"Because I think every child star suffers through this period because you're not the cute and charming child that you were. You start to grow, and they want to keep you little forever"
- Michael Jackson
About this Quote
This quote from Michael Jackson touches on the complex and often tough experience of child stars as they shift into adulthood. Jackson, who himself was thrust into the spotlight as part of the Jackson 5 at a young age, offers insight into the problems dealt with by child stars.
The phrase "every child star suffers through this period" highlights the idea that the shift from childhood to adulthood is universally challenging for those who matured in the public eye. Kid stars are frequently commemorated for their youth, innocence, and beauty. However, as they age, they come across the inescapable changes of growing up, which can consist of physical development, evolving interests, and shifts in social dynamics. This natural progression is intensified by public analysis and the show business's typically unforgiving nature.
When Jackson discusses, "you're not the cute and lovely kid that you were", he highlights the struggle with identity that many child stars deal with. Their preliminary appeal was typically connected to their youthful attributes, and as these fade, the market and audience might lose interest or be resistant to accepting their maturation. The pressure to keep a vibrant personality, both physically and behaviorally, can be enormous.
The quote, "they want to keep you little permanently", implies a broader commentary on social expectations and the desire to protect the innocence of youth. Fans, producers, and even families might want the child star to remain unchanged, leading to a dispute between individual growth and external expectations. This desire for continuous youth can stifle the natural advancement and self-discovery process.
In summary, Michael Jackson's quote clarifies the distinct obstacles faced by child stars, emphasizing the tension between natural growth and the possibly suppressing expectations placed upon them by society and the entertainment industry. This can cause identity struggles and pressures that affect their personal and professional lives.
"You know what? I'm really attracted to British women, there's something innately proper about them. However badly they behave their accent is so cute that it makes up for everything!"
"Justin Timberlake is everything, and what more could you want in a person? He's funny. He's cute. He's great. He just understands. I get him and he gets me, and that's cool"
"My first real kiss came when I was 10, and it was in an acting class. I had to do a scene from a movie where someone gets kissed under a tree, and I did not want to do it! But my acting partner wanted me to feel comfortable, so he bought a picnic basket with all these snacks. He made such an effort - and it was cute"
"The only difference between me and others is that they think they can change something with cute little poems, nice cards or embracing trees and being nice to little lapdogs"