The King vs. The System: How Racism Tried to Destroy Michael Jackson’s Greatness

Imagine standing atop the world, adored by billions, yet still grappling with the harsh realities of racism.

This was the life of Michael Jackson, a global icon whose extraordinary talent and fame could not shield him from the pervasive discrimination that plagued his existence.

In this exploration, we delve into the shocking instances where Michael, despite his immense success, became a target of racism.

Prepare to uncover the heartbreaking moments when the King of Pop faced the ugly truths of prejudice.

 

 

A Troubled Childhood

Michael Jackson’s journey began in a tumultuous environment.

His father, Joseph, was not just strict; he was abusive, particularly towards Michael, whom he deemed his “Golden Boy.”

This abusive mentality was not uncommon among parents who sought to prepare their children for the discrimination they would inevitably face.

Joseph’s cruelty manifested in humiliating remarks about Michael’s appearance, his skin, and his hair.

Such treatment was not limited to Michael alone; it was a pervasive atmosphere in the Jackson household.

Janet Jackson once revealed that she and her brothers would mock her weight, calling her “Pig.”

As the Jackson brothers grew older, they began to understand that the abuse they endured was deeply rooted in racism.

In 1978, an incident would starkly illustrate this reality.

Michael, accompanied by his friend and bodyguard, Bill Bray, entered an antique store.

When Bill stepped away, he returned to find Michael tied up in a back room.

The store owner had connections to the Ku Klux Klan, a notorious racist group known for its violence against Black individuals.

Fortunately, Bill Bray intervened, ensuring Michael’s safety, but the experience left an indelible mark on him.

 

 

The Fight Against Racism in Music

Years later, Michael’s music became a powerful vehicle for addressing racism.

In his iconic music video for “Black or White,” he took a bold stance against the KKK, expressing his disdain for such hate-filled organizations.

Despite the commercial triumph of his 1979 album Off the Wall, which became the best-selling album by a Black artist at the time, Michael felt overlooked by the industry.

The Grammy Awards, which honored his groundbreaking work, only offered him two nominations—both in the Urban category—leading to frustration and disappointment.

In a heartfelt letter, Michael expressed his disillusionment with the entertainment industry.

He lamented the historical bias that placed white artists above their Black counterparts, writing, “White people have always been on the pages of history, placing them above Black people.”

His resolve to change this narrative through his music was unwavering.

The subsequent release of Thriller in 1982 transformed the music landscape.

Michael walked away with eight Grammys in 1984, solidifying his status as a global superstar.

However, the accolades did little to alleviate his frustrations with the industry.

Following Off the Wall, when he sought a cover story in Rolling Stone, the response from the editor was disheartening: “We would really like to do a big story with Michael Jackson, but I don’t think it would be a cover story.”

This dismissal reflected the racial biases that persisted within media representation.

 

 

Breaking Barriers with MTV

During this era, MTV had yet to air videos by African-American artists, focusing primarily on white performers.

Michael was determined to change that.

He insisted on premiering the video for “Billie Jean” on MTV, but the network initially refused, citing the color of his skin as a barrier.

Michael’s publicist, Walter Yetnikoff, threatened the network, stating that if they didn’t air Michael’s video, they would lose access to all artists on his label.

The threat worked, and MTV relented, marking a turning point for Black artists in the music industry.

This breakthrough opened doors for other African-American artists, including Whitney Houston and Prince, paving the way for a more inclusive music industry.

However, in 1988, after the release of his album Bad, Michael faced another setback.

Despite high expectations and critical acclaim, he received four nominations at the Grammy Awards but walked away empty-handed.

The media and public perception suggested that his skin color and appearance overshadowed his artistic merit, a painful reminder of the biases that persisted.

 

 

The Media’s Role in Racism

The tabloids played a significant role in perpetuating racism and dehumanizing Michael.

He was often portrayed as “Wacko Jacko,” a nickname that carried derogatory connotations.

In a 1997 interview, Michael confronted this label, expressing his hurt: “I’m not a Jacko; I’m Jackson. Wacko Jacko—where did that come from? Some English tabloid. I have a heart and I have feelings.”

This moment highlighted the media’s role in shaping public perception and the damaging effects of racially charged narratives.

Another incident occurred when Michael attempted to buy a llama.

Accompanied by his brother Jermaine, they were initially ignored by the seller, who assumed they were looking for a job rather than making a purchase.

The man’s demeanor shifted dramatically upon realizing they were the Jacksons, revealing the underlying prejudices that colored interactions with people of color.

 

 

Racism Within the Industry

In 1983, before signing a deal with Pepsi, the Jackson brothers sought to collaborate with Coca-Cola.

However, the beverage giant hesitated to cast Black boys in their commercials, reflecting a pervasive reluctance to embrace diversity.

The Jacksons ultimately signed a lucrative deal with Pepsi, leading to significant growth for the brand while Coca-Cola’s sales plummeted.

This incident underscored how racism could manifest not only externally but within the Black community itself.

During the last show of the Victory Tour in 1984, Michael announced it would be his final performance with his brothers.

The tour promoter, Don King, expressed frustration, suggesting that Michael could not achieve the same level of success without his brothers.

His derogatory comments, which included offensive slang terms, revealed a racist mindset that belittled Michael’s individuality and artistry.

Michael was outraged by King’s remarks and instructed his lawyer to file a lawsuit.

However, his lawyer advised against it, fearing that the media would exploit the situation to further tarnish Michael’s reputation.

 

 

The Legacy of Racism

As Michael broke records and surpassed legends like Elvis Presley and the Beatles, he faced a barrage of negative media attention.

He was labeled a “freak,” a “homosexual,” and a “child molester.”

Rumors circulated about his skin color, and the media launched a concerted effort to undermine his legacy.

Michael remained acutely aware of the challenges he faced as a Black artist, using his platform to confront prejudice and advocate for change.

Despite the prejudice and discrimination, Michael Jackson’s legacy endures as a testament to resilience.

His artistry transcended boundaries, inspiring millions and challenging societal norms.

His experiences with racism serve as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by Black artists in the entertainment industry.

 

 

Conclusion

Michael Jackson’s life was a complex tapestry woven with threads of extraordinary talent and heartbreaking experiences with racism.

Despite his immense success and global adoration, he faced the harsh realities of prejudice that sought to diminish his achievements.

His story is not just one of triumph but also a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

As we celebrate Michael’s legacy, we honor his fight against racism and his unwavering commitment to using his artistry to challenge the status quo.