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Black love and disappointment: Michael Jackson
I can't believe I am blogging about Michael Jackson. My intent was not to jump on the media bandwagon, but instead to speak to the contradictory emotions that I suppose that many in the Black community are probably experiencing at this tragic time. Of course, MJ is not the most important tragedy of the day, especially considering the climbing unemployment, homelessness, dropout, and loan rates confronting the African American community. Nevertheless, we can't pretend that the media coverage of MJ's untimely death doesn't bring back some pleasurable and not so desirable memories.
Many of those representing my generation (X,Y, or Z?) have spent the last three decades (and some change) literally watching MJ grow. In fact, I am convinced I learned my ABC's and 123s from Mike (ex. "ABC, 123, baby you and me, girl!). We witnessed him as a young child, between the ages of 5 and 10; in his teens; in his 30s, 40's, and the announcement of his death at 50. There was even a point in my life that I really thought I had a chance to marry Michael. He really convinced me that Billy Jean was not his lover, "Just a girl who said, I am the one." I believed him, so I rocked the red (p)leather jacket with the zippers, the penny loafers, the short pants, and I would have tried the Jheri Curl, but mom thought that was going to far. No problem. I simply sported the album cover folder, and went out of my way to practice all of his dance moves. Michael was a genius, as evidenced by his music writing skills, dance moves, attention to stage presence, creative costumes, and movie quality videos.
On the other hand, time has a way of revealing one's flaws and idiosyncrasies. It was these idiosyncrasies that left many inside and outside of the Black community confused, angry, bitter, and disappointed at the Michael we saw deterioting mentally and physically before our eyes. Is Michael ashamed to be Black? Does he want to be White? Is he gay or straight? Why did he choose White mothers for his children? He couldn't marry a Black woman? Is he a child molester? In my realm of the world, which is very small and fragmented by the way, Michael Jackson was becoming ashamed of his dark skin and other African features, he was more than likely confused about his sexuality, and he was more than likely a child molester. So, why is that when he died, we were shocked and glued to the radio and television to find out more information.
Well, lets keep it real...We all have that relative or close friend of the family who has struggled with drugs, alcohol, mental illness, or had a revolving door relationship with the criminal justice system. And, one thing I have noticed about Black folk, we don't give up on them. We might hold our purses a little closer, but we don't give up on them. We understand that for many poor people and people of African descent in this country life is hard, which makes it even more likely that one's life is going to be full of contradictions. Also, I believe the Black communities ability to forgive is grounded in a deep spiritual history that pronounces, "He who has not sinned, shall cast the first stone."
Moreover, I believe that many in the Black community subconsciously believed that White folks (i.e. the media) had driven Michael Jackson to lose his mind. Of course, we cannot place too much blame on the media, right. The media didn't drive Steve McNair to have an affair with a twenty year old woman. And, we have acknowledged and celebrated McNair's life, and mourned with his family at his early passing. Both celebrities lives and untimely deaths are reflections of Black Americans' own contradictions, our resilience, and our abilities to forgive sometimes those whom have hurt us most.
"The very contradictions in my life are in some ways signs of God's mercy to me (Thomas Merton, monk).
In Love,
Venus
- Venus Evans-Winters's blog
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what's god (or race) got to do with it..
The MJ circus is just that. A grab by 'the family' to exploit his death (and resultant increased record sales) to furnish their dysfunctional lifestyles.
As a School music teacher, MJ's name occasionally comes up, often in derision. I think the kids were/are simply scared of him. Sure, he made some cool music but much of it is so indulgent and narcissistic it can't really be listened to out of context.
I think the main issue of the MJ life and death, is how normal and accepted was the lecherous, sycophantic entourage he allowed himself to be surrounded with.
No offense Venus, but best to look at what mistakes can be learned from here, rather than candy-coating a sad, misunderstood and wasted life.
MJ, not a role-model in my classroom.
Role model
@Anthony, I am hesistant to refer to MJ as a "role model." First of all, I have to admit my little ones were also confused about MJ, in particular his skin complexion, weight, voice, and some song lyrics (e.g. Thriller). But, I try to explain to them that he is still considered a Black man. And, he made great music, in my opinion.
Second, just because a person is not a role model does not mean that s/he has not mastered their trade. MJ has certainly mastered his trade. Most people respect him for what he has contributed to the world of music and entertainment. Also, others revere him for his philanthropic work in the U.S. and abroad. And, like it or not, in the Black community and other communities, he is an icon in that respect.
Lastly, from my perspective, my entry spoke more to the Black community's desire and ability to forgive and exonorate, based on the belief, "He who has not sinned, shall throw the first stone." By the way, as a teacher, how many historical/political/cultural figures do you acknowledge and celebrate in your classroom, who may not fit your picture or my picture of perfection?
