Pop + Culture + Monday: Think Twice Podcast
Like so many people, I grew up with listening to and watching Michael Jackson. I have loved Michael from the cheese of We Are the World, to the laughable, but awesome tough guy in Beat It, to the bop, The Way You Make Me Feel. Like many, I was willing to be drawn into all the worlds he created. He redefined music video culture and his music marked the seasons and rhythms of life for many of us. And even today, despite the origins of the oddities and moniker, he is and was, for so many, the undisputed King of Pop.
As I think back, over the years, my relationship and commitment to MJ waned as allegations of child abuse surfaced and his music became less compelling. I remember recently finding vinyl copies of his past albums at used record stores and internally getting excited, but ethically not being able to buy them. No, he would not get any money, but believing what I believe about the allegations, I could not bring his albums into my home. Don’t get me wrong, I have not drawn a hard line in the sand. I hear his music and sing along when it pops up in the background, but I have not chosen to play any of his stuff intentionally.
Like many, I have been conflicted.
I have certainly fallen into the “you can separate the art from the artist” camp when it comes to MJ, but, I must confess that I do not give the same kind of slack to other artists. Sure, Micheal was never convicted of any crime, but if I am honest, I boycott movies, television, and music by others over political views for much less. Sure, none of us is pure in our beliefs and I am not beating myself up over this, but I think it is interesting the amount of slack that is extended his way.
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And then I listened to the Wondery podcast, Think Twice: Michael Jackson, and I now have a better understanding of why society has been so conflicted and willing to give him the benefit of the doubt in light of all of the allegations.
From the Podcast Description:
More than a decade since Michael Jackson’s death, his legacy remains complicated and unresolved. Think Twice: Michael Jackson is an exploration of the King of Pop’s life and impact – and an investigation into why his global influence continues to endure, despite the disturbing allegations against him. In this ten-part series, journalists Leon Neyfakh and Jay Smooth bring you a new perspective on the Michael Jackson story, based on dozens of original interviews with people who watched it unfold from up close.
Hosted by Jay Smooth and Leon Neyfakh the podcast does a great job of not telling the listener what to believe. Still, it objectively lays out events and developments layered with a helpful amount of analysis and personal reflection. I learned so many things about his early days with The Jackson 5, The Jacksons, The Wiz, and more. While I gained a deeper appreciation for MJ as an entertainer, I have been pushed firmly to the side of the victims. After listening to this podcast combined with watching the HBO Documentary, Leaving Neverland, I can already tell that my ability to separate the art from the artist is no longer so easy to do.
Trigger warning that there is quite a bit of graphic description of child sexual abuse and the complex and unhelpful ways that society responded, so if this kind of content is difficult to listen to, you may want to pass.
Think Twice: Michael Jackson has only 10 Episodes, so if you are looking for your next podcast binge, I highly recommend it.