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Article removed at the request of Barbara Kaufmann/InnerMichael/Voices Education Project
On July 7th, I wrote to ‘info@voiceseducation.org‘ requesting to post/re-post the “Caricatures” piece on my website. Here is the response I received from “Otts” (Otts Bolisay) at voiceseducation.org. Otts said:
Hi Seven,
We have a Creative Commons license on our site that allows anyone to use our content as long as they attribute it to us (and the author Jan Carlson), don’t make money off of it and apply the same license if they remix it in any way. So, do whatever you like with it if you meet all of the above conditions!
More details here:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/
I’ll contact the author and ask if it’s OK to share their contact info. Thanks for checking in!
Best,
otts
Thus, I posted the article here and credited/attributed it accordingly and linked to the original article, as requested above in Otts’ email.
But … on July 20th, I subsequently received an email from Barbara Kaufmann asking that I remove the article as it is under copyright with InnerMichael/Voices Education Project and due out in a publication in August. Thus, it has been removed.
I have to admit not understanding the two entirely different responses I’ve gotten from this same organization about posting the article, or the fact that the Creative Commons license cited both in Otts’ email above, and below the article itself on the site allows re-distribution … but nonetheless, I have been told I can no longer share it here, so it has been removed.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. I hope you will read the article at: http://www.voiceseducation.org/content/case-study-caricature, instead, as it remains a very worthy read.
July 19th, 2010 10:13 pm
Five minutes ago I finished reading this article which I obtained from another source a few days ago. It’s one of the best I’ve read on the whole sorry scenario of the last 20 years of Michael’s life and the lessons to be learned if we continue to choose to be brainwashed by both tabloid and journalistic media execs who oftentimes override the efforts of their own reporters in the name of greed and increased ratings. I know Michael was not well served by his public relations people and certain managers but on the other side where in the sand is the line drawn between journalistic license and ruination of a person’s reputation and, in Michael’s case, irreparable damage to his heart and soul? I was especially struck by the final paragraph concerning all who are culpable in this case regarding Michael’s demise. Thank you, Seven, for posting. I hope this article has the same effect on your other readers as I myself experienced.
July 19th, 2010 11:46 pm
Very well written. It’s such a relief to read this as it is to read Charles Thomson.
At the same time, it’s so heartbreaking to read about all this again, and just try to imagine the hell he must have been through all those years.
I am sooo sorry, Mike.
Too bad the truth ran so slow in this marathon.
July 20th, 2010 12:24 am
Wow! Yes, my fondest hope is that bit by bit we can (we will!) saturate our national narrative as regards Michael with this kind of information, and eventually turn the tide. I keep his children in mind. I got smacked in the face with the urgent need to do this today at work (tho’ I DID know already!), at the end of conversation with a colleague with whom I’ve had many intelligent conversations. I revealed to her I had sent a card to Paris to accompany my blanket patch from the MJTP (Tribute Portrait) project, and that I hoped she would read it. My colleague kinda laughed at me. This made me continue and I expressed my dismay on how I’ve noticed that Prince is becoming a focal point of tweens(?) who are starting fan groups, and in some cases indulging in mild rumor mongering (as you’ve noted before, Seven)…I ended this conversation saying “yeah well, it’s nothing like what the media did to his Daddy”. I was expecting a knowing nod, or something similar, and instead I got a look that said “oh, come on now!” If I wasn’t this person’s supervisor, I wouldn’t hesitate to send her this article and Charles Thomson’s, but right now in Illinois, one doesn’t easily mess with appropriateness in the workplace and the security of one’s job. I think I’ll ask her if she’s interested in such info instead, in a mild, non-confrontational way. However, this does give me the impetus to finish that letter I’ve been working on for Al Sharpton’s show, and others. I’m thinking Charlie Rose too. Must override my painstaking, perfectionist approach, and get it out there. Thanks for even MORE INSPIRATION!
