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Admiration for Michael's Fans and Supporters
January 18, 2011, 07:03:14 AM
Enjoy...

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Michael Jackson fans are a strange breed. One would be hard pressed to find another fan community whose object of admiration is the subject of so much unnecessary condemnation. Over time, Michael Jackson enthusiasts have watched their beloved's seemingly global idolization transform into apparent worldwide mischaracterization and mistreatment by the press and public alike.
Yet, through it all, true Michael Jackson fans have not abandoned him. If anything, the harder Michael's opponents try to shove him to the depths of despair, the harder his devotees love him, if only for summoning the courage to persist in the midst of it all. Michael's continued endurance is an exercise in strength and resilience in the face of adversity and uncertainty. Michael's fans have learned well the lesson, as they steadfastly brave the almost daily emotional roller coaster ride that is a requisite experience of every Jackson supporter. They marvel at his seemingly inexhaustible talents and applaud his victories. They laugh with him in his happiness; weep with him in his sorrow and pray for him in troubled times. Their hearts are warmed when he is embraced, and bleed when he is ill-treated.

Despite the stratospheric highs and seemingly cavernous lows that come with being a Michael Jackson fan, they remain loyal. They, like Michael, refuse to allow naysayers to steal their joy, obstruct their way or shape their opinions. They, like Michael, refuse to have their destiny defined or dictated by another. They also refuse to stand idly by as others attempt to deny Michael his rightfully earned legacy. Simply, Michael Jackson's fans are just like Michael in that they will not be deterred

By nature of their calling, Michael's fans are constantly summoned to put on the full Armour, stand on the front lines and fight. Oftentimes with their pen as their sword, they fight alongside and for Michael's right of humanity. By so doing, they fight for tolerance over prejudice, unconditional love over criticism; wisdom over ignorance and justice over inequality - not only for Michael, but for themselves as well. The battles are never-ending, hard-fought and oftentimes mentally and physically exhausting. Still, rather than surrender or reconcile, Michael's fans resist. They resist the desire to abandon Michael when all seems lost. They forsake the notion that theirs is a lost cause. They refuse to throw in the towel and resign themselves to the path of least resistance, which so often involves renouncing their fan support of Michael.

When the going gets tough, with weary minds and heavy hearts, they press on. They press on through Michael's tribulations and the attacks to which he is subjected. They press on in spite of tire. They press on despite mockery and question as to why they bother fight at all for Michael Jackson, a man some deem undeserving of their adoration.

Hazrat Inayat Khan once said, "God breaks the heart again and again until it stays open". Michael's devotees can see him as living proof of this idea, as he seems to be the embodiment of the notion. His own heart has been broken much and his fans personally feel the sting of each break. By the grace of God, Michael's heart does not become hardened as a result of its frequent fractures. To the contrary, his shattered heart allows for its tenderness and openness. Since out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks, Michael's fans are able to truly see the fullness of his heart when they listen to him articulate his desire for acceptance, understanding, positivism, love and peace through song and speech

As their efforts to break Michael himself have continually proven unsuccessful, some  opponents have turned their focus to attempting to disband the fan community by attacking his defenders. Time after time, the press uses condescending, defamatory terms to describe Michael's fans. Being referred to as "delusional" and "fanatics" is not foreign to Jackson's supporters. However, Michael's devotees choose to ignore the juvenile name-calling and taglines bestowed on them by the media. The fans refuse to allow the press to project its negative, inaccurate perception onto them. This is because Michael Jackson fans realize that such inflammatory terms do not depict their true nature as intelligent, grounded individuals with a healthy admiration for Michael's music, vision and humanitarianism among other things.

Interestingly enough, Michael Jackson's influence is global and thus, so is his fan base. His detractors are under the false impression that his fan base is minuscule as well as one-dimensional. To the contrary, Michael Jackson enthusiasts are nothing if not vast and multi-dimensional. They can be found on every continent, in every country worldwide. Michael's fans transcend racial, age and socioeconomic boundaries. The fact that Michael's fans are so diverse adds to their beauty

Few entertainers, if any, can lay claim to having the type of dynamic and varied fan base of which Michael Jackson can boast. If it is true our lives are open books for others to read, then the fans' study of Michael Jackson has taught them more than they ever could have imagined they would learn about life, love and survival.

