Who took it?
When was it taken?
Is the person in the photograph identified?
Are reputable news organizations reporting the same thing?
Is there independent evidence supporting the claim?
Or is everyone simply reposting the same photograph?
These questions can quickly separate an entertaining internet mystery from a credible news story.
In the case of the Michael Jackson look-alike, the resemblance itself may be genuine.
The conclusion that the person therefore must be Jackson is not.
Michael Jackson’s Image Remains Instantly Recognizable
There is another reason the photograph resonates with so many people: Michael Jackson’s cultural presence did not disappear when he died.
During his career, Jackson became one of the most famous performers in popular music.
His music, performances, videos and visual style helped make him recognizable far beyond traditional pop audiences.
The glove.
The military-inspired jackets.
The fedora.
The carefully choreographed movements.
The moonwalk.
Even a silhouette could sometimes be enough for audiences to know who was being represented.