July 20th, 2010 1:05 am
We live in a world of greed, jealousy, and racism. The Michael Jackson conspiracy are all link to these 3 main shadows of the human experience. I think if Michael was just a song and dance man..who didn’t break barriers; the biggest selling album of all time or the first black artist on MTV and generated the jump start of MTV, or owned the Beatles’ catalog, or spoke against Sony and Tommy Mantolla, became bigger than Elvis, married Lisa Marie Presley. Than above all else was the messenger for LOVE and PEACE all over the world, spoke openly his love for GOD and Christ,his purpose to help heal the world..Then add on his OTHER GENIUSES; if Michael Jackson did not have the gift of song and dance, he could have been a medical doctor. He had hundreds of books and he studied the brain, the skin. In many of his interviews he talked about his great interested in them. He could have been an art professor–he loved the history of art and was even going to school, to obtain a degree. He could have been a major film director and of musicals. He already had directed short fims–from his own music. See, I truly believe that some people just could not understand how a man of this profound GENIUS–in every way could have existed–so let us find some flaws–okay–his skin is turning white, so must be hating his race, he loves children-and is around them too much, h..l they are all over his property, he must be a pedophile. And oh my God–he is the biggest superstar-pop star in the world–but he doesn’t smoke weed, snort cocaine, sleep with every woman that comes his way and disrespect them personally or in his songs! And does not party until the break of dawn; so he must be a real freak, so now he is asexual, or he must be hiding his sexuality–he has to be gay!!!! THIS WORLD WAS NOT and IS not READY FOR A AN ENLIGHTEN BEING LIKE Michael Jackson..Yet through it all–even in his darkest hours..it was his faith in GOD and his creative genius that saved him..at the end of his journey here in this life–after all, we ALL are just PASSING By..He was happy again..but instead, the road turned..he is gone..YET-through his death..he is ALIVE in all of our HEARTS..TRUTH WILL ALWAYS PREVAIL–All of US who see with our heats, with wisdom, and truth..Know the REAL Michael Jackson..I feel sorry for the greedy,racist, ignorant, and jealous parasites that used Michael for their own sick agendas..and allot of them still are..For they will all have their effect for the cause of pain they created for the most beautiful, genius of our time…oops-I almost forgot, Michael Jackson’s most significant attributes?–of all….HIS HUMILITY, COMPASSION, UNBELIEVABLE COURAGE, and HIS LOVE FOR HUMANITY..Michael You are the king of my heart..RIP KING OF MUSIC, KING of HEARTS..MICHAEL JACKSON WILL LIVE FOREVER..AS Long AS LOVE EXIST.. Thank you SEVEN–for SEEING with TRUTH,and your HEART..
July 20th, 2010 1:24 am
This is sick. The media is just the perfect example of the ABUSE OF POWER…and then again, how can we forget the justice system and the entertainment networks like Sony and AEG? He was stuck between backstabbers and those who just took advantage of him. This is all unfair and unjust…
But then again, I believe in the truth. And its great how people are actually looking at the black picture now other than the provided WHITE by the media….R.I.P
Seven, have you ever met MJ?
July 20th, 2010 2:30 am
This is a fantastic piece. Thank you for posting it, 7. Like Ben Baggins, I hurt so bad while reading it, imagining the agony this sweet innocent man had to live with. Indeed he had “resolute strength and courage.” The media and his other detractors killed him bit by bit until Conrad Murray’s fumbling peaked on June 25, 2009. As you suggested, we must be the media now and spread the truth about Michael Jackson. Some people will listen (read) and believe, some will listen (read) and not believe. But as Michael stood his ground doing what he knew as good and right no matter what, we must also do, no matter what. God bless you and Jan Carlson.
July 20th, 2010 5:56 am
Seven, this is exactly what I feel should be done.
I mentioned this concern just recently to you when I was very upset. How are we expected to teach our children manners, common courtesy, and have regard for others, if it is ok to do just the opposite as adults just for financial profit? Does this make it alright to break these guidelines if a buck is to be made? These are the values we are teaching children in today’s society especially if children are allowed to watch these gossip tv shows and read tabloid magazines. That it is ok to lie, cheat, bully and slander someone and to make a living at doing so! Something needs to change and it just is too tragic that because of all this Michael is gone. This is a very difficult thing to accept. The greatest loss the world has experienced because of immature selfish human beings. It’s not a fair world and this is the saddest part of being part of the human race. Ignorance should not be tolerable in this aspect of life. We must make a change as Michael wanted.
Please keep us updated on how we can help this cause. Thank you Seven.
Sandy
July 20th, 2010 8:01 am
This sick media makes me angry, Seven. Some days ago, I found a blog written by one of Michael’s friends, dra. Susan Etok. I don’t know what you think about her, but she said something very interesting about the greed of the media. She said that tabloids journalists were after her whole family trying to get some salacious story about Michael. They called her brother 100 times in one day only and one of them even sign an appointment pretending to be a patient(he is a dentist), just to find stories and offering money to lie.She said “they have tactics to make you talk, especially if you have something to lose”. Everything for money, as you always said. I get sad because many people I know have no idea about the real facts about Michael that media hide behind lies. It’s irreparable. Michael was one of the most beautiful human beings this world has ever had. How could anyone hate that divine being? He really had an angel’s face, didn’t he? Black, white, short hair, long hair, he is beautiful anyway. Very handsome.
