June 23, 2005

Street Talk by Carol Rosen

What do you think of the non-guilty verdict in the Michael Jackson trial? Do you have any interest in watching the proposed six-episode reality series about the Jackson family?
(Asked at Almaden Center)

“I think he’s guilty and I think Neverland is Michael Jackson’s version of ‘would you like to come into my van and pet my puppy.’ I like his music and I think he’s a talented performer, but he has a problem. In general I love reality shows, but I wouldn’t spend five minutes watching him. We’ve seen too much about the family already. They need to retreat into their castle and pull up the drawbridge.”

Diane Kochenburg, 65
Rose Garden
Retired


“I don’t know. He’s obviously weird and he obviously has issues. But I think he never grew up. He’s sort of asexual. I don’t see him as a big sexual predator, but as a person that doesn’t know what is appropriate. I would probably watch it just for the ‘train wreck’ value.”

Karen Kochenburg, 33
San Jose
School counselor


“I have faith in the jury system. Do I think he’s a normal person? No! You can’t look like that and not have issues. I think he’s guilty of pretty questionable behavior, but I don’t know if he’s guilty of molesting that child. I think the boy’s parents made bad decisions. I personally would not allow my sons to stay anywhere, at anyone’s house if I wasn’t very close friends with the parents. I refuse to watch anything about Michael Jackson. ”

Barbara Hartman, 32
Almaden
Housewife and mother


“It’s a hard question for me because I haven’t really paid much attention to the trial. Then again, I don’t know if I can judge him, it’s hard to say. Maybe he was innocent. I couldn’t care less in another reality show. I’m not that crazy for all that kind of stuff. My kids are grown, I have my health to worry about—it’s more important.”

Victoria Douglas, over 50
Almaden
Retired


“I actually don’t agree with the verdict. I think he was guilty. I might watch it on occasion, but not every single episode, but a little bit might be interesting.”

Ashley Shaw, 17
Almaden
Student at San Jose City Middle College


“To tell you the truth, I’ve been trying hard not to pay any attention to the trial. I’ve taken myself out of it. It takes too much time and energy like the trial for O. J. Simpson. I probably would not watch it.”

Serbon Moisie, 36
Almaden
Software engineer


“I think that it’s pretty much a case of politics. I think because he’s a celebrity, his status determined the verdict more so than if he was an average citizen. No, I wouldn’t watch it because I’m not really that interested in the Jackson family.”

Carson Green, 33
Almaden
Construction