|
By A. Peter Bailey | SACOBSERVER.COM WIRE SERVICES
 |
"King of Pop" Michael Jackson died Thursday, June 25, at the age of 50. He was found in his rented Bel Air home and is believed to have suffered from cardiac arrest.
Photo © Observer File Photo.
|
MORE INFO
|
(NNPA) - One of the major ways in which
Malcolm X differed from other Black leaders in the late 1950s
and early 1960s was his persistent focus on the psychological
as well as the physical assaults on Black people by the proponents
of White supremacy/racism.
He noted that in movies, newspapers, magazines, textbooks,
on radio and on television subtle and not-so-subtle malicious,
soul-destroying White supremacy was pounded into the psyches
of many thousands of vulnerable Black youngsters.
Though physical assaults, as a result of the human and civil
rights movements, have been significantly reduced, psychological
assaults are as relentless as ever.
As a result, too many Black people still say “She’s
dark but pretty” or “He has good hair” when
all he really has is hair that looks more like that of Whites.
They also use the word “Black” as an epithet.
They are not satisfied with saying someone is a nasty or low-down
or ugly no good S.O.B. He or she has to be a “Black”
S.O.B.
All these examples of self-loathing came to mind when I
heard about the death of Michael Jackson. Here was a man who
was one of, if not the, greatest performer/entertainer in
the 20th Century; whose album, “Thriller,” is
the best-selling album of all times; who had enough business
acumen to purchase the extremely valuable Beatles music catalogue;
who broke down the discrimination practices of MTV; who had
one of the highest name recognition factors in the world;
who made millions upon millions of dollars; and who was honored
by numerous heads-of-state for his brilliant talent and contributions.
Yet all this wasn’t enough for Michael because he
seemingly wanted to achieve the impossible - to be White or
at least to look like he was White. To realize that impossible
dream, Michael reportedly had 13 facial surgeries and used
chemicals to make his skin lighter.
Even if he had vitiligo, as has been said, that doesn’t
explain those 13 facial surgeries. The only explanation I
can think of for such self destructive behavior is that Michael
had a debilitating case of White fever.
During my years as a journalist I was in his presence on
two occasions - when the Jackson 5 performed in 1969 at the
first Miss Black America Pageant and in 1978 at the world
premier of the film, “The Wiz.” Observing him
up close, I saw what the girls would describe as a “cute
boy” who was smiling and chatting with others who I
assumed were fans.
I never saw that kind of engrossing smile on any photograph
or TV program after soul-destroying White fever had transformed
him into a pathetic man who loathed what he saw in the mirror
as a Black child and teenager.
I have a collection of 92 magazines (1970-2006) with Michael
Jackson on their covers. When looking at them one can see
the transformation in full color. To do so is both revealing
and disturbing.
Journalist/Lecturer A. Peter Bailey, a former associate
editor of Ebony, is currently editor of Vital Issues: The
Journal of African American Speeches. He can be reached at
apeterb@verizon.net. |
