Saturday, July 04, 2009
Michael Jackson's Skin Color & Black Americans!
July 04-2009:
Michael Jackson's Skin Color & Black Americans!
There has always been concern within the Black American communities about the skin tone of Michael Jackson, some years when he went solo. Rumor had it that he was suffering from some genetic disease, others said he did some intravenous surgery that altered his skin color, others also said that he was guilty of his Black ethnicity, and wanted to look more European, for whatever reasons.
However, be that as it may, Black Americans publicly distanced themselves (in the main), whenever they were asked about some of Michael's cosmetic changes and behavior. Some even said that they were unable to tell what ethnic group to associate him with, because he was once Black, during the days when he sang with his other four brothers. But today, meaning (before he died), he looks more White than Black.
And that embarrassed most Black Americans!
So why the sudden identification and association with Michael Jackson?
Black Americans have a penchant for forgiving their fellows after some period of embarrassment or misdemeanor. They do so with athletes, entertainers, and even felons. This seems to be the way they assert themselves politically and culturally as a minority in this culture, where they are still being socially and economically oppressed.
Just after his sudden death, Rev.Al Sharpton said publicly how much Michael contributed to the Civil Rights movement, when most of his fellow Black Americans chose to be silent or not get involved in the movement, and for his contribution (according to him), Black America will be forever grateful.
However, Michael Jackson and his other four brothers came into mainstream America like a lighting bolt. They were phenomenal in the way they sang, impacted youths, and performed wherever they went. They were able to crossover all ethnic groups with their music and performances. So when Michael chose to separate himself from his brothers, and do solo gigs, to the point of being the world's
most admired, sought after, and listened to Pop Artiste.
Blacks in America had something and someone they were very proud of.
So despite his personal troubles, antics, and eccentricities, Michael Jackson was one of Black America's icons.
And will forever be so in the hearts of all ethnicity worldwide!
Derryck S. Griffith.
New York City.
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