Much as I was delighted that the Oxford Mail ran a story about my book (May 28) , as a lifelong Michael Jackson fan I feel it is imperative that I clarify a few points: 1. His name is and always will be Michael Jackson, not Jacko or even Wacko Jacko. This is derogatory and now he is dead and cannot refute it.
I have lost count of the number of letters we have all written in an attempt to get use of this awful term stopped.
2. That paragraph beginning “Of the weird and wonderful things...” Again, the mindset of some readers will link Michael’s fans with the weird. It is quite the opposite.
I have no knowledge of anything ‘weird’ having occurred since Michael’s death. I have lost count of the wonderful and amazing stories I have read of humanitarian gestures made in Michael’s name.
What the world has to understand is that we, his fans, are a reflection of the man, a kind, caring and considerate human being ... “don’t just like Mike, be Mike-like” is our motto.
3. I am honoured to say that I count among my Los Angeles friends the women who set up and run Words4LifeTees.com.
They do not “sit outside Michael’s home and sell them”. It is a viable online business with a percentage of the profits going to a variety of charities that Michael supported. They also had the brilliant idea to set up a PO box to enable fans around the world to send in gifts and cards for Michael.
They, along with other fans, make a monthly pilgrimage to Michael’s mausoleum, where the cards and gifts are left at the door (only close family and friends are allowed access to the tomb).
To say I admire them and the work they have done on our behalf is an understatement.
Last but not least, the article doesn’t really clarify that the book isn’t actually about Michael. There are heaps of those. It is about his fans.
Deborah Longshaw
Charlbury
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