Should I let my son be a Michael Jackson fan?

[lee1103]

My son wants to listen to a Michael Jackson album but i'm not sure If I feel comfortable letting him endorse such a sick and twisted man. I know he argues that it's about the music, but I just don't want his essence or image in my home.

Should I stick to my guns and ban any Michael Jackson content? or should he be allowed to listen to it?

[notanyanymore]

If you don't want it in your house just say no... In the happy knowledge he'll just listen to it else where and have learnt a very valuable lesson to lie to his mum over the most insignificant of things as she is not open to discussion and does not value his views.
HTH

[OhSoVintage]

He's dead so what risk is he exactly to your son? and although many may disagree I actually just think the whole thing was a very tragic story about what life in the spotlight can do at such a young age. I don't think he was sick and twisted but lost and very very naive, longing for his lost childhood but no one will know the truth. Could be wrong but he's not here to defend himself.

However whatever anyone thinks about him he was a very talented artist and his songs actually give out very positive messages.

I can think of more important things to save your battles for than listening to Michael Jackson!!!

[BOF]

The music is still, to a greater or lesser extent, art, which is part of any popular music education. It is possible to appreciate the music, and put it in context. Wagner is associated with the Nazis, but it shouldn't mean that his work is ostracised. In the current time, however, I would not be comfortable with adulating the work of the still-living Roman Polanski.

You can still inform him of the reality of his biography.

Lots of artists and public figures from the past have been less than salubrious.

It could be an interesting debate about how far you can separate the artist from the art.

Banning stuff is rarely productive.

[sonlypuppyfat]

I think Michael was a very damaged man but musically brilliant, if you start down this road where would it stop. Banning him from looking at any art work or reading any poetry or watching any films because someone was a bit dodgy who had any part of it? Get a grip.

[GiraffesAndButterflies]

How exactly is MJ's 'essence' going to be in your home OP?

[WafflyVersatile]

Maybe they give a free sachet of Michael Jackson memorial sperm with each album.

I hope Brahms didn't use opium. Imagine all those babies listening to Brahms lullaby.

[k2togm1]

Are you serious op? I am a music teacher and tell you there needs to be some mj in your son's life!

[belatedmaybe]

Do you read the daily mail op?

Our local school recently used an mj song for a performance. The children were excellent and, so far, appear unharmed by the experience.

I listen to lots of music and never feel the need to delve into the artists past/politics or whatever. The fact that I like a song doesn't mean I like/agree with/support the person singing it.

[nooka]

Assuming that your son is a teenager (as you've posted in teens) it seems very odd to be attempting this level of control. Fair enough to say that you personally don't want to listen to Michael Jackson (plenty of stuff I tell my 12 year old I don't want to hear) and to give the reasons why, but your son also has a right to listen to the music he likes in his home surely?

The man is long dead so he is hardly going to pollute you or your son, and any royalties will be going to his children who I presume you don't have an issue with?

[Sparklingbrook]

Let him listen to it. Headphones if it bothers you.

[BackforGood]

Surely this isn't a serious post - you're winding us up aren't you ?

[amumthatcares]

I can't actually believe this is a serious post either, but assuming it is:

Whatever your opinion about MJ, he was a talented musician and produced some wonderful work. I can't think of anything that will harm your DS by listening to his music.

I would have more of an issue with my DD listening to songs that spout controversial, small minded messages and foul language than MJ!

[CockyFox]

I can think of far far worse for a teenage boy to listen to to be honest and I can't stand Michael Jackson's voice.

[LifeIsSoDifferent]

I completely agree with notanyanymore and btw you can't "not allow" him to be a fan he will be one of he likes his music and you can't control that.

[LittleBearPad]

MJ was a brilliant artist. He was also deeply troubled however his music should be allowed to speak for itself.
[anyone else got an mj song in their head now]

[runningonwillpower]

If you can't divorce the artist from the work (whatever the medium) then you are bound for a life of censorship (which I don't agree with) and mediocrity.

[Bowlersarm]

Eh? So if you don't let him he'll just be out of the house more listening to it at a mates house, a park or the library.

I don't you'll be able to control what music he listens to.

[ZingWidge]

"You're bad you're bad you're really really bad!
Who's bad!"

[ihearsounds]

Is it just MJ or all the Jacksons?
In what way was he sick and twisted?

[HeySoulSister]

Ha ha how would you stop it? Or even know if he's on YouTube etc listening to it?

[ihearsounds]

But I tell you what is freaky. After I posted Billy Jean started playing on my ipod.

[ZingWidge]

*I'm looking at the man in the mirror! "

[Stropzilla]

Is he asking you to change your ways?