dimejinky99 wrote:we are all viewing it through the utterly cynical toxic view that the media have trained us to have.
We’re not really going to “blame” the media for the “toxic” view that a grown man shouldn’t sleep with young boys he has no relation to, are we? Because just about any sane, rational person in the world, if asked if they would let their child do that, would look at you like you’re from outer space. It’s completely preposterous.
These parents were somewhat manipulated by MJ, but I believe they were also looking to improve their position in life by entertaining MJ’s desires. If a grown man you barely know wants to whisk your kids off to bed with him behind closed doors, and that doesn’t set off alarm bells, you’re unfit to be a parent. And if your only reasoning for allowing it is because he’s rich, famous, and severely emotionally stunted, you’re even more unfit. You can say MJ had all the power, but the parents of these kids had the power to walk away when things got weird. They didn’t as they were all looking for some sort of payday. That certainly weakens their case, but it doesn’t render MJ innocent in the public eye, nor does it absolve him of his actions, which frankly allow these sorts of stories some credibility.
I'm trying real hard to be the shepherd.