Iowa to Michael Jackson: No Butter Sculpture
EmailABC's Anna Maciaszek reports from Chicago: After the untimely death of the “King of Pop,” fans all around the world sought to pay tribute to the late star. From his childhood home in Gary, Indiana to the Staples center in Los Angeles, it seemed as if you couldn’t pass a street corner without hearing fans blasting “Thriller,” or seeing a makeshift memorial of flowers, stuffed animals and letters addressed to Michael Jackson. Even the Iowa State Fair tried to mark the passing. Earlier this month, officials announced they would include a life sized butter sculpture of Jackson next to their famous “butter cow.” Naturally, controversy soon followed when Iowans and others voiced their protest. Even PETA got into the discussion and suggested that Jackson be made out of Earth Balance, a non-dairy spread. Because of Jackson’s controversial past, many felt that a butter sculpture honoring him at the fair was undeserved. Officials said they were trying to honor Jackson’s history with the fair, not his “character.” The Jackson five performed at the fair back in 1971. The idea went from a life sized statue of Jackson down to just a part of a Neil Armstrong carving commemorating the 40th anniversary of the moonwalk. But even that wasn’t enough, and fair officials decided to let the public decide. An online poll was created on the Iowa State Fair website that ran from July 9th until 3 pm yesterday. The poll asked voters for their email and zip code to separate fair-goers from others. This morning, the Iowa State Fair released the results from over one hundred thousand votes. Neil Armstrong will be doing the moon walk alone as over 65% of voters chose to not include Jackson. Fair CEO Gary Slater said, “While we know some people will be disappointed, we believe the vote was the only way to let fairgoers voice their opinion in a meaningful way." With all of the butter sculpture scrutiny now over Slater says, “…we are pleased to now move on with final preparations for all the events at the Fair.”
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This whole thing is much more entertaining than Jackson ever was.
Posted by: T-Prop | July 17, 2009, 12:05 pm 12:05 pm
The fair handled it correctly. Put it to a vote, and let the people decide. So rare to see democracy work so efficiently these days.
And just how misunderstood was he? The man admitted to sleeping in the same bed with underaged boys. And the media is sick…?
Posted by: Ted | July 17, 2009, 12:07 pm 12:07 pm
Thankfully he will be/has been remembered in far more meaninful ways than a sculpture of butter. I hope I never meet 65% of Iowans.
Posted by: Terri | July 17, 2009, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
This deserves repeating, “the man admitted to sleeping in the same bed with underage boys.”
Posted by: Rational in Iowa | July 17, 2009, 12:14 pm 12:14 pm
“I hope I never meet 65% of Iowans.” – Terri
Terri, I’m sure those 65% don’t care if they ever meet you or not.
It’s perfectly fine to choose not to honor Jacko if you don’t want to.
Posted by: Noz | July 17, 2009, 12:22 pm 12:22 pm
Michael don’t need Iowa’s stinking butter.
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 17, 2009, 12:26 pm 12:26 pm
I’m not eean American but I’ve been so far loved the country with lots of talented people among which Michael jackson is one of the most outstanding. But in this case I am stunned by the narrow-mindedness and ingnorance of those who don’t give a damn to the verdict by their court that the music genius and devoted phylanthropist is innocent. This is the way American people treat the man who devoted all his life to people’s entertainment and the wish and efforts towards a better world? He is also the man that hindreds of millions of people all over the world admire and cry for. I think it’s not MJ who doesn’t deserve; it’s the ignorant and narrow-minded people in the state who don’t deserve having him. It’s true to say “He is too good for this world”.
Posted by: khanhle | July 17, 2009, 12:33 pm 12:33 pm
Iowans – remember Michael Jackson was deemed innocent by a jury of his peers AND the kid has come out and said that he lied for his parents. Such narrow mindedness is very juvinile and immature. It’s time to grow up and realize all of the wonderful things MJ did for this country and for the world.
God bless his soul, and may he rest in peace!
Posted by: Cori | July 17, 2009, 1:30 pm 1:30 pm
The fair handled it correctly. Put it to a vote, and let the people decide. So rare to see democracy work so efficiently these days.
And just how misunderstood was he? The man admitted to sleeping in the same bed with underaged boys. And the media is sick…?
“HE DID NOT SLEEP IN THE SAME BAD I REPEAT HE DID NOT! HE SLEPT ON THE FLOOR” know your facts and then comment. Don’t judge somebody just because you read it some where!
Posted by: SWE | July 17, 2009, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm
I think that if people still think that he slept in the same bed with underage kids they had better think twice can they prove it,it was never proved. And the kid that lied he did it because his parents told him to do so because all they wanted was money and what better way to do it than this. Jacko did a lot and he will be remembered for it. So to the people that voted against the butter scultputre in Iowa who cares I for one don’t I liked all his music I wish him well and may he rest in Peace he gave the world his music and more and he loved every moment of it. You should think before you post anything bad about the guy and figure where did you hear it from THE MEDIA and they are not always right about what they say or print and really don’t care. Give it a rest now.
