Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Pop Icon

When thinking of pop culture phenomena, it’s hard not to think of music and its universal qualities. Pop music is something that has changed our world by building connections impossible without it. It mirrors our ever-increasing globalization as pop groups from around the world rise to international fame. Out of these, any number of groups and musicians could be labeled “iconic”, but no one does it better than the King of Pop. From music and dance to fashion and tabloids, Michael Jackson’s sphere of influence seems to encompass nearly every aspect of pop culture.

Michael Jackson is and was both America’s darling musical prodigy and an enigma surrounded by many troubles. His works inspired plenty, and continue to do so today, but what makes him such an icon? And what can we learn about ourselves and America from his life and works? While we might gather any number of different things from classics such as “Thriller”, “Billie Jean”, and “We are the World”, Michael Jackson and his music undoubtedly represent a thread across time and culture that connect many. Because of this, he serves as an interesting point for examination to look into ourselves. The legendary icon that is Michael Jackson can be separated into three different levels, starting with the most superficial. And although it’s superficial, what is most noticeable about the King of Pop is also probably the most remarkable.

Jackson was incredibly talented in almost all aspects of musical production. From songwriting to singing, to beatboxing, to performing, to dancing, and much more, Michael Jackson had enough talent to bring the whole world’s eyes to him. To add to his credibility, “He won 13 Grammy Awards, was inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist) and received the American Music Awards' Artist of the Century Award.” The iconic nature of his music not only showcases the times in which they were created but inevitably shaped them. Jackson’s incredibly successful work, “Thriller” paved the way for future artists with its ambitious budget and incredible production. “Before Thriller, established rock guitarists did not collaborate with soul, R’n’B, and disco singers. Before Thriller, black artists were very rarely featured on MTV”. Who knows how many artists in the US would not have risen to fame if it were not for Jackson and the inspiration he provided? Or how long it would’ve taken for people to take artists of color more seriously? Because of his influence, Jackson’s legacy is undoubtedly one of the biggest landmarks in the history of pop culture, if not the biggest of our time. But what else is there to him?

When we look at MJ on another level, it’s possible to see how he serves as a bridge between cultures, within the US and outside of it. Through his charity, his music, and his status, he could be regarded as an “ambassador” for US pop culture to other countries since he was an international hit. He was also one of the first superstars of color, a monumental position to be in in America, where racism still had a decent hold (Halle). Part of his success in closing rifts between people is due to the universal appeal of his music. If everyone can find a connection to a piece of music, then there’s a possibility for everyone to be a fan. Jackson succeeded in creating works that could create those connections easily. Many of his songs embody a feeling of charity and connectedness with the world. On this level, Michael is also a philanthropist, with many admirable tendencies towards good and charitable actions.

One notable example of Michael bringing people together is when he shot his music video in Brazil for “They Don’t Care About Us”. People were so excited and proud that Jackson was coming that they cleaned the streets before he got there. He also rented out an amusement park for children from poor schools in the area. Not only did his works serve as a way for people to understand each other, but Jackson himself did so with his wealth and fame. Through his good reputation and great talent, he could spread a piece of himself, positivity, and American culture throughout the world. Finally, he is a reminder of celebrities as people, the scandal around them, and the media’s treatment of these people as a means for gain. Many people will never forget the accusations against Michael Jackson in the People V. Jackson 2005 trial.

Although he was acquitted on all counts of child molestation, many still question what really went on at Neverland Ranch, and the aftermath has seemingly forever stained his reputation (NPR). But while it’s arguably the most noticeable case, it certainly isn’t the only. Jackson has endured several lawsuits and faced what seemed to be a never-ending barrage of negative publicity to mirror the positive (NPR). Some of which was in regards to his skin, and whether it was bleached or not, his plastic surgery, his children, drug use, his death, and more. Within these stories and accounts, it seems near impossible to find the truth. Everyone seems to have their own opinion and is either lacking information or unable to see past their star-struck minds. When people become icons, they seem to lose parts of themselves. It is hard to establish who celebrities really are when viewed through the distorted lens of a camera. What we see are only fragments, blown up in size for our scrutiny. Some of them are good, and some of them are bad. Like a giant picture of a product with a small disclaimer, it is hard to determine what is real without opening the box. The scrutiny that people bought from the media regarding him was most certainly key to Michael’s death and as an explanation for how he acted in life.

Michael Jackson’s life reminds us that a person can be picked apart and displayed so differently that we don’t know what’s real and what’s fake. The many court cases and rumors about him bring to attention the state of our media, which even today seems to thrive on fear mongering, scandal, and the plight of celebrities. All in all, Michael Jackson is the most notable example of an American superstar and what they can mean to us.

After all, how can the King of Pop not encompass pop culture? Like icons, our superstars inspire us, and like humans, they show us their many flaws. Through them and their work, we gain a better understanding of ourselves. Why exactly were Michael Jackson’s works so prominent world round? What characteristic of his music could bridge so many of us together? In the answers to these questions, we can find a small piece of an answer to who we are, not just in the US, but the whole world. Throughout his life, we can see multiple sides of humanity, the bad, the good, and the potential we can reach. Many aspects of his life can easily be compared with the lives of other famous individuals in Hollywood, even the less popular ones. Examining his life can give light to the many problems that the American media and it’s consumers can give to the rich and famous. That even the most talented and innocent-seeming celebrities can be brought down a notch by the constant scrutiny they might receive, guilty or not.