Why Michael Jackson Was Peter Pan

The myth, the man, the legend. There was something different about him. Though the world may have perceived him as grotesque and strange, he was actually human. He embraced his inner child and genuinely loved every person he came across. This man was Michael Jackson and he went through hell during his rise to fame. Just as he sang in one of his formerly unreleased songs, that’s the price of fame. It’s not just pure gold and success, it’s ugly at times. He experienced the judgment.

The tabloids enjoyed tearing him apart. They were like a pack of guard dogs, ready to chomp at whatever rumor they could get their hands on. They came up with whatever they could think of. Unfortunately, their words did have an impact on Michael. He was called ‘Wacko Jacko’ for just being himself. He was childlike but some people didn’t understand the torment he dealt with as a child. It all started with one person — Joseph Jackson.

A young Joseph Jackson (right) and Katherine Scruse (left) are on a date together.

It all started in Gary, Indiana.

Michael was the seventh child to be born to Joseph and Katherine Jackson. Even as a baby, Michael would mimic James Brown on the TV, dancing his heart out. He eventually even joined The Jackson 5, becoming the lead vocalist. With that, came a lot of responsibility for a child. Michael was often overworked and never really got the chance to be a kid.

Not only that but Michael dealt with abuse from his father. His father would make fun of his nose and appearance but it became physical at times. He recalled in an interview getting beat by his father a lot, even depicting to Martin Bashir (2002) that his father would use Ironing cords.

This abuse had a huge impact on Michael. There is a lot of speculation that Michael dealt with Body Dysmorphia Disorder — and it could definitely be a reason for his plastic surgery.

Why did Michael act like a child?

It’s something that many people ask. Why did he enjoy playing with toys? Why did he enjoy being with children? Why did he always flash a smile?

The answer is simple. Michael never had a childhood. He was given adult responsibilities at the age of five. He never got the chance to really play with other children. He had to sing, dance, and rehearse. That was instilled into him from a young age.

He had to perform at clubs, at times. These usually had half-naked women, drunk individuals, and just a lot of things that a child shouldn’t be exposed to. As Michael’s solo career peaked, he got the chance to create his own place. An escape. A place that was once home to him — Neverland Valley Ranch.

What is Neverland Valley Ranch?

The property was originally known as Sycamore Valley Ranch. Michael first expressed interest in purchasing the property when visiting Paul McCartney, who was staying there while filming the music video for Say Say Say. He pursued that purchase in 1988 and renamed it to Neverland. He soon would make the place his own, adding amusement parks, Disney-inspired landscaping, and even his own zoo.

Michael didn’t just keep the property for himself. He often would open Neverland and allow fans to spend a day there but also allowing sick children to come. He wanted the children to experience something he never did — for no cost. If anything, the only cost was getting the chance to see others smile.

This place was a safe haven for him. He was able to be a kid again, getting to experience the many things he missed. However, Jackson moved out in 2005. It wasn’t home for him anymore, especially after the trials and tribulations he experienced in the previous years.

Neverland Valley Ranch, captured here.

Michael often found comfort in Peter Pan. He could relate to him deeply, even considering himself Peter Pan. Many thought this was strange but it wasn’t. It was simply him healing his inner child. He was giving others the chance to fly high.

He was Peter Pan — no doubt in my mind — and he never was going to completely grow up. There was nothing wrong with that. Despite society and tabloids painting that as the picture, it was a very beautiful thing. Not many people are able to do such a thing. He let the trauma and pain unravel by being childlike. He let himself be free and get the chance to heal.

It’s something that, I believe, many people need to embrace more of these days. Our inner child. It’s something that shouldn’t be hidden away in a shadow or doubt.

Michael Jackson performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 1993.