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Episode 97 – The Dangerous Philosophies Part 5

By Karin Merx in Podcast on 21st October 2026

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Abstract: In part 5 of The Dangerous Philosophies, Elizabeth and Karin discuss Chapter 5, Identity and Identification in Michael Jackson’s Dangerous. They also discuss how assumptions led to the multiple identities placed on Michael Jackson and how learning to observe can solve that problem. Karin created a foundational course and recently launched it; it is also for the many who draw Michael Jackson. To go deeper into The Dangerous Philosophies, Elizabeth has a course created for that, and there is also the brilliant course she created, Introduction to Michael Jackson Studies

REFERENCE AS:

Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 97 – The Dangerous Philosophies Part 5” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 14 no. 1 (2026). Published electronically 21/10/26. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/episode-97-the-dangerous-philosophies-part-5

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Episode 97 – The Dangerous Philosophies Part 5
By Elizabeth Amisu & Karin Merx

Elizabeth Amisu, PGCE, MA, is editor of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies and author of The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona, and His Artistic Afterlife. Find out more about Elizabeth here.

Karin Merx, BMus, MA Art History, BA Cultural Philosophy, Classically trained Artist, Classically trained Musician, is editor of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies, and author of A festive parade of highlights. La Grande Parade as evaluation of the museum policy of Edy De Wilde at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, published with academic publisher Eburon. Find out more about Karin here.

Our References and Where to Easily Find Them:

Elizabeth Amisu, The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona, and His Artistic Afterlife (Bloomsbury, paperback 2023) https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/dangerous-philosophies-of-michael-jackson-9798765123645/
Elizabeth Amisu, ‘The Dangerous Philosophies’ Online Course, https://onlineartseducation.co.uk/course/dangerous-philosophies-of-michael-jackson-online-course/
Elizabeth Amisu, Introduction to Michael Jackson Studies
https://onlineartseducation.co.uk/course/introduction-to-michael-jackson-studies-online-course/
Karin Merx, Learn to See Like an Artist – The Discipline of Seeing: Observation as an Artistic Practice
https://onlineartseducation.co.uk/course/learn-to-see-like-an-artist-the-discipline-of-seeing-observation-as-an-artistic-practice/

Tags: Elizabeth Amisu, Karin Merx, Michael Jackson

It is a little-known fact that academic, well-researched “books on Elvis Presley alone outnumber titles on Chuck Berry, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, andMichael Jackson combined”. (Vogel, Man in the Music). Whereas an artist like Michael Jackson is incredibly visible through the media and tabloid coverage, research on his art remains comparatively small. If this continues Michael Jackson’s contributions could be written out of history in just a few decades. Therefore, this journal nurtures, fosters, protects, preserves and grows the vital research and recognition of his work.

Podcasts are a fantastic way of getting academic ideas around Michael Jackson into the public sphere in a way that is easily accessible to listeners. Presented by the journal’s editors, it is the world’s first academic podcast which solely discusses the art of Michael Jackson as well as the broader contexts in which his music, performance and short films were created and received. Each podcast is filled to the brim with academic insights, a plethora of references from a range of academic disciplines, humor and a great deal of discussion, taking Michael Jackson’s work and the study of its reception to new heights.
MichaelJackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation is our official, original monthly/fortnightly academic podcast which focuses on the life, art and creative work of Michael Jackson. Recently, featured on the iTunes ‘New and Noteworthy’ lists, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation is the world’s foremost podcast on Michael Jackson in academic studies. It is available via iTunes, Android, Email, RSS, and Stitcher. Listen here.

Episode 97 – The Dangerous Philosophies Part 5

Episode 97 – The Dangerous Philosophies Part 5By Elizabeth Amisu & Karin Merx

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Episode 97 – The Dangerous Philosophies Part 5
By Elizabeth Amisu & Karin Merx