July 20th, 2010 9:21 am
Seven, how were you able to get permission to post this so quickly? How did you get the Creative Commons License? The reason I ask is because last week Raven posted this article on her All For Love blog, but was asked to take down the excerpts because the publisher didn’t want it copied until August. (She respectfully complied.) Did you have to pay for it?
July 20th, 2010 9:31 am
David,
No I did not pay. I simply emailed the site and that was the response I received. However, if there is a “publisher” involved that’s news to me! The only publisher I’m aware of for this article is the VEP site itself.
I suppose they may ask me to take it down as well then. If so I will have to comply.
July 20th, 2010 9:33 am
Jacqueline,
Absolutely true about the media. They bribe, extort, offer hundreds of thousands of dollars for “dirt” on celebrities – especially MJ. Didn’t have to be at all true or even salacious – the media would CREATE something salacious out of the most common story, just to sell their rags, get website clicks and viewers – all equates to money.
July 20th, 2010 2:07 pm
Thanks for getting the word out there. I believe it’s important for us all to be aware of the changes in the journalistic world that have taken effect beginning, I believe, with its coverage of Michael. Where it ends, one can only guess. If more of us are aware of the misinformation, gossip, innuendo, and outright lies fewer of us will be caught up in believing them. It is my fervent hope that Michael will be the last of our brightest and best that we sacrifice to their greed and lack of human decency.
July 20th, 2010 2:21 pm
Is regards to discussion question number 8: If you had the power to request change from the media, what would you say? I would ask them to once and for all come out with all they have done to Michael Jackson in the past. I see writers and different sources come out talking about how bad the media treated Michael, and it seems to be ignored. The media either makes up another lie to cover their tracks, or they just ignore their actions. I would ask them to own up to EVERYTHING and start publishing articles, like this one, so the readers and consumers can get an idea of who Michael really was, because they literally know NOTHING about him. Not only would I ask this of them, but to also think of the others they write about such as Britney, Lindsay, Paris, etc. Our image of these people are purely what the media has told us about them, we really don’t know anything about them. Sure they might not be the best of people, and not the best people to look up too, but they have a right to their privacy as well.
I know this will never happen, cause the revenue of bad stories is too great to compromise everything they have going on, but these are just my thoughts.
Thanks S.
July 20th, 2010 7:41 pm
Seven, this is a great article you were able to share. I’ve tweeted the link to the article.
@Lisa,
Very well expressed. You really summed it up come perfectly. The pure evilness of the media, who could not comprehend why this man would not and did not conduct himself like other high profile people in this business. I say its an extreme grotesque form of bullying by the media and abuse of authority by the law towards Michael. Through it all Michael handle it with true grace. We really take a step back and look at all Michael has been through and the pain he felt. He really did have this inner strength and that comes from no one else, but God.
___________________
I wrote a post on Reflections on the Dance website, most got cut off cause it was pretty lengthy. Towards the end of my letter I mentioned how a lot of people make a comparison between Jesus and Michael. Basically, I said the reason why there’s this comparison, is because I believe that Michael identified with Jesus. Michael himself said how he tried to imitate Jesus, which I personally believe is what we all are called upon to do and be. People living with a Christ-Like character letting are lights shine in this dark world. I believe Michael was up against (attacked) by a lot evil, because Michael walked the walk. He lived with a Christ-like godly character and it is something the media, other people could not understand so they twisted what they are themselves are blind to.
Like Lisa above mentioned Michael openly expressed his love for God and Christ, and lived by that. Michael was doing what was right. Debbie the creator of (Reflections on the Dance website) mentioned in an interview how she was kicked off Christian forums, who were being very judgemental of Michael. She said she had presented quotes from Michael and explained the research she was doing for her site, which all provides a polar opposite information from the media’s portrayal of Michael. She said they won’t even tell her what she did wrong they just banned her.
Michael said he tried to live by the teachings of the Bible wanting to learn more about God and Jesus. The devil don’t like that and the devil used the media (biased journalists), shady families and employees, corrupt law officials…to attack a person who lived exhibiting what God what’s us all to do and live by. I’m not trying to sound all preachy or anything. Its just something I observed as being pure evil what the media and all these other players involved did towards Michael.
