MICHAEL-OPRAH-KABC LETTERS : A Complete Evening With the King of Pop

Oprah’s interview of Michael Jackson managed to transform the eccentric, reclusive, two-dimensional pop icon into a real-live human being, complete with real human feelings, emotions--and foibles: During the interview, Jackson referred to Asian-Americans as “Orientals,” probably without realizing that that is as insulting and degrading as using the term “Negroes” for African-Americans.

That said, Jackson nonetheless still managed to come across as a caring person who genuinely loves children, and it’s heartening to know that he was able to salvage some good out of the pain and loneliness that he suffered in his extraordinary, sad childhood.

JINA A. NAM

North Hollywood