Michael Jackson: The King of Reinvention

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Michael Jackson: The King of Reinvention

If you look in your copy of Webster's English Dictionary under the I's, you will find the definition for the word 'icon.' An icon is simply an 'image or representation of one who is the object of great attention or devotion; an idol' (Webster's 90). Skipping a few words down, you can find that an idol is 'an image used as an object of worship' It takes much to be worshiped. Throughout time, America's pop-culture has been filled with icons of each generation, such as Babe Ruth or Elvis Presley. These icons represent a dream hidden within each of us ' the dream, though not easily achieved, is to become extraordinarily successful, no matter the circumstances of your origin. Oddly, as if icon status is not enough, Americans seem to have given each of the few individuals who are exceptionally successful nick-names, proclaiming their superiority over the rest of us, such as Ruth's 'Sultan of Swat,' or Presley's 'King of Rock.' As far as pop music goes, there is another individual who has been worshiped in America for many years. With supreme talent and success, like all of the others icons, this person has been given a name of superiority above the rest. This person is Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson has become the icon we know him as today by achieving two accomplishments. He fulfilled the American Dream-to become successful in spite of his humble beginning-by way of his extraordinary talent. Secondly, he has stayed fresh for so many years, increasing his pop-icon status, by constantly reinventing himself. Only through these two achievements could he have become 'The King of Pop.'

Michael Jackson first came on the scene years ago. He was the seventh of eight children, born in Gary, Indiana. Just like the rest of us, he came began humbly. Though an honest, humble beginning, here is where it changes. At the fresh age of five, Michael began a career in music as lead singer in the Motown band, Jackson 5. From the very beginning, Michael took on stardom. He was the icon that America was looking at. He was the voice they listened to. Before reaching the age of ten, Michael had begun to develop a name for himself in the eyes of America?s youth.

As a child, Michael Jackson was a performing musical prodigy. As front-?kid,? Michael could ?sing any song, with the passion of well trained performers? (Carrigan 1). At ...

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...t the 80?s and 90?s. Michael Jackson has brought to each of us a story of our heart?s desire ? the American dream. Michael started off small, in a large family, but through great talent and constant reinvention has shaped himself into one of the greatest icons of American pop culture ? The King of Pop.

Works Cited

?Biography on Michael Jackson.? All Michael Jackson. http://www.allmichaeljackson.com/biography.html.

Carrigan, Michelle. J5 Influences The Jivy Jackson 5 Page. http://members.aol.com/mikeljaxn/jacksons/essay.htm.

Daneault, Jacqueline. Personal Interview. 27 March 2004.

"Icon." The New International Webster?s Dictionary and Thersaurus of the English Language. 3rd ed. Boston: Trident Press International. 2003

Langford, John. Telephone Interview. 25 March 2004.

Lynch,Christopher. ?Ritual Transformation through Michael Jackson's Music Video.?

Journal of Communication Inquiry Volume 25. 01 April 2001. 114-31.

Martinec, Radan. ?Construction of Identity in Michael Jackson's Jam.? Social Semiotics. December 2000 Vol. 10, Issue 3. 313-17.

Wohl, Alaxander. ?Charting the career of Michael Jackson.? Biography September 1997 Vol. 1, Issue 9 10-17.

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