Let Jackson's kids be kids

There seem to be those who love Michael Jackson and those who hate him. Some see his talent and appreciate his songwriting, dance style and charity. Others believe he committed crimes or dislike him for the eccentricities so often emphasized in the media.

I'm a fan of his music and artistry. His songs take me back 25 years to school dances and roller rinks. So I was one of millions to tune into the memorial service held in Los Angeles. No matter what you think of him personally, I think the heart of every parent ached for the young children left behind when he died at age 50. The image of his daughter, Paris, declaring what a wonderful father he was, is one that will stick with me as much as the image of John Kennedy Jr. saluting his father's casket.

As the memorial service progressed, we saw how separate and different his life as a father was from his life as an entertainer. And we saw how adored he was. Not only by fans around the globe, but by his little girl.

After surfing the Internet and watching some of Jackson's older videos, I found his 2003 interview with Martin Bashir. I look at it and wonder why there was such an uproar over Jackson climbing a tree, going shopping, and riding rides in his amusement park. Some of it warranted raised eyebrows, but if I had the kind of money he had, you'd find me doing not-so-normal things like filling a room with arcade games and ski ball machines, installing amusement park thrill rides, and riding a scooter down the hallways. I'd see it as an excuse to do some crazy and immature things.

I also watched a later special of the Bashir interview, which included previously omitted footage. Some crucial parts were left out.

We now live in a world of reality television where dysfunctional families are the new normal.

Was Michael Jackson's home life really odder than that of Ozzy Osborne, Snoop Dog, Gene Simmons and other reality television subjects?

Now that their father is gone, there will still be controversy. Now that the children's faces have been seen by the world, they will undoubtedly be pursued relentlessly. I hope the media gives them a bit of space and lets them be kids.

The opinions expressed are solely the writer's. Carrie Steinweg, the mother of five, lives in Lansing. Reach her at csteinw@yahoo.com.