The King of Pop: A Public Relations Perspective
There is something about famous people that fascinates the public. Although they are ordinary people who must eat and breathe as the next person, famous people are seen as very intriguing to most. Why was everyone so interested in the O.J. Simpson murder trial, the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal, or the birth of Madonna's baby? Everyday, people are accused of murder, cheating on their wives, or giving birth to a baby. What makes the lives of these people more appealing than those of everyday people? It is the abundance of mass-media outlets today and their intense competition for audiences that has vastly stimulated the natural instinct of humans to know about each other's lives (Ault 345). Because there is this natural public interest in a person's success or status, publicists use this to their advantage for commercial gain. Some public relations professionals specialize in image enhancement for high profile entertainment entities by offering services such as producing pres!s kits, press releases, and publicity for their clients. Michael Jackson is a prime example of an entertainer who is constantly in the public eye for his music, his humanitarianism, his love life, and his alleged illegal actions. From a public rela
3. Holden, Simon. "Jackson Names Son Prince Michael Junior". Press Association Newsfile. 25 March 1997 6. McDowell, Edwin. "Michael Jackson Writes His Story". The New York Times. 18 April 1988. Section C, 22. Michael was incessantly in and out of court trying to sustain his good name. Although in many instances he was the victor in the legal battles, the abundance and content of the disputes left much to be questioned about Jackson's character5. A celebrity's image can help to make or break them. Depending on how a situation is handled, a predicament such as a legal battle can be critical to rebuilding the celebrity's character. In a September 1996 article on CNN Interactive's web site, Michael Levine, a celebrity publicist and author said, "I think that the image challenges to someone like Michael Jackson are monumental and that he is at a precipice now at his career, perceptions-wise" (CNN Interactive). 5. King of Pop's Feet Fansite 23 April 2001 http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Floor/7311/kopfeetpg2.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Born in August 1958 in Gary, Indiana, Michael Jackson has been a media magnet almost all his life. His public image has changed from being a cute kid star with lots of personality to a living legend in the entertainment industry. While performing with his older brothers in his early years, he depicted total poise and confidence while on stage, which was unlike his shy and reserved personality off stage. By the late 70's with the release of his solo album Off The Wall, the public saw a more mature and sophisticated adult Michael Jackson. It was during this time that the media started to become very interested in his private life. He was increasingly portrayed as a figure trapped in an eternal childhood, surrounded by toys and pet animals, and insulated from the traumas of the real world (Newspage Fan Club). In 1982, the video for "Billie Jean", a track from his second album Thriller, portrayed Jackson as a mysterious individual who was in a world of his own. By Nove!
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Approximate Word count = 2852
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)
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