Level 5: The Advocates for Legacy
The Advocates for Legacy saw at least eight complete Michael Jackson concerts, some of them live, if they were lucky (and old enough). They recalled the experience to impress a wide-eyed Timid Supporter they met at a gadget magazine launch event in 2007.
Though they’re not as geared up as Level 8 fans, they occasionally dazzle the rest of the earthly simpletons with a decent moonwalk, voice imitation, or Jackson kick. These moves don’t just come naturally. They must have practiced them at some point. That’s dedication. But it’s so much more than that.
These Level 5 fans are the ones who learned and perfected beatboxing because he did. They are the students who followed their dreams and became regulars at the dance studio because they were inspired by Michael’s performances. The intro to Earth Song awakened their desire to practice these and many other keys on the piano.
His powerful and versatile singing style, the visual elegance of his music videos, his charity work – you name it, and millions of people would set out to catch a glimpse of his artistic expressions by attempting or succeeding in emulating at least one of them.
The Advocates for Legacy know for a fact that Michael Jackson didn’t record six solo albums, he recorded ten. They can tell a young Michael’s solo track from a Jackson 5 tune, or the Jackson 5 sound from The Jacksons. They don’t take sides in the alleged Jackson-Prince feud. Instead, they are angry that these two magicians have never elevated our mundane lives with a collaboration.
They put the Emerging Enthusiasts in their proper place; the audacity to compare the King to The Weeknd… But it’s not just their wisdom that never ceases to amaze. It’s their passion.
The Advocates for Legacy are the backbone of the Michael Jackson fandom, the public speakers. While a Timid Supporter would only confess their MJ allegiance in a safe space, such as when they feel the presence of a fellow Timid Supporter, Level 5 fans use their voices.
With a healthy perspective on his personal life, they shine a spotlight on Michael Jackson’s artistic and cultural legacy and promise that it will never be forgotten. They are the outspoken, loyal musketeers who openly and proudly proclaim his influence on their – all of our – lives and art.
Teachers, parents, referees – they’re all supposed to have no favorites for some reason. The shift from sarcasm to pathos in this Advocates for Legacy story may indicate my preference.