by Tricia Psarreas Murray

Created on: June 26, 2009

Michael Jackson spent his life in the spotlight and he will remain there in death. His unexpected passing shocked fans and foes around the world, especially since he died mere hours after Farrah Fawcett. The news will undoubtedly focus on the reasons surrounding his death but once the cause is found, people will still have one question: How should Michael Jackson be remembered?

As a child, Michael was an exuberant entertainer with the voice of an angel. He put the rest of his talented family's voices to shame while he performed in The Jackson Five and continued to supersede his family as he embarked on a solo career. Through the course of his stardom, Michael Jackson awed audiences worldwide when he performed the moonwalk and made the unforgettable music video for Thriller, which is possibly the greatest video ever made. Jackson amazed fans just as much when he continued to perform after the infamous Pepsi fire and started fashion trends with items as outrageous as a red leather jacket or a single studded glove. Truly the King of Pop, Michael Jackson made an enormous impact on the music world.

Unfortunately, some people will find it impossible to focus on Jackson's career because of his controversial personal life. From his numerous plastic surgeries to the many allegations of child molestation, he befuddled people as much as he enthralled them. Nobody will forget Jackson hanging his child out a window or dancing on a car during his arraignment, as well they shouldn't. Those behaviors certainly were absurd, but they were simply Michael.

The question remains, what part of Michael Jackson's life should take precedence after his death? Should people pay tribute by playing his songs, dancing along with YouTube videos, and moonwalking at candlelight vigils? Or should the world breathe a sigh of relief that one of the most controversial men of the century is dead?

Logically, the only way to determine how Michael Jackson should be remembered is to dismiss the rumors and examine the facts. Did Jackson go overboard with plastic surgery? Yes. Was his obsession with childhood unhealthy? Yes. Did he bring happiness and joy to people around the world with his music? Yes. And the final question - did Michael Jackson actually molest children? Probably not.

Some readers may feel the urge to stop reading after that last statement, but we cannot ignore the facts to make room for the hearsay. Jackson was accused of child molestation on several counts but he was never found

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