I subscribe to what KCL wrote (except of the part regarding dressing to school; sorry, not applied to me 
you have to take into account what MJ sang about and how it reflected into the fans, the following artists(black or white)and, nonetheless, how he could perform. Not 2-3 shows / year, but so many and each of them very concentranted. Look what is on MTV or other music channels right now…
Each generation has some icon, each person has his/her own idol, favourite artist. I am too an 80s child and I was a fan, but not an histerical one. I grew up with MJ’s songs and believed that we can have a “better place”. Look right now around you and see how nowadays kids are growing: hatred, with strong belief in guns, killing their colleagues, stealling, beatting others…. and unfortunately I can go on…
It is not like MJ was a saint, he definettle wasn’t. He was a HUMAN. and more to that he was a public figure that was constantly watched and spyed as good money you could have if you could come out with a hot tip about MJ.
But it is HIS MUSIC THAT SPEAKS, not the personal really questionnable life. And it is THIS legacy that will live forever. By his fans of all ages, religions, colours.
p.s. how can you explain that on Friday after his death, when all radios were playing his songs, friends of mine and me, who didn’t listen for at least 10 years the songs, WERE INSTANTLY REMEMBERING AND SINGING ALL THE WORDS?