Michael Jackson is a living testament of the notion that whatever one dreams and desires for his or her life can be achieved
Michael lives by the mantra that love should have no limitations -no conditions. Michael has shown all who dare take notice that it is possible to not only stay alive, but to thrive, with grace and fortitude despite adversity. By merely existing, Michael Jackson has taught his fans what it is to dream without fear, to create without boundaries, to listen without prejudice and to love without judgment. Simply, Michael Jackson's fans are a hard act to outshine.

Their loyalty, enthusiasm, intelligence and genuine adoration of their musical idol is unparalleled by other artists' fan communities. However, for all their attributes, when it comes to one particular matter, Michael Jackson's admiring fans will always be bested. For try as they might, no matter to what infinite degree they say and believe they love Michael Jackson, the King of Pop in true regal fashion, will always say and prove he loves them more"
[/i]

I hope it makes the people who lost hope after the prelim feel more positive and also puts everyone in a better frame of mind for the times ahead.
Army of Love-Get Into It xo

(NB:The author as far as I know is still only known as 'fantam')
Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM by Guest
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Re: Admiration for Michael's Fans and Supporters
January 18, 2011, 07:13:10 AM
Whoever wrote this has summed us up in a nutshell and knows us so well.  Thanks for posting Sinderella!!
Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM by Guest
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In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream.  And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.

*

Adi

Re: Admiration for Michael's Fans and Supporters
January 18, 2011, 07:20:09 AM
That is awesome. So very true. Thank you for posting this....it certainly lifts my spirits at the moment.
 :D
Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM by Guest
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Re: Admiration for Michael's Fans and Supporters
January 18, 2011, 08:10:41 AM
Note to read later. Thanks Sind - it looks like a great article!
Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM by Guest
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I'm proud to be a child of God and a member of MJ's Army of L.O.V.E.
 
"Press coverage of my life is like [watching] a fictitious movie...like watching science fiction. It's not true." ~Michael Jackson (2005)

"You should not believe everything you read. You are missing the most important revelations". Craig Harvey 3-15-2012

Re: Admiration for Michael's Fans and Supporters
January 18, 2011, 08:24:09 AM
Sinderella,

Thanks so very much for posting this article as it has brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart.  

It is so wonderful to read such positive words-----as if penned by Michael himself.

It is true though......when the "going gets tough, the tough get going!" That is what Michael's true supporters are all about and we all stand firm in that belief and will never falter.

Without a doubt: "Michael, we LOVE you!"
Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM by Guest
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Michael Supporter
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
~Mahatma Gandhi

*

MissG

Re: Admiration for Michael's Fans and Supporters
January 18, 2011, 08:46:35 AM
You know what? That article has hit my emotions to the core  :cry:  :cry:

It is like a compensation to our efforts, for being there.

I am very very happy that someone took notice, very much and I thank whoever wrote the article form the bottom of my heart.

This part of the article is something I want to point out
Quote
As their efforts to break Michael himself have continually proven unsuccessful, some opponents have turned their focus to attempting to disband the fan community by attacking his defenders. Time after time, the press uses condescending, defamatory terms to describe Michael's fans. Being referred to as "delusional" and "fanatics" is not foreign to Jackson's supporters.

Being referred to as "delusional" and "fanatics"; sad to know that who calls people/ MJ fans and supporters delusional and fanatics is not only the press, but the same people who claim to be "better fans and supporters" and Michael´s friends, putting Karen Faye as an example.

Thanks Sindirella for this article. Where was the article posted?

Yes Michael, We love you Most
Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM by Guest
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("Minkin güerveeeee")
Michael pls come back


"Why a four-year-old child could understand this hoax. Run out and find me a four-year-old child. I can't make head nor tail out of it"

Re: Admiration for Michael's Fans and Supporters
January 18, 2011, 08:59:20 AM
You're very welcome,I hope it didn't make you upset Gema,it was supposed to make you smile =]

It has been around for a while,no one knows where it came from.I'll keep looking into it though.
I too am glad someone took time to write a positive article/post about the fans and supporters,for the love,time,effort,and belief they invest in Michael,this is a small but beautiful tribute to them,worldwide.
It is unfair people like KF and Frank D,get classed as being lifelong supporters and 'true friends' to him,when they are the people that weighed him down and took advantage.
The world has it all so backwards. xo
Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM by Guest
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*