Posted by: Orlando | July 17, 2009, 1:47 pm 1:47 pm
I don’t see how the unfortunate death of a pop star (while tragic) might be a more fitting subject to for a commemorative sculpture than the Thirtieth Anniversary of our trip to the Moon.
Posted by: Gwen LeBlanc | July 17, 2009, 1:49 pm 1:49 pm
Yes, Michael Jackson was everyone’s star, or so it seems. Have we all forgotten that we are immortal! He’s not a ‘King’ by any means. Keep in mind who our King is. Not MJ! He was an entertainer! That’s it! The media makes too much, for their own gain, making movie stars out to be kings and queens. What do they wear, who do they date? How many times have they been married. How many children between how many men/women? It’s utterly ridiculous! There are so many important and sad situations in this country! MJ in my opinion was an abused child – searching and seeking out love in any way he could. He was a great dancer, so was Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers. There are many great stars and many great entertainers. I never thought he was a good role model. How can this be explained? Our country’s love for certain stars? What is missing in their own lives, I would like to ask? I too hope he rests in peace.
Posted by: Lee | July 17, 2009, 2:11 pm 2:11 pm
THEY SHOULD HONOR HIM REGARDLESS OF HIS PAST….NOBODY WANTS TO BE LEFT OUT AND KNOWING THAT YOU HAD DEVOTED TO SOMETHING FOR A GOOD CAUSE. YOUR JAMAICAN GUY BE GOOD
Posted by: anthony ramsay | July 17, 2009, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
Well, We should honor all people. That’s my point! He wasn’t a ‘God’ and no movie star deserves this type of exaltation! No one does. We can applause, regard, admire, write letters, by a fan, etc., etc. but to raise him as some type of ‘God’, no, no, no!!! He was a great entertainer!
Posted by: Lee | July 17, 2009, 2:20 pm 2:20 pm
Having a different opinion about Michael Jackson, or being conservative, does not mean one is ignorant or shallow. We need more people in this country that are conservative. We need less hype and more concern for millions of other’s in need!
Posted by: Lee | July 17, 2009, 2:24 pm 2:24 pm
I think that those who demand that Iowans should be forced to make idols of someone else’s hero, should be very careful of calling us ignorant.
Perhaps you’re ignorant of personal freedoms.
Narrowmindedness? Immature?
Get real. You’re projecting.
Posted by: brando | July 17, 2009, 2:31 pm 2:31 pm
Could it be that 65% of Iowans simply thought it was tacky and in poor taste? The bigger question is why was it sorted by zip code? Are we going to have to prove residency to get in this year?
Posted by: hawkeye_daddy | July 17, 2009, 2:58 pm 2:58 pm
YOUR PERSONAL LIFE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WHATEVER GREAT ABILITIES YOU POSSESS WITHIN….BUT U MUST NOT HINDER YOURSELF FROM MAKING NECESSARY CHANGES FOR A BETTER LIFESTYLE.
Posted by: anthony ramsay | July 17, 2009, 3:00 pm 3:00 pm
I am so glad I don’t live in Iowa. Funny, I always thought in this country a person is innocent until proven guilty. Michael Jackson was not convicted of any crimes against children. He loved all children, including his own. Michael obviously had some personal issues, but he only hurt himself, not other people. He had to endure a lot of criticism and ridicule when he was alive simply because he was famous. The media were like vultures waiting to gobble him up and they still won’t let him have peace! MJ was a very talented singer & dancer who made his mark on the world that will last forever. Remember him for his greatness and forget about butter in Iowa.
Posted by: Littlepigeon | July 17, 2009, 3:11 pm 3:11 pm
Michael Jackson in Butter? I wouldnt be surprised if by the end he was actually made of butter. It would explain the change in complextion. Maybe as a finally they could light the sculptures head on fire as a tribute.
Beyond that, this is a great article love the moonwalk comment.
Posted by: Snake | July 17, 2009, 3:11 pm 3:11 pm
Butter melts in the Truth.
Posted by: David Young | July 17, 2009, 3:18 pm 3:18 pm
Let us think about the Billings family in Florida who were just murdered. Unimaginable! These are folks who brought children (disabled children) into their home and cared for them. Let’s honor them!!
Posted by: Lee | July 17, 2009, 3:28 pm 3:28 pm
In America, no matter how accomplished people of color are, we were and will remain under the strictest scrutiny for any ill concieved notion. Forget the fact that America acquitted him, some Americans still choose to remain in the contaminated state of racism, and it shows in the very comments of some of the citizens. Michael was loved by everyone, and that makes the ignorant comments even more disturbing…when will we ever truly be one nation under God with liberty and justice for all… As for Iowan’s….keep your butter, Michael would not want to waste such resources on a false memorial of His awesome gifted life. to the idiot that suggest that you set his butter head on fire, you are truly a sad hater of human life…may you leave more of a legacy than that which you portrayed in your foul comments.
