I Am a Fan, But... (What Makes You Heretic Among Other Fans?)

[zinniabooklover]

this will be remembered for a lifetime)))))
And I think that at heart he remained a child and all these things were also toys for him in a sense. [...]

First of all, do we know if the statues - to use an obvious example - were actually Michael's idea? Bc they might not be. The PR department at the record label would be in charge of the PR campaign for his albums. Obviously he has to be in agreement but, mostly, it's driven by the marketing experts at the record label. The other thing is, yes, you're right, there is a playful element to some of these things. The statues - which, as I say, I was not keen on - can be seen in that way, for sure. It all fits in. Comic books, fantasy films, superhero imagery. I'm not sure it needs to be taken so seriously.

 

[Mister_Jay_Tee]

If you look at Michael Jackson making a statue of himself and start drawing comparisons to a dictator then I think the confusion lies with you honestly. The cult of personality effect wasn't really the issue as much as the gross violations of human rights but what do I know.

 

[83magic]

During the Thriller years, he had not yet tried to erect monuments to himself and it was clear to everyone that he was already the best.
And in the era of History he became a monument to himself and his vanity.
I think modesty is a beauty. And to be truly great, you don't have to elevate yourself through laudatory documentaries.

I’ve made this point myself in the past. during ‘thriller’, particularly 1983, michael’s work and talent was able to speak for itself. he didn’t need any gimmicks or elaborate publicity stunts. he presented himself as being humble. the album was actually released somewhat quietly. especially in comparison with what was to come after..

it was his belief that all publicity was good publicity, that was a large part of his downfall in my opinion. while I wouldn’t diagnose him with anything, I agree with the examples you listed portraying major ego. I think it actually started earlier than that though..

 

[Mister_Jay_Tee]

I’ve made this point myself in the past. during ‘thriller’, particularly 1983, michael’s work and talent was able to speak for itself. he didn’t need any gimmicks or elaborate publicity stunts. he presented himself as being humble. the album was actually released somewhat quietly. especially in comparison with what was to come after..

it was his belief that all publicity was good publicity, that was a large part of his downfall in my opinion. while I wouldn’t diagnose him with anything, I agree with the examples you listed portraying major ego. I think it actually started earlier than that though..

To become the greatest requires humility. Maybe to remain the greatest requires great displays of skill.

 

[Hiker]

Is the film Moonwalker not a sign of narcissism?
Isn't building giant statues HIStory of yourself narcissistic?
The Legends Continuity and The One not a sign of narcissism?
HIStory Teaser not a sign of narcissism?

No, Moonwalker film is work of fiction. Or are you saying any actor who plays superhero in a movie is a narcissist?
and History statues are marketing. You need to read what narcissism means before throwing the word around.

 

[Dart_Jack]

No, Moonwalker film is work of fiction. Or are you saying any actor who plays superhero in a movie is a narcissist?

Before the main segment of the film (Smooth Criminal) begins,
in a retrospective of his career, where Michael (as film producer and co-writer) creates a level of tribute to himself that many other great artists did not receive even after their death.

Some of Michael's self-praise moves border on kitsch. And although I love Michael very much, I think this is unnecessary.

 

[analogue]

I don't think the HIStory statues was him being narcassistic. The HIStory statues were a big middle finger to the people who tried to bring him down in 1993.

Another unpopular opinon of mine is that as much as I love Don't Stop Til You Get Enough (My fave from Off The Wall) I don't think it worked at all live and I can understand why Michael decided to drop after the Triumph Tour.