"Just because it's in print doesn't mean it's the gospel"

Belief in the written word has often been synonymous with unquestioning acceptance, a tendency that grows stronger with the prestige traditionally associated with published material. Michael Jackson challenges that assumption, urging readers and audiences to question the veracity of what they encounter in print. At its core, the statement is an invitation to exercise skepticism and discernment. The phrase “in print” encompasses newspapers, magazines, books, and now extends to digital spaces, any medium through which ideas are disseminated with a veneer of legitimacy. The “gospel,” in many cultures, refers to ultimate, infallible truth, borrowing from religious connotations of the word. When something is described as “the gospel,” it’s expected to be above reproach, pure and unassailable.

By reminding people that published words are not automatically equivalent to absolute truth, the comment critiques a sometimes passive relationship with media. It highlights the reality that writers, journalists, and editors bring their own perspectives, biases, or even mistakes to their work. Moreover, the structures and motivations behind publishing, commercial gains, sensationalism, or influence, can shape narratives in ways that diverge from reality. Especially for public figures like Michael Jackson, media misrepresentation and public misunderstanding are not abstract concerns but lived experiences. The quote thus emerges not just as social commentary but as personal reflection.

As societies become more saturated in information, with readily available access to “print” in many forms, the message gains urgency. Blind faith in the written word poses risks: the spread of misinformation, the unjust vilification of individuals, and the perpetuation of stereotypes and falsehoods. Critical reading, fact-checking, and seeking alternative perspectives become vital acts of responsible citizenship. Rather than surrendering judgment, readers are challenged to question sources, understand underlying motives, and recognize that print does not bestow inherent sanctity upon its contents. Truth, it implies, requires effort to uncover, and skepticism is not cynicism but a necessary tool for navigating complex realities.