Posted by: stillamerican | July 17, 2009, 3:59 pm 3:59 pm
@Ted
Trust me when I say you don’t want to know any true Iowans. I lived there for too long and finally left. They do not like anyone but themselves. They are an unwelcoming group of people.
Posted by: Iowa stay away | July 17, 2009, 5:48 pm 5:48 pm
I am embarassed to say I live in Iowa. I didn’t realize people here were so ignorant and hateful.
Posted by: Amanda | July 17, 2009, 5:50 pm 5:50 pm
Yes, of course. He was the most misunderstood person in the world. He always tried to do good to other people. To the ill, the hopeless, the children. He gave his voice to the voiceless in this world.He was their voice.
Besides: He said, that sharing & offering your bed to other people is a good thing and he’s right! The world needs more love. And he gave the world so much love.
Only very narrowminded people can’t see that and think of sex. Michael wasn’t about sex at all, he was about love, true love, selfless love. He invited girls as well as boys to his Neverland Ranch.His heart was open to everybody.
And why should it be bad to sleep with anyone in the same bed?? Isn’t it some kind of ill to imagine sth. negative about it? Besides he said, that when someone slept in his bed, he slept next to the bed on the floor. If someone quote him, than one has to do it in a way that doesn’t turn around the whole meaning of what he wanted to express.
It’s so sad, that people, who got brainwashed by the media about that wonderful person, try to turn all his effort for a better world against him.
Mike was just to good for this planet.
In every country they are honouring Mike for being one of the greatest humanitarians. I feel ashamed to see what happened here. The world laughs about us.
Posted by: O.Buechs | July 17, 2009, 7:08 pm 7:08 pm
You people are crazy, he was found innocent did you ever think he was accused of these things because of who he is and he really cares for kids. Have you ever heard of innocent until proven guilty. And think maybe all these accusations are what set him over the edge.
Posted by: Laurie | July 17, 2009, 11:24 pm 11:24 pm
Almost 95% of Iowans are White. Only 2.6% are Black. In this country, if you are Black and you were cleared of the charges, you are still guilty in the eyes of the people. If you were White and you were cleared of charges, you are innocent in the eyes of the people. That’s the difference.
Posted by: tij | July 18, 2009, 4:13 am 4:13 am
It becomes more and more ridiculous…..I’ve missed this poll, but I would definitely vote against this idea, as IMHO, this man deserved much more than a butter sculpture near the “butter cow”. It’s humiliating!
Posted by: '''' | July 18, 2009, 7:37 am 7:37 am
It is so hard to understand Americans.Yes, Michael Jackson was a mega-star. His love for young people is well known worldwide. More than half of his wealth went behind kids who didn’t have parental attention. Though Jackson was charged with child molestation, but was eventually found not guilty. It is time many narrow minded Americans see the thin line between innocence and guilt. So innocent that he admitted on national TV he slept in bed with kids. But you could see no guilt in Michal at the time. Think about it this way like you would do with your own kids sometime. For MJ, remember, he never had a normal childhood. However,I think people with intellectual interest and interest in the Jackson’s related news should now realize that this is not going to stop. There will always be mis views in a world such as this.
Posted by: webguy7777 | July 18, 2009, 9:50 am 9:50 am
In Michael own words
“It don’t matter if you black or white
you either wrong or your right!”
Posted by: swe | July 18, 2009, 9:53 am 9:53 am
Years back, I remembered I had been accused of some wrong doing by my own parents. I knew I did’t do it. But it was so hard to convince my them of my innocence.I was punished. Today, the truth is known only to God and I.However,since then I now know how the world is a tough place to relax. In a way, Michael might had been in similar situation. What is important is just how one should feel about oneself.
Posted by: sam | July 18, 2009, 10:03 am 10:03 am
Why does ANYONE “deserve” or NOT deserve a butter sculpture? Why sculpt ANYTHING out of butter? And why does PETA object to BUTTER? Are we not supposed to milk cows? Why put it to “a vote”? What is the point of ANY of this? How can anyone take this article seriously? I’ve read some ridiculous “stories” today, but this one “takes the cake” (and you need REAL butter for a good cake!).
Posted by: signseeker17 | July 18, 2009, 5:26 pm 5:26 pm
Michael don’t need Iowa’s stinking butter.
UMMMMM…NO….He’s a bit beyond needing butter! LOL Where he’s at…its too warm and he’d melt anyway!
Now Walter Cronkite….THERE’S a nation treasure! If anyone deserves to be honered its him!
Posted by: Cleo2u | July 19, 2009, 2:35 am 2:35 am
I love michael not because of his appearance becos is unique
Posted by: Nengi | July 19, 2009, 2:37 am 2:37 am
Michael’s hair caught on fire, he had 2nd and 3rd degree burns, it’s not a laughing matter. Who cares about Iowa and their stupid butter sculptures.
Posted by: Patricia | July 19, 2009, 1:00 pm 1:00 pm