These are some thoughts of mine that bubbled up during our discussions in the MJ was a Sex God -- While Media Pretends Not to Notice thread. It was pretty off-topic there, so thought I'd put it out for discussion/improvement/debate/entertainment/dismay... whatever may come...
Communicating with people hostile to MJ: on sharing the love
Michael's Face.
I think it would help fans wanting to share their enthusiasm with friends if they could openly acknowledge what their friends' biggest obstacle is. Most folks are simply not going to find very credible a critique from someone who denies MJ's facial changes were unfortunate. There's a lot of denial on this site.
Look, I know you all find his face beautiful no matter what, but you need to understand that this alone is what's going to always separate you from the rest of the pack. People are rethinking the pedophilia... but not the face, gang. They're trying to get used to it in the movie, but it's really hard for them. Don't push it.
Acknowledge it. Say up front, yeah, I know about his face. Between the burns, the vitiligo, and botched surgery, what happened to his face is unfortunate. Just remind people that he was widely considered gorgeous during the Bad era, which was after most of the changes. But he became fed up with all the makeup to hide the vitiligo blotching and just depigmented his face. The changes became too prominent then. He should have explained sooner, but was incredibly embarrassed. People
relate to this.
But tell them: there's more to a man, a singer, songwriter, and dancer than a pretty face! Explain that his sexiness is in how he MOVES!!!!! And in his singing and lyrics... And did I mention, how he MOVES?!!!!
Tell them there was little coverage of his sexual charisma, of the world tours sold out to millions of screaming, fainting women and men, because the media sold more papers showing MJ with his pet chimp.
Pedophilia.
It's no good to gush that he's a saint, an angel on earth, loves all children, and would never do such a thing... they're going to roll their eyes and stop listening. IF the following is true for you (and it SHOULD be), then say: "I've examined the evidence with an open mind. More information about the parents has come to light. And it looks pretty clear that the poor children's parents were extortionists who manipulated their own children. MJ's insurance company forced a quick settlement against his wishes so as to salvage the expensive tour he was on. And of course he was acquitted of all charges."
Do NOT bash the children involved in the allegations. MANY people have personal connections to abused children or were themselves -- it's friggin' RAMPANT. You MUST show great empathy for this. If you see this is upsetting them, it may be they themselves were abused. DROP IT. Your friends' trauma comes before your love for MJ.
Yes, MJ had a thing about children. Kenny Ortega in a recent interview said that, while on tour with MJ, as soon as they'd arrive at the next airport, MJ would say: Let's go visit the orphanage! And off they'd go! Yes, it's unusual. This was not your normal rockstar.
And leave it at that. Don't overdo it. Don't repeat debunked rumors, like "the boy has since recanted his story." No he hasn't. Don't overstate your case -- you'll look stupid. If you sound calm and objective, people will say, Wow, I didn't know that, I'll have to look into that.
