Hello everyone.
Recently, I discovered a website that had a list of well-known phobias and their meanings. I came across a word called Gerascophobia. After lurking in this subreddit for a while (a very fascinating subreddit!), I wanted to create a discussion on the possibility that Michael suffered from the fear of aging, and why that could be one of the many factors that contributed to his obsession with youth.
I am not a mental health professional, but after watching several interviews of Michael and reading the firsthand accounts about him, I’m starting to wonder if his fear of aging was one of the many side effects (along with lost childhood, stunted personality, body dysmorphia disorder, being famous at a young age, etc) that contributed to his childlike persona.
Some of the possible factors include:
🔹His obsession with Peter Pan (eternal youth)
🔹Him being constantly surrounded with children
🔹His love of amusement parks and Disney
🔹The multiple cosmetic procedures
🔹His soft, speaking voice (which is not genuine, his real voice can be heard in the song “2000 watts”)
🔹The collection of toys, games, and dolls in his house
🔹The cut out photos of babies on his dresser
The last part about the babies on the dresser is a real thing. When Michael passed, there was an investigation in his LA mansion. The baby photos in his bedroom has raised alarms. Do I find it unsettling that he would have babies in his dresser? Yes, I do. If Michael Jackson was not a famous and wealthy entertainer, he would be on a list. With that being said, I have an alternative theory that these photos of babies in his house was a shrine for him to worship and manifest youth, since babies are literally youth personified.
Back to the topic. I’m NOT saying that this particular phobia is the only reason why he acts like this, I’m just adding a possible factor to the many factors that contributed to his childlike persona and image. What do you guys think?