That’s why I keep the Jackson family in prayer daily. Especially Mrs. Katherine and Michael’s children. Cause, the media started little digs on his kids when Michael was alive, but since his passing even the day of the memorial they stepped it up a notch. The media are just laying in wait when they become adults to come after them. I pray God will continue to keep His hand’s on these kids and guard they’re hearts. Because if they should start going to a private school they will be exposed to all the media nonsense that has ever been written about their dad, via other kids and parents of other kids. If by some chance that Michael’s kids ever decided to do an interview or documentary during they’re adult life, I personally believe it would be a resounding HUGE slap in the face to bias media and brainwashed general public.
Sorry for the long post.
July 20th, 2010 7:44 pm
Thank YOU Jan for writing such a great piece and for allowing me to share it! I hope you’re right that fewer will begin to be caught up in the rumor, lies and innuendo as more realize the truth about how the media(loids) operate.
It was around when Michael became a big star and subsequently the allegations against him, that the “news” media became aligned with tabloids and they gradually became one entity. I’ve seen tabloid stories end up completely copied and pasted onto “news” media (television and websites) in a matter of 24 hours or less. Just like that. There no longer any division between them. And, I’ve known too many people who’ve said they were manipulated or bribed by the media (both tabloid and regular “news” media) to dish “dirt” on people.
I would hate to see anyone treated again as brutally and inhumanely as Michael Jackson was by our media, and our political and legal system. It’s shameful. I truly believe that this is part of what helped send him to an early grave – the stress, the abuse, the horrible effect on his life and livelihood – they destroyed him.
July 20th, 2010 8:16 pm
Thanks again to Seven, and to David who provided the link to this article last week. I have read it now a few times and each time it absolutely breaks my heart. Lisa’s comments (7/20) above are exactly what I have been thinking and feeling. I could not word it any better so I will not waste the space trying to do so. Michael will always continue to inspire me to be a better person. I will most certainly continue to feel his presence in my life every day. Nothing the media did or will do could ever change that. There are millions of us out there from all corners of the world and every age who will never let the deceitful media win.
July 20th, 2010 9:45 pm
This whole society has gotten to the point where it thinks it is alright to make fun of anyone they chose. Just because you are different should not in any way make you a target. People seem to need lessons in common courtesy these days. What ever happened to “DO unto others as you would have them do unto you. If we were all the same the world would be a very boring place, but that doesn’t mean you should make fun of others. Karma will get you in the end. Seven your sight is great. Keep up the good work. I just wish it was more mainstream so it would be seen by all the people who really need to see it.
July 20th, 2010 9:53 pm
Seven,
I don’t know if you can or will post links to YouTube clips but I just thought I’d send this one in case. The song could have been written for Michael. I think we all hope that one day we will see him again, wherever we may believe his spirit lives on! Michael will never ever be forgotten and we will make sure the truth prevails! Here is the link:
http://www.youtube/watch?v=We5vr7NCtgQ&NR=1
I think it should work. I will certainly understand if you prefer not to post these links but I just thought I would pass this one on. I remember how much I appreciated seeing the “Warrior is a Child” video as one of your posts.
Thanks, Joyce
July 21st, 2010 4:58 am
As I told David, if there is a publisher involved, that is news to me. And, I did receive an email on July 7th from voiceseducation.org (the text of which is posted above) that indicated it was OK to share the article here…providing it was properly attributed, which it was when previously posted.
However, I received a subsequent email from Rev. Barbara Kaufmann on July 20th which stated the article was under copyright and pending an August publication. Color me confused! One person from that same org says one thing, the other says another….oh well.
Anyway it was requested that it be removed, and thus, I have complied.
July 21st, 2010 5:17 am
Thank you Seven for re-posting this, I read it on the original site and found it to be the most meticulously well written and researched piece I’d come across – and such a relief to have everything I’d wanted to say so well articulated in such a perfect and concise manner.
Thank you Jan Carlson for writing it.
I’ve been rather disturbed over the complete lack of consequence the media has to pay. Bashir got to take the stand and plead ‘journalistic integrity’ – whichever rock you’d find that under’ and avoid answering any question put to him.
Now how can you expect an industry that requires circulation to sell, has a history of exaggerating stories and absolutely NO governing body to ensure that it’s stories are accurate, and no recourse by those slandered other than the courts (which often proves more trouble than it’s worth given the output of such stories) to actually report with any integrity?
