November 23, 2003
"Rushing to Judge Michael Jackson, What about Justice?"
article by Tanya Kersey-Henley
Tanya Kersey-Henley is entertainment journalist and commentator as well as the editor-in-chief of Black Talent News, and the founder/executive director of the Hollywood Black Film Festival.
November 20, 2003 -- Suspected al-Qaida suicide bombers blew up trucks packed with explosives at the British consulate and a London-based bank Thursday, killing at least 27 people and wounding nearly 450. Š Tens of thousands of Brits marched through the heart of London, toppling and burning a 17 foot tall effigy of President Bush in protest over the war in Iraq and Prime Minister Tony Blair's support of the invasion. Š. In Miami, several thousand protestors demonstrated near the InterContinental Hotel where representatives of 34 countries discussed the Fair Trade of Americas Act (FTAA). Some of the rock-throwing protestors clashed with riot gear-clad police who used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protestors.
While important news was breaking worldwide, the press chose to virtually ignore it and instead advance an injustice, "The Michael Jackson Media Indictment."
Press coverage on broadcast and cable television all across the globe was dominated almost entirely by the King of Pop's surrender to authorities to face multiple charges of child molestation. The 'money shot' of a handcuffed Jackson being led into the Santa Barbara Sheriff's office, his mug shot plastered on every news channel, and his every move was captured worldwide as the media spent hours showing images of misidentified corporate jets, airport hangars, and police-led motorcades. Lacking even a modicum of neutrality or objectivity, an endless stream of analysts, pundits, commentators and so-called friends and acquaintances were paraded on camera, many appearing to have already judged and convicted the pop superstar. I find this approach to news reporting particularly repugnant as the media is supposed to present both sides of the story with impartiality and fairness. Instead, they are systematically destroying Jackson through the influence they yield in the court of public opinion.
Not only was the day's international media frenzy an unjust indictment of Jackson, it was woefully tainted with a barrage of irresponsible, tabloid-style journalism synonymous with "yellow journalism."
Even the selection of media guests is suspect. Those already proclaiming Jackson is guilty and his career over have been smart, educated and well-dressed defense and prosecuting attorneys, entertainment journalists and Hollywood spin doctors. On the other hand, those asserting Jackson's innocence have been a hodge podge of characters unable to effectively answer the tough questions and articulate their belief in his innocence.
Arguably one of the most famous people in the world, the level of public worship and admiration for Jackson is unparalleled. Upon his return to Las Vegas last night, the media stayed fixated on images of Jackson's SUV stuck in traffic on the Las Vegas strip. The nearly 2 hour long motorcade, captured live on TV by a horde of hovering newscopters, was greeted with well-wishers and fans storming the car to cheer Jackson on and offer their support. However, the accompanying media bashing repeatedly made negatively-tainted comparisons to O.J. Simpson's famous Bronco ride. Is that just?
Jackson's history of self-professed underage sleepovers under a decade-long cloud of suspicion and past molestation accusations have convinced many in the media (and subsequenty, the public) that Jackson belongs behind bars and is guilty as charged. Instead of the 'presumption of innocence', the press coverage has been tainted with an 'assumption of guilt.' The old adage 'innocent until proven guilty,' one of the foundations of our legal system, has completely lost its relevance through unbalanced media reporting.
So, don't rush to judge. Remember, eccentric doesn't mean perverted. Poor judgement doesn't translate into criminal behavior. While this is not the first time he's faced these accusations, that doesn't necessarily give this charge credence. And when did emulating Peter Pan become illegal? So, I ask again, what about justice?
Michael Jackson is a human being and deserves an impartial and fair trial. He deserves his day in court. No one really knows all the evidence.
Jackson's attorney Mark Gelagos says the charges are "categorically untrue." The pop superstar has vowed to fight the charges. His spokesperson Stuart Backerman issued a statement saying: "Michael said, 'Lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathons. The truth will win this marathon in court.' Michael is going to defend himself with the force of his spirit, as would anyone falsely accused of something so monstrous."
The Nightmare at Neverland is still in development. Production on this tragic melodrama starts January 9, 2004 at the arraignment hearing. Michael will have his day in court and the opportunity to answer the charges. Let the judicial process, not the press, deliver justice. Don't rush to judge.
"Rushing to Judge Michael Jackson, What about Justice?"
article by Tanya Kersey-Henley
Tanya Kersey-Henley is entertainment journalist and commentator as well as the editor-in-chief of Black Talent News, and the founder/executive director of the Hollywood Black Film Festival.
