In the song "Ben," Michael Jackson sang about a very special relationship between two friends. Both of them once lonely and misunderstood but, now have found completion in each other. Not to mention, if other folks only knew how it felt, they'd totally understand, empathize, and look for a Ben of their own. Sure, this song is a story of devotion and the importance of friendship but, it also describes the relationship between Michael Jackson and his die-hard fans.
"Ben, the two of us need look no more, we both found what we were looking for. With a friend to call my own, I'll never be alone and you my friend will see, you've got a friend in me."
- "Ben" 1970
In my own personal experience, a lot of fans have had defining moments in childhood that make them different from the rest of their peers.
A lot of fans, including myself, have gone through life feeling misunderstood and are often missing that special connection with others. The special connection that fans have with Michael Jackson, and even with other Michael Jackson fans is unparallelled.
Why is that?
Well, let's think about it. Michael Jackson is one of those rare entertainers that can connect with fans on a deep level. He makes you believe that he's singing to you or about you. Not to mention, the glimpses into his personality and life that fans were privy to, displayed that the very things he sang about on tape and reflected his own personal realities.
Yes, Michael really did encouter obessed, raging, and entitled women like the one he sang about on Billie Jean.
Yes, Stranger in Moscow really did describe how he was feeling at one of the lowest points of his life.
Yes, Heal The World and Earth Song really did express Michael's heartfelt desire to heal our planet and our people of uncessary pain and strife.
Michael is one of those artists who made you believe every word that he sang. And every word that he spoke. When he said that he loved you... you know that he meant it.
"Ben, you're always running here and there, you feel you're not wanted anywhere. If you ever look behind and don't like what you find, there's something you should know, you've got a place to go."
You don't have to be a Michael Jackson fan to know that he is someone that is loved but, has also been met by hatred and ridicule perhaps more than he ever has, acceptance. It was almost like society built him up and made him King, only to take away his crown and try to dethrone him.
He always spoke about how lonely he was, how he longed for a normal life, and would walk the streets at night in the 1980's looking for someone, anyone that he could call a friend. The thing that sets Michael Jackson fans apart though is, we have grown to love him and accept him , despite all of his faults. In spite of what the media says, what other celebrities think, and even what our own family members think, we believe that we know Michael, inside and out, and welcome him with open arms.
Just like he's welcomed us into his hearts through our music. You see, Michael Jackson has always been consistent with his love for us and his dedication to making sure that we are loved, paid attention to, and appreciated. Michael's innate understanding of the human condition, enables him to build that connection between himself as an artist and his fan base.
Being a Michael Jackson fan opens up the world of a fan community, events, a more active social life for a lot of people who may not have experienced that feeling of belonging to something and someone important.
Above all though, being a Michael Jackson fan means that you have someone who you feel will always understand, sympathize, and be there for you when the times get tough.
This is why we have always stood by and will continue to stand by Michael, even after death.
Our "Ben" is Michael Jackson.
Having a hard time understanding this unique relationship between a fan and their idol?
I'm sure you'd think again.... If You Had A Friend Like Ben.
Until next time...
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