MissG

Re: Admiration for Michael's Fans and Supporters
January 18, 2011, 09:07:35 AM
Quote from: "Sinderella"
You're very welcome,I hope it didn't make you upset Gema,it was supposed to make you smile =]

You are so sweet. Were tears of joy  :)
Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM by Guest
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("Minkin güerveeeee")
Michael pls come back


"Why a four-year-old child could understand this hoax. Run out and find me a four-year-old child. I can't make head nor tail out of it"

*

MashMike

Re: Admiration for Michael's Fans and Supporters
January 18, 2011, 09:09:42 AM
That brought tears to my eyes, so true... .so beautiful, thanks for sharing it with us Sindrella
Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM by Guest
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NO BROKEN BRIDGES CAN TURN US AROUND,CAUSE WHAT WE\'RE SEARCHING FOR, WILL SOON BE FOUND,CAUSE WE\'RE ALMOST THERE, JUST ONE MORE STEP,JUST ONE MORE STEP,DON\'T GIVE UP CAUSE WE\'RE ALMOST THERE

*

loyalfan

Re: Admiration for Michael's Fans and Supporters
January 18, 2011, 09:58:19 AM
this is really lovely,would love to know who wrote it,and say thankyou to them,yes we are loyal,true and will always love you michael. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM by Guest
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Re: Admiration for Michael's Fans and Supporters
January 18, 2011, 10:59:36 AM
What a powerful and true article.  Over the decades there have been fan bases for every musician known.....Mozart forward.  But it's true, none rival that of Michael's fan base.  Perhaps, the turbulence of his life molded them into what they are, or just his pure energy and bold enthusiasm for life.  I suspect it's a combination.   Sadly, I feel I have missed out on something.  However, this adventure has allowed a person like me to step into the realm of fan-hood.  June 25th hit me hard....really hard.  I am sure you all know the feeling!  It was one of those times in life things flash before you, and you know exactly where you were.  I can't say that about too many people that have passed away.....only about 6 total, including my parents & grandma.  I was instantly aware of how much of a fan I was (am!).  It was unbelievable to me that he had passed away.....I wanted so badly to see him live (as in live and in concert)....however, at that moment all I wanted was to see him live (as in live his life).  Michael's life, not mine, had flashed before me on June 25th.  It was painful to watch, but necessary to see.  I am shy by nature, but bold with love and respect for Michael.  
This article was very well written and made many good points.  I love when things make me think!  Thank you posting it, Sinderella!  
Many blessings for a wonderful day!
Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM by Guest
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*

Sarahli

Re: Admiration for Michael's Fans and Supporters
January 18, 2011, 02:04:28 PM
Oh boy this is excellent  :shock:  I had not lost faith but this letter is .. is .... I can't find the words. God bless the person who wrote it, this has touched me deeply, this gave me a warm feeling.
Thanks Sinderella to have posted it here God bless you.

Quote
Their loyalty, enthusiasm, intelligence and genuine adoration of their musical idol is unparalleled by other artists' fan communities. However, for all their attributes, when it comes to one particular matter, Michael Jackson's admiring fans will always be bested. For try as they might, no matter to what infinite degree they say and believe they love Michael Jackson, the King of Pop in true regal fashion, will always say and prove he loves them more"

I adored that part LOL ... WE LOVE YOU MORE Michael  ;)
Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM by Guest
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We are here for you Michael and will always love you whatever happens.
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
"You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them."

*

Dancer

Re: Admiration for Michael's Fans and Supporters
January 18, 2011, 07:38:14 PM
This is just wonderful... Thank you very much for sharing!
Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM by Guest
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Akon on MJ, May 2009]The way he thinks....some artists think regional, some think national, I was thinking international. He thinks planets. It\'s on another level...[/size][/color]

