The Jackson Family And “Enabling”

Enabling is term used in systems theory and family therapy work when a family members overt pathology is ignored, or even encouraged, by other members for there own gain or simply to “keep the peace”. It most often applies to families of alcoholics or chemically dependent persons. The family ignores the “elephant in the living room” to avoid updating the user. Often damage is done to all, not just the alcoholic family member.
Michael Jackson has a long, public history of addiction and failed treatments, as well as other issues. We see angry and grieving family members during this trial, but the question arises, why didn’t anyone attempt to intervene before? Perhaps he stopped them, or perhaps the “show going on” too greatly benefited them to rock the boat. A fact remains, a family member is dead of a treatable illness.
I do not stand in judgement of other’s decisions and my family is far from perfect. At the end of the day, the question is, “did I do all I could for the ones I love”. You answer to yourself. Dr. Murray, by the way, would not have been near anyone I cared for if there was breath in my body.