Femmes Fatale – The ‘Dangerous Woman’ Narrative

Abstract: From as early as his 1982 Billie Jean short film, it has been apparent that Michael Jackson had a distinct fascination with Film Noir, the Classical Hollywood Cinema movement, which was popularized in the post-war era. In this opinion piece, Jan Carlson carries out an in-depth analysis of a range of Michael Jackson songs devoted in their subject […]

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MJ Studies Today XII

Abstract: In the December column, Kerry Hennigan examines Michael Jackson’s fascination for the film noir genre. Column by Kerry Hennigan, editor of the monthly newsletter, A Candle for Michael, and administrator of the widely-subscribed Facebook group, Michael Jackson’s Short Film ‘Ghosts. REFERENCE AS: Hennigan, Kerry. “MJ Studies Today XII (14-12-16).” The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies 3, no. […]

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Episode 20 – Michael Jackson & Cleopatra

Abstract: This episode is about Michael Jackson and the Egyptian ruler, Cleopatra. Karin and Elizabeth discuss Michael Jackson’s personal art collection, his personal and creative interest in Cleopatra, and the representation of high-status black people in western culture. To expand your knowledge on this topic take our Michael Jackson & Black History Online Course. Take one of our 17 Michael Jackson […]

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MJ Studies Today XI

Abstract: In the November column, Kerry Hennigan examines the ‘why’ of the life and work of Michael Jackson. Column by Kerry Hennigan, editor of the monthly newsletter, A Candle for Michael, and administrator of the widely-subscribed Facebook group, Michael Jackson’s Short Film ‘Ghosts. REFERENCE AS: Hennigan, Kerry. “MJ Studies Today XI (14-11-16).” The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies 3, […]

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Episode 19 – Celebrating Dangerous 25: Michael Jackson’s ‘Dancing the Dream’

Abstract: This episode is a celebration of Michael Jackson’s 1991 album, Dangerous, which has its 25th anniversary this month. Karin, Elizabeth, and special guest, author Andy Healy discuss Michael Jackson’s 1992 publication, Dancing the Dream: Poems & Reflections. The three researchers draw new conclusions inspired by the chapter, ‘On Michael Jackson’s Dancing the Dream‘ in Elizabeth’s Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson, […]

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Episode 18 – Halloween Special: ‘Ghosts’

Abstract: In this Halloween (2016) episode Karin and Elizabeth discuss Michael Jackson’s 1997 short film, ‘Ghosts’. Going into amazing detail on the film-making, cinematography, acting, and many of the hidden social and political ideas which lurk beneath the surface. They also discuss the theme of transformation in Jackson’s work, including ‘Thriller’. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, […]

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Studying Michael Jackson’s Visual Art: Michael Jackson and his love for the Renaissance

Abstract: This online lecture is designed to show learners how they can understand Michael Jackson’s visual art and his connection with the Renaissance. Lecture by Karin Merx BMus, MA, 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 […]

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An Interview with Ryan Garey

Abstract: In this interview, Ryan Garey discusses his Master Thesis and how Michael Jackson influenced him and what he envisions for his future with Michael Jackson. REFERENCE AS:  Garey, Ryan. “An Interview with Ryan Gary.” Interview, The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies 3, no. 2 (2016). Published electronically 21/10/16. http://michaeljacksonstudies.org/an-interview-with-ryan-garey/. The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic […]

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CHAPTER 6 – “I DON’T KNOW” BODIES DISRUPTING CULTURAL REPRODUCTION

Jackson ends the Bad album the same way he commenced it: with a question. In the same way that it is impossible to answer the question “Who’s Bad?” in any definitive way, the final question leaves us profoundly unsure. “Are you okay?” is sung dozens of times in the song “Smooth Criminal,” and the information […]

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“Who’s Bad?” Disrupting Cultural (Re)Production Through Representations of Michael Jackson

Abstract: The dynamic process of producing and consuming commodities shapes not only individuals but also their relations with each other and their societies. Although popular culture theorists have often attributed to popular music the effect of securing the consent of subordinated people for their own domination, Michael Jackson’s pop music has the opposite effect: it […]

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