Re: Admiration for Michael's Fans and Supporters
January 18, 2011, 08:16:30 PM
Quote from: "wishingstar"
What a powerful and true article.  Over the decades there have been fan bases for every musician known.....Mozart forward.  But it's true, none rival that of Michael's fan base.  Perhaps, the turbulence of his life molded them into what they are, or just his pure energy and bold enthusiasm for life.  I suspect it's a combination.   Sadly, I feel I have missed out on something.  However, this adventure has allowed a person like me to step into the realm of fan-hood.  June 25th hit me hard....really hard.  I am sure you all know the feeling!  It was one of those times in life things flash before you, and you know exactly where you were.  I can't say that about too many people that have passed away.....only about 6 total, including my parents & grandma.  I was instantly aware of how much of a fan I was (am!).  It was unbelievable to me that he had passed away.....I wanted so badly to see him live (as in live and in concert)....however, at that moment all I wanted was to see him live (as in live his life).  Michael's life, not mine, had flashed before me on June 25th.  It was painful to watch, but necessary to see.  I am shy by nature, but bold with love and respect for Michael.  
This article was very well written and made many good points.  I love when things make me think!  Thank you posting it, Sinderella!  
Many blessings for a wonderful day!

Wishingstar - your experience mirrors mine. This was an excellent post as well. Thank you for sharing and reminding me of this...

Quote
I was instantly aware of how much of a fan I was (am!).  It was unbelievable to me that he had passed away.....I wanted so badly to see him live (as in live and in concert)....however, at that moment all I wanted was to see him live (as in live his life).  Michael's life, not mine, had flashed before me on June 25th.  It was painful to watch, but necessary to see.  I am shy by nature, but bold with love and respect for Michael.  

It's as if we experienced the same thing. Well, we did, didn't we, like so many others. And we were brought together by one extraordinary human being who only has love and acceptance in his heart for all mankind.

Sinderella - I also teared up from that article. Not because I am weary of the fight on behalf of Michael and humanity, but because the person who wrote that article not only understands Michael's heart but also the fan's (or fam's as TR says) - and it felt like a word of encouragement from Michael himself. Thank you for sharing.

I have a thought though...I don't really feel like a fan. To me, a fan is someone who's obsessed with the public figure, the image of what we want and expect someone to be. Someone who needs to act a certain way, dress a certain way, and look a certain way. And when they don't, they lose something in our eyes. They are someone who can do no wrong. Someone who's put on a pedestal and adored until they fall and then they are trampled over for the next, newest sensation.  I think of treatment by "fans" to not only Michael, but others like Whitney Houston and even recently, Usher. Yes, I said it. That is my picture of a fan.

So, by that definition, I don't think anyone on this forum falls under the category of fan. I think we are more like a friend. A friend is faithful at all times; one who stands by the person through thick and thin, defending his/her rights even if you don't quite understand the reasons. A friend is someone who laughs with you, not at you, feels your your pain, cries with you, and rejoices in your success. A friend is someone who understands your downfalls but focuses and supports your strengths. A friend is someone who brings out your best. Someone who will be there to help you get up when you fall down. A friend is someone who sees you at your worst but still sees the beautiful soul within. A friend is someone who wishes nothing but the best for the other. And so, with that, I think we are more like friends, not fans.

Many blessings to you.
Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM by Guest
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I'm proud to be a child of God and a member of MJ's Army of L.O.V.E.
 
"Press coverage of my life is like [watching] a fictitious movie...like watching science fiction. It's not true." ~Michael Jackson (2005)

"You should not believe everything you read. You are missing the most important revelations". Craig Harvey 3-15-2012

Re: Admiration for Michael's Fans and Supporters
January 18, 2011, 08:45:14 PM
You are welcome,glad it made so many people feel something positive when the world atm is in such a bad way and then this-18months is a long time by anyone's standards.

Quote
I have a thought though...I don't really feel like a fan. To me, a fan is someone who's obsessed with the public figure, the image of what we want and expect someone to be. Someone who needs to act a certain way, dress a certain way, and look a certain way. And when they don't, they lose something in our eyes. They are someone who can do no wrong. Someone who's put on a pedestal and adored until they fall and then they are trampled over for the next, newest sensation. I think of treatment by "fans" to not only Michael, but others like Whitney Houston and even recently, Usher. Yes, I said it. That is my picture of a fan.

You are right here V,I think 'supporter' is a better term,or yes..friend I like that it has far nicer connotations than 'fan' afterall fan comes from fanatic...scary results if you google that one...
Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM by Guest
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