Response to Black Love and Disappointment: MJ
I believe death brings on a variety of emotions, but it also encourages one to take a closer look into the life that has passed. The thoughts can include happy moments and the sad moments. The life of Michael Jackson is quite interesting because the latter half of his life is confusing and difficult to understand. Aside from his music, his life choices were questionable at best. Being Chinese, I asked those same questions you posed about his appearance, marriages and possible child molestation. I think the increase in interest in his passing is to satisfy our own curiosities of his life, hoping to get some relevant answers. Regardless of his choices, he had many positive influences on people's lives and that should be celebrated.
Finding "the real" with Michael Jackson
Compassion
@Ronnie and abramdickerson,
I agree that individuals who have the luxury of struggling with issues of body image, racial identity, and sexuality behind closed doors can find compassion with MJ's life choices. He perfomed his life before billions of people. It doesn't take a psych degree to figure out that he used all the money and resources he had at his disposal to change everything about himself that he, the media, and the public loathed.
We also intuitively question, what leads a person down the path he took. We want to know who to blame. Do we blame the individual, the media, parents, or some mental defect. Because we don't know the truth, we rely on compassion and empathy. And, hopefully, we can ask our children and students to do the same.
Michael Jackson-Off my radar...(Blog #4)
The ups and downs of being a celebrity... (Response #3)
For me, MJ will always be remembered as an extremely talented entertainer. I grew up dancing and singing to MJ and was highly addicted to his dancing videos. I can’t tell you how many times my family and I tried doing the moonwalk. And Venus, I too had the lovely red pleather shirt that emulated what Michael wore in the 80s. It was my favourite shirt in Grade 3. As Michael grew older, I noticed his songs had more than entertainment value; he wanted to help the make the world a better place. “Heal the World” and “We are the World”, and “Black or White” had people all over the world, unite and fight for the end to poverty in impoverished nations, racism, world peace and justice.
What happened to Michael later in life, I believe, was due to his exponential fame. I don’t think any of us “non-celebrities” really understand what living in the spotlight does to your personal life, sense of self, and lack of privacy, not alone your mental well-being. Michael’s cry out in “Leave Me Alone” was the video that began my thinking about how much I didn’t want to ever become a celebrity.
Over and over again, we are seeing the effects of what fame and the paparazzi are having on celebrities. It would take a mindset much stronger than mine to handle constant cameras around you, your home and your family; untrue rumours the media uses to sell, sell, sell; in addition to the pressure to always be looking, acting and representing the perfect person. Ugh, it would be exhausting.
I’m not sure if MJ did commit acts of molestation, if he wanted to be white (I recall watching some kind of show about a skin challenge he had that changed/lightened his skin colour naturally), or anything personal about him, really… I’ve never had a conversation, nor spent time with MJ. He remains to me a true entertainer that continuously allowed me to practice my high-pitched “heee heee” and some rockin’ dance moves. MJ for me was never about his colour, his challenges or controversies. I appreciate him for the world change he tried to make, and a tremendous entertainer.
Tanya, This is a nicely
Tanya,
This is a nicely written, reflective, and creative piece.
Unfortunately, many people have ignored or overlooked MJ's philanthropic work, due to multiple child molestation allegations. But, a possible positive outcome of his passing will more than likely be the medical, psychiatric, and police community coming together and rethinking drug use/abuse, and its onset and manifestation amongst celebrities.
We really need to teach young people and adults that a drug is a drug is a drug, regardless if its consumed by a White, Black, or Chinese person; man, woman, or child; rich, poor, or celebrity person; and, whether it's prescribed by a doctor or bought from a street pharmacist. We aren't honest about America's drug culture.
My two cents
Response 1- MJ
Upon hearing the news of Michael Jackson’s death, I immediately felt shocked and wanted to know the details of the situation. I don’t know if it was because Michael Jackson was a celebrity or the fact that there was another unexpected loss adding to list of people that have died in like-manner this year.
I always find it interesting how when someone dies they seem to be glorified or remembered fondly. Somehow the troubles or negative memories are temporarily forgotten. Although I never really did follow the story following the announcement of his death, I do recall hearing his many achievement, how he is leaving his young children, how he won't be able to do his upcoming shows etc. The media portrayed and celebrated Michael life in a positive light, yet it was just that tool that had caused much of the turmoil in his life.
Michal Jackson had a profound impact on the music industry and although his personal life was center of a lot of media controversies it was that media which too made him popular. We see the same media being consumed with lives of celebrities following their every move. It is no wonder that sometimes they break down and get themselves in the negative spotlight. I do not know what Michael did or did not do or who he is or isn’t... and that is not for me to know. What is important is that he was loved and will be missed by many.