancing drugs, he has never been charged by any recognized cycling agency of failing a drug test. This is despite being the most tested athlete on the face of the Earth for most of his tour wins. The day Lance fails a drug test I will cease to be a fan point blank. The day Lance is accused of molesting a child and then pays the parents off I will cease to be a fan. Luckily, the UCI has very strict drug policies so there is little question of guilt or innocence.

 

[bumbershoot]

Seriously there was no fanfare and crying going on for anna nicole smith the other latest unfit parent and major drug addict to die

...

ANS raised one son. As she was having a baby, that son died. She died when her girl was only 6 months old. There was no TIME for her to be a fit or unfit mother to that girl, especially since her girl's early months were spent with her in heavy heavy grief, and I'm sure she followed the usual American drugging-yourself-over-grief model. Of course she had more money and more "people" than the average person does, and got too much of bad things, without normal people telling her to stop.

Her son seemed to like her, they seemed to have fun on her show while it was on. I was shocked and saddened when she died; she wasn't that much older than me, and it freaks me out when people my age die (as I believe we all do).

...as an advocate for cancer

Oh, I hope he's an advocate AGAINST cancer, not FOR... And he doesn't advocate the way my husband healed a brain tumor (western medicine wasn't a part of it), so he doesn't get high marks at that job, in my (or hubby's) book.
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I like what someone said about MJ being a role model for drive and perserverance.

 

[lillygator]

Which allegations? That he cheated on his wife, I believe them. That he survived cancer, I believe them. That he ever took performance enhancing drugs, he has never been charged by any recognized cycling agency of failing a drug test. This is despite being the most tested athlete on the face of the Earth for most of his tour wins. The day Lance fails a drug test I will cease to be a fan point blank. The day Lance is accused of molesting a child and then pays the parents off I will cease to be a fan. Luckily, the UCI has very strict drug policies so there is little question of guilt or innocence.

not gonna get into it, he did sidestep that falter ya know! He has money too ya know!

 

[FireDancer]

not gonna get into it, he did sidestep that falter ya know! He has money too ya know!

I have no idea what you are talking about. What is this falter he sidestepped? A falter is the condition of being unsure or weak, so if he sidestepped being unsure or weak than good for him.

I also have no problem with anyone with money, but I don't think it should buy your way out of crimes regardless of who you are.

 

[FireDancer]

Oh, I hope he's an advocate AGAINST cancer, not FOR... And he doesn't advocate the way my husband healed a brain tumor (western medicine wasn't a part of it), so he doesn't get high marks at that job, in my (or hubby's) book.

I should have said for cancer research. Congratulations to your husband. I find the majority of western medicine garbage designed to mask symptoms with drugs instead of address the actual disease. I also find the standard western lifestyle lazy and the diet horrible but that is a whole other thread.

I know a lot of cancer survivors and do a lot of volunteering with the American Cancer Society so regardless of what was used to cure your husband's tumor I'm whole heartedly glad it is cured. Lance's foundation mostly gives grants for research so I don't know if he has any specific way he likes better than others.

 

[MoniqueU]

...

ANS raised one son. As she was having a baby, that son died. She died when her girl was only 6 months old. There was no TIME for her to be a fit or unfit mother to that girl, especially since her girl's early months were spent with her in heavy heavy grief, and I'm sure she followed the usual American drugging-yourself-over-grief model. Of course she had more money and more "people" than the average person does, and got too much of bad things, without normal people telling her to stop.

Her son seemed to like her, they seemed to have fun on her show while it was on. I was shocked and saddened when she died; she wasn't that much older than me, and it freaks me out when people my age die (as I believe we all do).



Oh, I hope he's an advocate AGAINST cancer, not FOR... And he doesn't advocate the way my husband healed a brain tumor (western medicine wasn't a part of it), so he doesn't get high marks at that job, in my (or hubby's) book.
***********


I like what someone said about MJ being a role model for drive and perserverance.

The famous video of ANS was taken while she was pregnant, before her son died and she was clearly loaded out of her mind. There was also the time while also pregnant she went swimming but didn't bother to paddle in the pool and sank All this crap took place before her son died and she was on the meds for years just like MJ. Sorry but that doesn't make her a fit mother in my eyes. Pregnancy and Methadone don't go hand in hand at my house.

 

[NHdisneylover]

In some ways he IS a role model for my 10 year old son. I have no problem with it--given that my son looks up to him for many things but understnads those things which were not good also and does not want to emulate everyting baout MJ. My son is a dancer (as much as one can be at 10:00 with parents who do not push kids to grow up too fast) and loves to perform on stage in community productions, etc. He wants to be a performer when he grows up. He will watch MJ videos over and over and learn the dance moves. He is amazed at the variety of dance and how it is highlighted in MJs videos over and over through the years. He also really lieks a lot of MJs "looks" and the fact that he clearly paid a lot of attention to his attire and came up with new and intersting outfits and styles through the years (costumes are absolutely part of the show and DS gets that).Both of my kids really admire and respect MJ for his constant drive and commitment to trying to make the world a better place and his use of his art to keep world issues in the minds of us all.
On the other hand, I hope I have raised my kids to have MUCH more confidence in themselves than MJ ever did. I hope they never feel they need to change their looks or spend lots of money, etc. for validation. I hope they never have any sort of addiction. I hope they are never ridiculed by the media for every little choice and movemnt, etc.
So, NO I do not hope they grow up to be "just like" Michael Jackson. I hoenstly hope they do not grow up to be just like anyone other than themselves. But, I do think there are many aspects of MJ that they can see as role models and I think that is good. I have never considered a role model to be someone one wants to emulate entirely.

 

[Macca1111]

A child can grow up to be like MJ in a lot of ways and NOT like him in a lot of ways. A role model is a person that you can take SOME positives attributes from. NO ONE can be an ABSOLUTE role model, because we all have flaws.

On the nose, what I was going to mention. How many sports stars were role models until they did something human to bring them back to our level?

I like the Dis, I do not want to bypass the point system and get shown the door. Someone take my keyboard away.

ITA! I don't want my child to be famous. Bleck! What a horrible life.

Bingo! I don't wish celebrity on anyone I love. To have your whole being tied up in what people think of you at the moment, to be constantly hounded and questioned on every decision, to always have to be better than regular people. No thank you.

 

["Got Disney"]

No. Putting his talent aside for a minute, Lets face it, he had a terrible drug problem. An image problem. Changed his whole face to look very bizarre, He was very fragile and very shy. He had boys sleep in his bed and even though I dont think he was a child molester, this was wrong. I mean would you want your child to look at MJ as a role model and grow up sleeping with other parents children in their beds. He was to say the least very eccentric. There were many things about him that I dont see as a roll model.

As for him being a humanitarianism, that is another thing. He has been that without a doubt. But so have many other entertainers. Look at Bono.

I grew up with MJ. We were born the same year. I saw him in concert 2 times and would have loved to see him again. I admire and respect his talent, I mean how can you not. I am not saying he is a bad person, but he was a very troubled one to say the least.

Know as for a roll model, I look towards Martin Luther king for that.

 

[TimmyTimmyTimmy]

Children of the world... do not grow up to be like MJ!

 

[PaulaSB12]

Role model? No his behaviour was totally wrong his children where playthings, Bubbles should never have been a pet (did you know putting chimps in clothes damages their skin?) his drug taking and spending excesses where disgusting. All his behaviour including alleged child abuse is excused because of his childhood, well he was 50 when he died he had plenty of time to sort out his mental problems and blaming them on events that happened decades earlier is a cop out.