‘Leaving Neverland’ is a feature-length documentary which included new allegations of sexual assault on minors by pop star, Michael Jackson. These fresh and damning allegations were made by Wade Robson and James Safechuck; former friends of the pop star. In sum, it’s was a difficult watch. And while the validity of some of the claims remains a cogitation for public debate, one can’t but think that the entire saga has left some staggering lessons in its wake.
1. The World Never Forget
It is a cliché, but it remains true that the world certainly never forgets. Put aptly, in this age of social media, CCTV, hidden cameras, sophisticated surveillance and all what’s not, no one is completely shrouded. The flip side to this is that whatever we do in this life, in public glare or in private will find some outer form sooner than later. The damning allegations made by Wade and James dates back to their times as kids (1983-1987). Over 30 years later, it is still as stinging and fresh. The world truly never forgets.
2. The Agony of Fame
It was Clive James who once said that ‘A life without fame can be a good life, but fame without a life is no life at all.’ Michael Jackson was one who assumed notoriety before his life hardly took flight; and this was the genesis of the pop star’s many problems. Michael had often said in interviews and in some parts of the said documentary that the reason why he was drawn to kids was because ‘he never had a childhood.’ Those that were around Michael always said that he was ‘child-like’ and always craved the things children yearn, even in his 40’s. in the final analysis, fame comes with its own thorns and deprivations.
3. Beware The ‘Hosanna and Crucify Him’ Crowd
One of the biggest lessons from the troubled life that was Michael Jacksons’ was the fact that he lived in the inimical eye of the public. The irony of the ‘Leaving Neverland’ documentary was that the same crowd that adorned him, are the same people hanging him. The crowd is too fickle, and this buttresses the fact that we can’t afford to be deluded by both their accolades and castigations. Be good, but never live for people.
4. The Vanity of Untold Wealth
Watching the ‘Leaving Neverland’ documentary, one of the most striking things is the wealth and riches of the Neverland ranch. Neverland, which was the home of Michael Jackson, was the dream destination. Michael bought the estate in 1988 for an undisclosed fortune. The ranch was initially put up for sale in 2015, about six years after Michael Jackson passed, and the asking price was $100 million then. However, the asking price of Neverland has significantly dropped. It goes for $31 million today. However, it is yet to get a buyer. Wealth truly consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants. The story of Neverland is a great lesson.
5. Your Problem Is Your Problem
People will always tell you that they will be there for you. Friends will even tell you things like ‘I got your back’ while church people will mouth phrases like ‘I am with you in prayer.’ The reality is that many of those sweet talks are complete hogwash. When push comes to shove, your demons are your demons, and you have to face them alone ultimately. People can make your life’s journey easier, but they won’t bear your sorrows for you. Michael had family and friends, he was the most popular man on earth in his time, but he battled many battles alone, including the battle of his last moments on earth. Never forget this, you can be in the midst of people, and still be alone.
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