Michael Jackson: Who Advocated Social Issues through His Songs

Michael Jackson: Who Advocated Social Issues through His Songs
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A legend by name, Michael Jackson will always remain the king of pop and possibly the most influential artist of all time.

From very humble beginnings, Michael was the eighth of ten children. His first real taste of the music industry began as a child in the 60’s, where he and his brothers formed the Jackson 5. The family released numerous hits, including “ABC” and “I’ll Be There”. Michael was regarded as a child prodigy, and began his solo career as he began adult life.

His biggest achievement came with the release of “Thriller” in the early 80s;  not only because it’s the best-selling album ever, but also because Thriller marked the beginning of change in the music world. For the first time ever, MTV began featuring and promoting music from a black artist.

You will learn about the numerous ‘Michael-like’ poses, moonwalks, black leather jackets, controversial crotch grabs, and many other harsh, cruel and biased squabbling and bickering stories about him, his career and his personal life choices.

But today, on his death anniversary, we shall remember the king through the weight of his highly inspiring and instrumental music.

His music spoke to a whole generation and beyond. Somebody has to really living under a rock to not acknowledge the influence his songs had on the society and likewise how the society was reflected in his songs.

Even though he is not among us physically, his songs continue to thrive and prevail in our conscience. In fact, the socio-political scenario uttered in his music is still prevalent to this very day. It is just not about racism that we sang for, his musical horizon stretched up to environmental issues, problems of youth, and many more. For instance;

BLACK OR WHITE

 

Michael Jackson addressed racial inequality with this song. Unfortunately, this is still relevant to the current scenario in the society. He faced criticism about his skin colour by a lot of critics as to why his skin changed to white from black. Look at the lyrics:

“I took my baby on a Saturday bang

Boy is that girl with you

Yes we're one and the same

Now I believe in miracles

And a miracle has happened tonight

But, if you're thinkin' about my baby

It don't matter if you're black or white”

In 1979, Michael firstly gives his confession about his opposition to the difference of the human race in a magazine interview:

“The people told us 'Just deal with it’. That is a very ignorant statement. I believe that people should think about God more and creation. Look at the many wonders inside the human bodies, the different colours. It’s the most incredible system in the world.”

BEAT IT

During the 1980s, fights were a lot more common in schools as they are now. The punishments were less severe, and schools didn't have zero-tolerance rules during that time. One of the important issues was Bullying. This hit by Jackson from 1983 was based on the same subject.

“You have to show them that you're really not scared

You're playin' with your life, this ain't no truth or dare

They'll kick you, then they beat you,

Then they'll tell you it's fair

So beat it, but you want to be bad”

OFF THE WALL

This song came out in 1979 is all about letting go of the challenges just for the night and was Michael's Debut album without the Jackson 5. Balancing a good time in between all your activities as a student can be challenging and this is what has been the main theme of the song.

“When the world is on your shoulder

Gotta straighten up your act and boogie down

If you can't hang with the feelin'

Then there ain't no room for you this part of town

'Cause we're the party people night and day

Livin' crazy that's the only way”

EARTH SONG

Michael Jackson was a big advocate for environmental issues and global peace and this song was based on changing climatic conditions in the environment.

“Did you ever stop to notice

All the blood we've shed before

Did you ever stop to notice

This crying Earth, these weeping shores”

Baltimore-based hip-hop performer MC Saleem Heggins can't point to one specific way Jackson helped shape his music. That would almost be insulting, he said. Jackson was much broader than that, and his legacy is almost impossible to pin down.

"For me, he was the largest figure in music," Heggins said. "I was inspired and entertained by his ability to reach all walks of life. ... It's a legacy of creating great music that appeals to people without compromising yourself."

Just before his death, Jackson was working on a song based on climate change which was disclosed by Deepak Chopra (An Indian born-American Author) in the report of Telegraph UK in the year 2009.

According to Telegraph UK report, the author who knew the singer for 20 years also told that Jackson had recorded a demo of the track and was drafting the lyrics.

Michael Jackson was more than just a pop star. He was a humanitarian who supported organizations, such as United Nations High Commission for Refugees, Martin Luther King Jr. Centre for Social Change, UNICEF, American Cancer Society, and more. When it came to his humanitarian work, he was a huge advocate for children and mostly worked with organizations that supported the youth across the globe.

The popularity of this musical genius wasn’t only limited to United States. He was famous all over the world, including in areas that were seemingly untouched by Western influence. Through his influence, he was able to bring a sense of connection similar to what we see today through the virtual world. He hoped for the world coming together in peace and harmony and created music that got everyone together as ‘ONE’.

Michael Jackson will always be remembered as the most eccentric and charismatic characters in music history. His legacy on the music industry will shine on for years to come. His voice, dynamic personality and impact on the perception of African-Americans will never ever be forgotten.