November 20, 2003 -- Suspected al-Qaida suicide bombers blew up trucks packed with explosives at the British consulate and a London-based bank Thursday, killing at least 27 people and wounding nearly 450. Š Tens of thousands of Brits marched through the heart of London, toppling and burning a 17 foot tall effigy of President Bush in protest over the war in Iraq and Prime Minister Tony Blair's support of the invasion. Š. In Miami, several thousand protestors demonstrated near the InterContinental Hotel where representatives of 34 countries discussed the Fair Trade of Americas Act (FTAA). Some of the rock-throwing protestors clashed with riot gear-clad police who used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protestors.
While important news was breaking worldwide, the press chose to virtually ignore it and instead advance an injustice, "The Michael Jackson Media Indictment."
Press coverage on broadcast and cable television all across the globe was dominated almost entirely by the King of Pop's surrender to authorities to face multiple charges of child molestation. The 'money shot' of a handcuffed Jackson being led into the Santa Barbara Sheriff's office, his mug shot plastered on every news channel, and his every move was captured worldwide as the media spent hours showing images of misidentified corporate jets, airport hangars, and police-led motorcades. Lacking even a modicum of neutrality or objectivity, an endless stream of analysts, pundits, commentators and so-called friends and acquaintances were paraded on camera, many appearing to have already judged and convicted the pop superstar. I find this approach to news reporting particularly repugnant as the media is supposed to present both sides of the story with impartiality and fairness. Instead, they are systematically destroying Jackson through the influence they yield in the court of public opinion.
Not only was the day's international media frenzy an unjust indictment of Jackson, it was woefully tainted with a barrage of irresponsible, tabloid-style journalism synonymous with "yellow journalism."
Even the selection of media guests is suspect. Those already proclaiming Jackson is guilty and his career over have been smart, educated and well-dressed defense and prosecuting attorneys, entertainment journalists and Hollywood spin doctors. On the other hand, those asserting Jackson's innocence have been a hodge podge of characters unable to effectively answer the tough questions and articulate their belief in his innocence.
Arguably one of the most famous people in the world, the level of public worship and admiration for Jackson is unparalleled. Upon his return to Las Vegas last night, the media stayed fixated on images of Jackson's SUV stuck in traffic on the Las Vegas strip. The nearly 2 hour long motorcade, captured live on TV by a horde of hovering newscopters, was greeted with well-wishers and fans storming the car to cheer Jackson on and offer their support. However, the accompanying media bashing repeatedly made negatively-tainted comparisons to O.J. Simpson's famous Bronco ride. Is that just?
Jackson's history of self-professed underage sleepovers under a decade-long cloud of suspicion and past molestation accusations have convinced many in the media (and subsequenty, the public) that Jackson belongs behind bars and is guilty as charged. Instead of the 'presumption of innocence', the press coverage has been tainted with an 'assumption of guilt.' The old adage 'innocent until proven guilty,' one of the foundations of our legal system, has completely lost its relevance through unbalanced media reporting.
So, don't rush to judge. Remember, eccentric doesn't mean perverted. Poor judgement doesn't translate into criminal behavior. While this is not the first time he's faced these accusations, that doesn't necessarily give this charge credence. And when did emulating Peter Pan become illegal? So, I ask again, what about justice?
Michael Jackson is a human being and deserves an impartial and fair trial. He deserves his day in court. No one really knows all the evidence.
Jackson's attorney Mark Gelagos says the charges are "categorically untrue." The pop superstar has vowed to fight the charges. His spokesperson Stuart Backerman issued a statement saying: "Michael said, 'Lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathons. The truth will win this marathon in court.' Michael is going to defend himself with the force of his spirit, as would anyone falsely accused of something so monstrous."
The Nightmare at Neverland is still in development. Production on this tragic melodrama starts January 9, 2004 at the arraignment hearing. Michael will have his day in court and the opportunity to answer the charges. Let the judicial process, not the press, deliver justice. Don't rush to judge.
Vastaukset 4
Vanhimmat
Lyhyt??? xP
Toivottavasti näillä tuomitsijoilla täällä on aikaa ja innostusta lukea myös tämä kaiken tuomitsemisen keskellä.
Kiitos, kun on maailmassa vielä tuollaisia sinisilmäisiä, kaiken uskovia nuoria...
Harmi vain etten kuulu tähän kovasti ihailemaasi porukkaan...ikävä tuottaa pettymys..