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IFLTS: 'Thriller,' Michael Jackson

'Thriller,' Michael Jackson
From 1982's 'Thriller'

When I was a little girl, I had four cousins (all siblings) that were, to me, the end-all, be-all of cool. I'm talking Aqua Net, water beds and motocross. They were in high school and used to let me and my older brother come over after school and watch MTV and HBO. As one might imagine, I was exposed to some pretty ... mature stuff. And two things stuck with me from those fateful afternoons on my aunt's giant grey couch: Michael J. Fox's 'The Secret of My Success' (another story for another time), and the 'Thriller' video.

I was late to the game on the almost 14-minute long fright fest, regarded by MTV as the greatest video of all time, but was no less affected. I was simultaneously in love with and terrified of Michael. I was seriously jealous of that pretty girl's poodle skirt. The ghouls were dancing! I quivered in the presence of Vincent Price's booming, sinister voice. The lyrics didn't have to make sense (they don't). My little not-yet-10-year-old mind was blown.

My favorite 'Thriller' moments since then have more to do with adolescent antics. You know, werewolf dancing around a table when playing flip cup in someone's garage. Blasting the full version out of my friend's older brother's red (had to be red) car to freak out people in our impossibly quaint town. What? I'm not embarrassed. "I'm not like other girls ...No, I mean I'm different."

Watch Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Video


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ashley

About an hour ago, I felt "over" Michael Jackson. As a 17 year old, I really didn't know much about him, other then he sings that crazy 80's song thriller, dances crazy, looks scary, and apparently molested children. I didn't really care much that he died. Isn't that sad? My mom called me into the computer room. As i saw Michael on the screen, I thought "Oh, Great. More Michael Jackson.. care???" She showed me the ENTIRE video of thriller. I thought it was incredible. It was like a movie.. Michael was amazing!! Then she proceeded to show me more of his videos. All I can say is that my prospective completely changed. He was so talented!! Now I just feel terrible, my favorite shows (southpark and family guy) and the media made him into a joke. They took advantage of his fame and power. Who cares if he bleached his skin? under it he still was so talented and unique. There wont ever be anyone else like him on this earth. I don't believe he EVER molested a child. I started reading about his life and I believe the media took his love for children the wrong way. He loved kids because he didn't have a childhood. I think people were just trying to get his money saying he molested their kids. It's just kind of depressing knowing that I'm only realizing this after his death and that many kids my age feel how I used to. RIP Michael Jackson.

June 27 2009 at 11:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lorie Mahal Ko

Michael Jackson is the best rock star of all times. Other rocker come and go but " the King" will forever stay in our hearts. My family and I are terribly saddened by his sudden death and we sincerely send our heartfelt sympathy to his loved ones especially to his precious children. I hope that they are very well taken care of by someone who really loves them for who they are not because of their inheritance from their famous father. May God Bless them all. Michael,we love you. May you rest in peace.

June 26 2009 at 10:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply