Definition:  The physical, emotional, social, financial and psychological effects that permeate all aspects of the “dissed,” the victim’s perceptions and responses to life, for life.

This is posted out of – LOVE – for Michael.

 Michael, the Militant

 In 2001, Michael Jackson loudly and emphatically declared himself an advocate for racial equality and justice by calling out the racists’ practices and policies of record companies over the years towards Black artists. He spoke out at the Reverend Al Sharpton’s organization in Harlem, The National Action Network, on September 7, 2001. He addressed the inequalities in publicity, royalties and recognition afforded earlier Black artists from Sammy Davis Jr. and James Brown to his own current legal battles with Sony Music regarding his rights to his music/catalog. Some have accused him of trying to become “white” but on that day he stood tall for Black artists, reminding the crowd that he was a Black man defending all of their rights. He stood with them as another Black artist in the long line of those who had been wronged by the system, the music industry. He loudly and defiantly spoke out.

Michael realized that he and others had made millions but their “handlers” had made billions. The inequity of how Black artists were being “handled” versus the white artists is what he called racist. He accused the industry of conspiring against Black artists.

Michael further elaborated on how his treatment and the respect for his talent changed after he had surpassed the sales and fame of the established white icons in the business, including the Beatles and Elvis, when “Thriller” became the number one grossing album of all time and he was declared the world renowned King of Pop. He was suddenly seen in a different and frightening light; one that apparently threatened some long held beliefs and perceptions. The industry had to bring him down to size. They did so, he stated, by calling him names, accusing him of crimes and manipulating his business in order to create his fall from grace, fame and wealth in an orchestrated attempt to CONTROL him. He had simply gotten too BIG. This is what Michael Jackson boldly and unapologetically said in his address to the National Action Network organization in 2001.

 As all of these charges were denied by Sony Music and disavowed by many artists.  Michael won his own personal case against Sony Music based upon a fraudulent action, conflict of interest, taken by a music industry attorney and successfully secured his music/catalog. I am now struck by how Sony Music has manipulated a deal to profit off of Michael’s music with their purchase of the production of the “This is It” film based on his final days in rehearsal. Add to this their 250 million dollar deal with the estate for ten new album releases following his death. Were his allegations unfounded? 

AS A FAN, I recommend that you read La Toya’s book, “Starting Over,” to learn more of how racism has impacted the Jackson family in the music industry.

Out of –LOVE– please comment below on what I, you, and each of us can do to lessen the personal effects of racism on all of us. How can each one of us keep our Michael’s, our children, ourselves, and each other from having to experience this pain? (Institutional)

SOLUTIONS?

 Fame, success, hard work, charity and fortune apparently are not enough, in America.

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