The World of Michael Jackson Followers

This book explores the fandom and worldviews of female Michael Jackson followers, tracing the stories of women who travel to places that are connected to the singer. It considers how these followers draw upon Jackson’s artistic and humanitarian legacy for introspection and meaning-making through a focus on the commemorative prayer and pilgrimage rituals they appropriate and create - practices referred to as ‘Michaeling’. Based on multi-sited ethnography, the study draws on a range of data including interviews, participant observation, and internet platforms. It investigates how popular culture can give rise to sacred forms that are constitutive and formative of meaningful, moral lives and shows that the experience of religion is not limited to ‘official’ institutions or rituals. The ethical complexity of Michael Jackson as a figure is also addressed, with attention given to the tension between his public persona and the admiration (sometimes sanctification) on the part of fans. The book contributes to debates on contemporary spirituality, the anthropology and materiality of religion, pilgrimage and ethnomusicology, as well as to the study of fandom and faith.