July 01, 2009 11:06 EDT
Jainette Manbrink
Michael Jackson fansite administrator, Sweden
How long have you been a Michael Jackson superfan?
I've been a fan for 22 years and working with jacksonaction.com since 1996, when the Internet started in Sweden. For me he's been a role model. I love his music and talent, and the fact that he began very poor and had a very strict childhood but rose above the pain.
I attended his trial [in 2005, for sexual molestation]. It was really important for me. I went three times, once for jury selection, once during the trial and then for the verdict.
What is it about him that enthralled so many people?
They can connect with him: the childhood he had, having a mother who didn't protect him and being abused by his father. Many of his fans, including myself, suffered abuse. I needed someone and I couldn't use my own parents as my role model, so I turned to Michael. For me it didn't matter if he released any records or went on tour. He was the inspiration for wanting to continue to live, no matter what happens to you.
What would you like to see happen to his legacy?
As a fan, I wish Neverland would become like Graceland. In 2003 I was invited there and met him briefly. He left me with autographed CD's. But as a mother, I would like the children to have peace and for everybody to leave them alone. If they want to just be alone and create their own life, let them.
--Susan Varghese
Michael Jackson fansite administrator, Sweden
How long have you been a Michael Jackson superfan?
I've been a fan for 22 years and working with jacksonaction.com since 1996, when the Internet started in Sweden. For me he's been a role model. I love his music and talent, and the fact that he began very poor and had a very strict childhood but rose above the pain.
I attended his trial [in 2005, for sexual molestation]. It was really important for me. I went three times, once for jury selection, once during the trial and then for the verdict.
What is it about him that enthralled so many people?
They can connect with him: the childhood he had, having a mother who didn't protect him and being abused by his father. Many of his fans, including myself, suffered abuse. I needed someone and I couldn't use my own parents as my role model, so I turned to Michael. For me it didn't matter if he released any records or went on tour. He was the inspiration for wanting to continue to live, no matter what happens to you.
What would you like to see happen to his legacy?
As a fan, I wish Neverland would become like Graceland. In 2003 I was invited there and met him briefly. He left me with autographed CD's. But as a mother, I would like the children to have peace and for everybody to leave them alone. If they want to just be alone and create their own life, let them.
--Susan Varghese
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