Michael Jackson applied to the star theory

Michael Jackson was undisputedly a star in the world of pop, and still is. He changed the music industry in many ways: he was controversial, unique, and extraordinary. But does he conform to Richard Dyer's theory?

A Commodity 

It can be argued that Michael Jackson is more of a commodity now, after his death, than he was when he was alive. For example, the singer moon-walked across a Las Vegas stage in a nationally televised hologram performance; A new album debuted at No. 2 on music charts; and a traveling Cirque du Soleil show based on Jackson’s songs has logged nearly 500 performances worldwide. The result has been an estate that has earned more than $600 million since the King of Pop’s untimely death at age 50.  
(http://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/michael-jackson-hot-commodity-5-years-after-his-death). 

Although there are probably hundreds of people who's job it is now to dress up as Michael and perform at parties, no one could ever recreate him, which just shows that he is star quality as he is truly one of a kind. It can be argued that in the time of Michael Jackson he wasn't a star just by being a commodity, even though some people are willing to pay a ridiculous sum of money for one of his gloves. 

A Construction 

“Everyone wears two gloves; I’ll wear one and make them pay attention.”

I believe that Michael Jackson could defiantly be seen as a construction, but a construction made by himself. He was widely known for his iconic dance moves, music videos and outfits. He made-up many dance moves such as the moonwalk and the smooth criminal. These moves are a direct association with Jackson and if someone else were to do it, it just wouldn't be the same. Michael could also be associated with his outfits, such as, the crystal, bejeweled, silver glove, the red 'Thriller' jacket and the many different military jackets, with the same black sunglasses.  

An Ideology

Michael Jackson's style isn't specific to a certain genre, he is somewhat his own ideology. However, there are some aspects we could relate to the pop brand. For example, the bright and glittery clothing. He also includes aspects of rock in his image, such as, long hair, black sunglasses, and a unique, sometimes questionable style. The sunglasses in particular gives him an air of mystery as we can't see his eyes so therefore we may feel less connected with him.

Paradoxes:

Ordinary - a star must be like us so that we can feel connected with them. Michael shows this through his devoted family life as a father and animal lover.

Extraordinary - a star must also have something that makes them special, and reminds us of how great they are. Michael Jackson has sold more than 750 million records worldwide, as well as eight platinum albums and thirteen number 1 singles.

 

Present - a star must exists as a part of our lives to the extent that we talk about them in social situations and know stuff about them, like we know them personally. Michael definitely got people talking about him and we even knew all about his personal life. However, sometimes he didn't want that shared, but when you're a star that's something that comes with it.  

Absent - Michael Jackson isn't within reach of people, we may know him and his personal life but he doesn't know us. He is the one on the stage and we are the one in the audience watching him therefore he is absent from us.