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I don't think that Mr [Jarvis] Cocker truly understood what I was doing. It wasn't like I was saying 'I am Jesus', I was just drawing some parallels between Christ and me, like maybe I was sent here to spread the good news through dancing. I wouldn't say I have a messiah complex. ~From a statement released after Cocker nearly interrupted his performance of Earth Song during the 1996 Britt Awards.

Michael Jackson#19

ArtIntentMisunderstandingPublicityReligion

About this quote

What does it mean?
The artist clarifies that his religious parallels were metaphorical and not a claim of messianic status.
In plain terms
He explains his dance comparisons to Christ were symbolic, not literal claims of divinity.
What can you take from it?
Metaphorical expressions in art can be easily misunderstood as literal claims.

Where it applies

  • explaining art
  • media controversy
  • public statement

Putting it to work

  • clarifying intent
  • managing image
  • defending art

Questions to consider

  • How should art be interpreted?
  • Can you separate the artist from the art?

Another view

Public figures often face scrutiny that distorts their original artistic intent.

More from Michael Jackson

  1. If a man could say nothing against a character but what he can prove, history could not be written. ~People Magazine, 1988

    Permalink to quote #18
  2. I am speechless about the idea of putting music fans in jail for downloading music. It is wrong to illegally download, but the answer cannot be jail. Here in A…

    Permalink to quote #20
  3. I love manikins. I want to bring them to life. I give mine names. I feel as if I know them. I'll often talk to them in my living room. ~Rolling Stone 1983

    Permalink to quote #17

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