The+Caricature,+Rachael+Edwards

PHASE 3: Research Paper 1 (Precis) Case Study: The Caricature By: Jan Carlson In this case study, Carlson defines Caricature as “an exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics in art or literature” (Carlson, 2010). That is exactly what media did to Michael Jackson’s name over the years since 1984, taken his life and twisting and taken out of context to form a deceived biography. Michael Jackson was always in the spotlight, in the news, and in the public’s interest. However, as a child when he first became an adored artist, his talent was media’s focus. As time went on, the media almost completely disregarded his talent and targeted everything that could possible be out of the norm. Whatever claims Michal Jackson could defend; the media would disregard any credibility. Rationale like his medical condition that caused his skin discoloration would be ignored and the media would continue to lash out more scandalous gutter press. There have been an abundance of rumors ranging from his sexual preference to as bizarre as sleeping in an oxygen chamber instead of a bed. The media’s focus clearly showed evidence that they were not being informative or sharing beneficial information with the audience. Gossip and ultimately tormenting Michael Jackson for entertainment was more important because those succulent myths sold more. Apparently hearing that Michael Jackson was a “freak” instead of being honored with the Michael Jackson Burn Center due to one of his many large contributions to the world was more appealing. There are countless examples of media efforts to persuade the audience of the fabricated Michael Jackson they wanted the world to see. Jackson’s Neverland Valley Ranch purpose was to have a place to enjoy happiness, normalcy, and freedom. Sharing this experience with less fortunate children was yet another bone media could pick. Discrimination was clearly out of sight, out of mind in regards to media efforts of hounding Michael Jackson. Tabloids filled media air with stories on Jackson’s multiple plastic surgeries. Jackson was displayed as a young African American man trying to become an older Caucasian woman. The truth, that he had two nose jobs and the rest of his surgical procedures and skin grafts were to repair is severe burn injury. Of course the media will brush over those facts and add to the heat by hiring actual facial surgeons, who has never treated Michael Jackson, to compare his “many faces.” It wasn’t until a forced police examination of his genitals during a child molestation charge when Michael Jackson was awarded credibility for his skin condition and of course his innocence. Media censored and tried to convince Jackson’s maid, guards, and any other reliable sources to add to the tabloid tales as long as they were just that, a tale, or close to it. “it doesn’t matter if it’s true ** as long as we can get someone to say it’s true“ **and “we practice a form of checkbook journalism, but so does everyone else in this business”(Carlson, 2010). If this does not prove media’s propaganda tactic I am not sure what else can paint that picture any clearer. Carlson proposes lessons and questions we as consumers should take into consideration when we are dealing with propaganda and misleading information in our media industry, which affects our society today. She I will generate these questions throughout my final project. Carlson, J. (2010, November 02). Case study: the caricature. //Voices In Wartime//, Retrieved from []