Farooq Siddique: Michael Jackson was too trusting
Sometimes people rely on others too much. Expect from others too much.
It is part of our very nature.
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Michael Jackson was too trusting, says Farooq Siddique
To be human, is to fall, and learn to get back up.
In my life of 40 years, I have had high expectations of many people. I have had high hopes of them.
I have trusted too much, perhaps naively, perhaps deliberately, perhaps hopefully, and yet despite that trust and hope, rarely being repaid, I continue to trust and continue to hope.
Admittedly though, my cynicism is now sometimes getting the better of me.
At the weekend, the world news was dominated by the death of Michael Jackson. In Glastonbury, the stars lined up to pay their tributes to him. Yes, it's true, the television coverage was remarkable, virtually no other news even made it onto our screens.
A sign perhaps of the status some celebrities now have; in the growing absence of faith, celebrities have become the new idols of worship, the new man-gods.
But that's not the aspect I want to talk about, interesting though it is.
Michael Jackson was probably the greatest entertainer that ever lived. Of that there is little doubt.
I too have been a fan of his since my teenage years, not a delirious one, but a fan nonetheless.
Almost from the outset, there has been vulnerability about him. Even from a distance, it was clear to see that he was surrounded by those who were just there to take advantage of him.
He was, too trusting.
He relied on too many.
He was too naive.
He was child-like, in his view of the world, and in what he surrounded himself with.
He was living out his childhood in front of the world's eyes. As a child, imagine what you always wanted.
Michael Jackson built all that in his "Neverland" residence; a theme park, a zoo, a cinema, and house that had all the toys you could ever want; toys that he bought shopping in the world's biggest toy stores.
And as a child, all you ever wanted to do was go out and play with the other kids.
And for that, the media, the same media that now holds him up as a god-like figure, crucified him.
Martin Bashir is the man who made the TV documentary about Michael, the editing and broadcasting of which led to the charges of child abuse against the singer.
In that documentary, Michael gave open and honest, but seriously naive responses to Martin's questions about the time he spent with kids.
He trusted him too much.
Now, after everything, the same Martin Bashir says: "I believe Michael's behaviour was unorthodox, but I never believed it was criminal".
Martin is now joined by all the others who once made a living out of making Michael look bad, as they vie for position to now say how great they always thought Michael was.
And in that too is human nature I suppose.
To not really appreciate what you have, until it is gone.
Michael Jackson was a true star.
In November 2008, Michael reportedly converted to Islam.
This is my homage to him.
In the words of his brother Jermaine Jackson, himself a devout Muslim; "May Allah be with you always".











8 Comments
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by Roy, Bristol
Thursday, July 09 2009, 7:37AM
“Michael Jackson was the greatest performer / entertainer plus he was so kind in giving to charities and trying to do his bit to heal the world. Unfortunately the media to a large extent didn't treat him right at all and often betrayed his trust (Bashir being a perfect example)
Gerry, MJ was brought up as a Jehovah witness as he grew and sought more knowledge like brother Jermaine there are reports that he had chosen Islam to be the truth as his brother Jermaine said, "May Allah be with you always", and thank you for the memories Michael.”
by chris, Bristol
Monday, July 06 2009, 1:35PM
“Martin Bashir achieved fame while ripping someone else's life to shreds.
Regarding the child abuse accusations if i had been a parent of one of the abused children no amount of money offered would have been enough...so thats always been suspect imo
I think Michael jackson put himself in a vulnerable position and ended up paying the ultimate price.
name me a modern day artist that commands as much presence as he did in his day ?”
by JoJo, Bristol
Friday, July 03 2009, 10:05AM
“Lots of mixed race children are light in skin colour, but lets wait for the inevitable DNA tests shall we. The "mother" gave up rights a long time ago, she took money and said her breeding was over. It's all over the internet. She's only interested now Michael has gone and she wants the money. As for the abuse charges we'll never really know, but both families were happy with the money they received, if it were true, they would have not taken the money and kept up the fight. In all honesty Mark, we'll never know the truth, more stories seem to crop up everyday. We'll have to agree to disagee on this one, I still think he is a good role model in terms of working hard and striving for the best you can achieve.”
by Mark, Bristol
Thursday, July 02 2009, 11:41PM
“Jackson clearly tried to give the impression he was white. Why else would he claim to be the father of three white children, who did he expect to fool? He left the mother out of his will and forbade access to her own children. Legal drugs are still drugs, and he abused them. Lied about cosmetic surgery and paid off a family instead of fronting up in court. Some role model.”
by callmehal, south bristol
Thursday, July 02 2009, 10:30PM
“He was damaged by childhood trauma.His fame, money and shyness stopped him from developing real relationships with people.He found it easier to relate to children and animals.I suspect he was trying to look like a female to appeal to gay men.Perhaps he was the original hot house flower.Pushed and pushed to achieve.His white socks and glove were now dated.No doubt his performance on stage would be perfect.A flawed genius.”