*The following contains editorial comment*

They call him the “Self proclaimed King of Pop,” “Wacko - Jacko” and worse.
Front page fodder, hunted, humiliated, pursued and victimized by paparazzi,
police and the public, the genius child turned renowned superstar turned
oh-so-easy target remains steadfastly in the collective mind.

No matter what, you can’t take your eyes off Michael Jackson. And regardless
what you might say around the proverbial water cooler, if you ever had the
opportunity to meet the man, you’d snap it up in a New York minute and be
google eyed and speechless.

Because there’s “something” about Michael Jackson that commands our
attention. Books can and have been written on this phenomenon, this
indescribable mystique.

The world features many MJ “tribute” artists, i.e. impersonators. Although
no official count has ever been done, it’s easy to say that there are more
MJ impersonators than any other living star. And how many fans have eagerly
donned the classic black fedora, white glove and black weejuns (with white
socks, of course.)

For some reason, the audience that is the world is especially eager to
believe, to hope, to wish that this Living Legend is truly in their midst.
No matter who, no matter where, the sea of humanity parts and stands in awe
of Michael Jackson.

The recent appearance of an unconviencing imposter at a black tie charity
gala starring Gladys Knight at the Fairmont Copley Plaza stands as yet
another example.

This guy was BAD. No pun intended.

He was over 6 foot and well built. Michael is 5 foot 10 inches and of slight
build. This guy wore golf gloves, a cheap leather jacket and a hardware
store dusk mask, sunglasses and black straw hat. And he was immediatly
escorted to a private balcony. Evidently, just the mere appearance of
someone looking vaguely like Michael Jackson and claiming to be him caused
the minds of many reasonably sane, mature men and women to go temporarily
giddy and forsake common sense.

There aren’t many personalities who’s mere presence silently commands those
gilded doors glide open.

Is this the persona who’s star has fallen from the highest realms? Is this
the star so tarnished by gossip and innuendo that it will never again shine
brightly? Is this ever going to be an “ex-” anything?

No. This episode only goes to prove the case for the enduring allure,
attraction and, yes, love that the world has for Michael Jackson. First,
that a person could “pull off” such a charade, get a group of his friends to
be accomplices in the game and then that the poor troupe could pass a
gauntlet of professionals to gain access to a highly attended function is
amazing.

All because those people wanted to believe that Michael Jackson was really,
truly there.

Make no mistake. Michael Jackson will always be loved, supported and
defended to the end by his fans. But the rest of the world, also, holds it’s
breath in anticipation of a glimpse of him when it hears his name.

Source: MJFC

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