There’s nothing stopping them.
In the past few years I’ve seen them go so ridiculously far as to fabricate entire interviews and headline them on the cover – the story only being revealed as false when the star ‘interviewed’ sues. And yet the retraction is never as widely circulated as the initial story.
I’ve absolutely no reason to believe anything I read in any publication that I didn’t witness myself or that wasn’t documented in a court of law or by another external but reputable agency.
I’d already stopped watching TV news – due to it’s profoundly depressing and relentless output – but reading about how they willfully distorted the Michael Jackson case (and had been distorting his image and reputation for decades before that) I stopped buying papers and watching the news entirely. I find all of the relevant information still gets to me but I weed out an awful lot of chaff and tabloid distortion.
I can’t even find some of the more outlandish stories funny anymore. It’s not really funny that people can fabricate ‘news’ circulate it throughout the world as fact, damage your life, reputation, income and never have to bear any account of that.
And even the publishing industry is the same way. At least that’s one good thing that came out of this sorry mess: anyone who still believes the media report the truth instead of what they can profit from simply refuses to acknowledge the vast mass of evidence to the contrary.
Thanks again, both Seven and Jan (particularly Seven, for making this a very valuable MJ resource).
July 21st, 2010 8:13 am
Seven,
I am so sorry for the confusion about the case study “Caricature” written by Jan Carlson. Yes, Jan’s piece is powerful. And her case study will be a powerful feature in the curriculum being developed called “Violence and Words.” It is being constructed as we speak by Voices Education Project and me and features case studies written by Michael Jackson admirers.
We plan an official release hopefully in August. Voices Education Project is a global humanitarian and peacemaking organization and pedagogical institute that gives voice to concerns of conflict and violence around the world. They truly are one of those entities that makes the world a better place.
It is important, I think, to keep this project intact and allow the sponsoring organization, Voices Education Project, an opportunity to officially release it. They have listened to the concerns about violence in the spoken word and as it relates to words in print and they have courageously championed this initiative to educate children about the impact of violent words.
I think Michael himself would be very pleased about this project. I appreciate your understanding and integrity in removing it and in allowing Voices to feature it and to be the one to officially release it publicly.
Namaste`
Barbara
July 21st, 2010 5:44 pm
Seven, I’m sorry you had to remove the article, but I’m glad that everything was handled amicably. I was very confused myself when Raven was asked to remove the article from her blog, but then a few days later you obtained permission to post it. I’m assuming that someone at that website accidentally gave you the wrong information. But I’m glad that the situation was handled in a professional manner.
July 21st, 2010 11:26 pm
David,
Yes, it’s been handled. The person who gave permission was not authorized to do so, apparently.
July 22nd, 2010 2:30 pm
Hey Seven, I just found out that the scumbag tabloid reporter Martin Bashir is leaving ABC News to accept a job at NBC! He will do stories for Dateline NBC, as well as anchor the daytime news for MSNBC. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/22/martin-bashir-leaving-abc_n_655633.html
It’s really disappointing to know that his career is advancing so well, despite his checkered past. It’s beyond me how any organization that prides itself on journalistic “integrity” could hire someone who knowingly LIED to someone about the purpose of an interview, and didn’t allow them to approve it before it aired, and aired it without getting the permission of the parents of a minor who was used in the interview, and then had the interview exposed for the fraud that it is by the interviewee who filmed a rebuttal to it. It just blows my mind! And on top of that, he was reprimanded in Britain for doing the same thing! http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2976419.stm
But when you think about it, it only makes sense that NBC would hire Bashir. They have always been biased against MJ, and the best example of this is the episode of Dateline that aired in early 2003. NBC wanted to interview MJ after the Bashir documentary debacle, and not only did they offer him money, but they offered not to show the Dateline episode that was produced by Victor Guitterez. MJ rejected their deal, and not only did they air the episode, they expanded it to 2 hours! The Veritas Project talks about this in detail. http://vindicatemj.wordpress.com/veritas-project/
In fact, you talked about that episode yourself in the entry from June 22nd called “When the mainstream media stops telling lies…..”
I’m just so disappointed in this, but I’m not surprised. I’m sure you’ll be including this in your next “Mad Dags and Media” post! In fact, if you want some more dirt on Bashir’s background, look at the email that I sent you on June 17 called “FW: another Bashir hit piece”. I can resend it to you if deleted it.