The death of Michael Jackson has spurred a debate on how the pop king and accused child molester should be remembered, and UF pop culture professors are just as split as the rest of the nation.
"No one in pop music history transcended such diverse age groups, races, nationalities and cultures," said Ji Hoon Lee, instructor for Rock 'n' Roll and American Society Pt. 2 at UF.
Jackson was also heavily involved in charity. He was honored by George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, said David Kushner, UF's music professor.
But, he was also accused of child molestation on two separate instances in the past 15 years.
The negativity surrounding Michael Jackson will affect his legacy and ultimate standing in the minds of people around the world, Kushner said.
"I don't think it's going to be enough to cover up his enormous contribution to the music world," he said.
Lee said that he spoke with his class Monday about Jackson's death because he wants the generation to remember more about Jackson than the accusations.
"Just pick up a copy of 'Thriller,' and you will remember him for the artist that he is," he said.
The pop star was a victim of America's fascination with celebrities, and the focus needs to stay on the musical side of his life and career, he said.
But William McKeen, a rock 'n' roll historian at UF, said Jackson has been irrelevant to music for the past 10 to 15 years.
Jackson, who at one point seemed invincible, turned into an eccentric boy-child, he said.
However, McKeen said the news of Jackson's death clearly reminded him of the day Elvis died.
"It's a generational shock wave," he said. "It reminds you of your mortality."
