Michael Jackson's Impact on the World: Advocating Change through the Arts
The Ultimate Package
As discussed earlier in the semester, all of the elements mentioned above (wardrobe, dance, vocal, poetic and perfomative choices) all are a part of the complex image that Michael Jackson produced for himself an as artist.
After thoroughly evaluating Jackson’s sense of music, dance, dress and performative actions, I would identify his style as “individualistic” and as a “humanitarian artist”. One of the most interesting things about Jackson is his spontaneity. He was such a versatile individual. He was talented at so many different things and could carry his tune in any genre of music (excluding country). Behind his creative lyrics and glowing costumes, there was a strong message or messages for that matter. Like Jackson, Lady Gaga has carried his legacy with her songs and image that is reflective of the original identity that Jackson created for himself. Songs such as "Black and White" narrowed the racial barriers that existed between Whites and Blacks and taught people that diversity is a beautiful thing.
Besides providing courage and inspiration to our society, Jackson created music that promoted community involvement, social justice and global relief. As an elementary student, my favorite song to sing in chorus was "Heal the World", probably one of the greatest examples of how Jackson was a true humanitarian and used his music to convey his ideas and encourage others to do the same. A perfect example of how Jackson's humanitarianism has influenced modern society would have to be the Haiti relief. In order to provide relief and raise money for the earthquake in Haiti, 25 of the most popular vocal artists (ranging from Justin Bieber to Barbara Streisand) united as one and re-recorded Michael Jackson's "We Are The World".
Taking A Look in His Mirror
After watching “This Is It” and reading other people’s view on Michael Jackson as both an artist and individual, I would have to say that Michael Jackson does not identify as a simple individual. From his song “Black or White”, one can infer that Jackson does not assign a race to himself. He did not believe that one’s race, gender, sexual preference, age, etc. really was a true indicator of one’s identity``.
Looking at Michael’s life, I do not think he identified with any one generation. For example, his estate Never-Land Ranch was a fantasy- land, with rides, a candy shop and other magical elements. It was not hard to see that Jackson was intellectually developed and mature in the way he thought (just look at the complex meanings of his songs), though Jackson was also a kid at heart who never wanted to leave his childhood. Apart from his detachment from racial and age identity, Jackson saw beauty in everyone and his songs were reflective of his open-minded and non-judgmental personality.
Another vital element of Jackson was his connection to humanity and the earth. As mentioned by many in their posts (and myself), Jackson’s involvement in his life as an artist extended beyond the studio and sold out stadiums. Songs such as “Heal The World” expressed the inspiration, hope and notion for change that Jackson exercised through his music and collective actions. He was a true humanitarian and this was not just done through his music, but through his daily actions. For example, in his video for “Heal The World”, as stated by one of the students in the class, “The clothes he, and his crew, were going to wear during the “This Is It” concerts were made from materials all across the globe, and the people designing the clothes were also from different parts of the world. He did not have just one company make all of the clothes for his concert” (Alan Karnofsky). His use of materials from all over the world incorporates his beliefs of equality.
Total Involvement in His Art
Although this medium is not tangible, Jackson’s hands-on involvement in his career as an artist was incredibly intriguing to me. Throughout the film, it depicts Jackson as this super dedicated and perfectionist individual. Since it’s been a while since I watched film, I cannot recall what segment of the movie it was, but there was a scene when he was rehearsing for a performance and kept going over the choreography for the song until it was flawless. Though it was not touched upon as much in the film, when compared to other popular artists, Jackson wrote MANY of his songs. His connection to the words was deeper and meaningful, since his songs were genuine and an accurate reflection of Jackson’s values and beliefs.
This nonmusical medium matters because it further illustrates the passion and authenticity that Jackson expressed through his music and artistic image. He was very involved in all aspects of his career, while still leading a normal life with a family. Today we do not many if ANY artists that are as involved as much Jackson was in all areas of his career, all more a reason that he truly is the “King of Pop”.
Motives for "This Is It"
This question is really hard to grasp for me for some reason, so I’ll try to answer it in the best way that I can. Again this product is not graspable and my response is connected to my next answer, but I think that one of the motives behind the production of “This Is It” was for the public to consume the truth and overall good” that Jackson brought to society, through his music, civic engagement, and relationship with the public.
During his later life, the media was always portraying Jackson as a bad influence on society. From dangling his baby over the balcony to the Neverland Ranch scandals, Jackson was constantly being shone in a negative light. I think the film focuses on Jackson as a colossal for humankind. Not only was he super talented, but also he was extremely involved and concerned with doing well for society. “This Is It” depicts that side of Jackson and glorifies Jackson as an exceptional individual, not just an artist. All of these views are reinforced throughout “This Is It” for the public eye to get a real and authentic view of Jackson as an artist and individual.
The Public and Corporate Connection to Michael Jackson
Watching the film, it is not hard to see that many of the people who are involved in the production and backstage work of Michael’s life are die hard fans. Throughout the film, one can see the deep bonds that Jackson builds with producers, dancers, costume artists, makeup artists and all other figures that have been involved with Michael Jackson in one way or another. At many scenes in “This Is It”, he refers to his entourage as “his family”.
All of those individuals that were involved in his life have nothing but the highest honors to say about Michael Jackson. He was just celebrated as a monumental artist, but as a highly special human being. They all spoke highly and had utmost respect for him.
Personally, Michael Jackson has always been one of my favorite musicians. His music was revolutionary and forever changed the sound of pop music. I’m not just a fan of his music, but I admire him for all of the challenges that he had to overcome with family troubles and bad publicity. Being a star is not an easy task; famous people suffer from a double standard, similar to women. If a star gets caught cheating on his wife, it becomes national news, whereas no one knows about your personal business and your not chastised for your poor decisions. I think this film reinforces the power and beauty that Jackson instilled into humanity through his music and engagement with his fans and on a wider-scale, the world. The film glorifies Jackson as the superstar he was, while still embracing the humanitarian side of Jackson.
While watching “This Is It”, I found that someone was pulling at my heartstrings and at points, I found myself tearing a little. I think that for a film or documentary to be effective, it must force the viewer to realize the strong meaning and thought behind the imagery, words and other aspects of the production.
During the “Heal the World” rehearsal, I started balling in tears. The combination of the visual imagery, the sound and texture of Jackson’s voice, and the words of the song just made me really think about the world and how Jackson really forces listeners to think and make CHANGE. From the little girl on the stage to the backdrop of the rainforest, it just really triggered something in me that made me feel responsible for the world and how it is my job as a human being to make it a better place.
Setting New Standards for the 21st Century
There is no argument that Michael Jackson was indeed a progressive artist. While holding onto his views and beliefs, he was still adapting to the changing parts of society, such as technology. The film really does show us the amount of pyrotechnics, clarity of sound (use of ultra high tech sound systems). Apart from the film, the biggest digital innovation that comes to mind in regards to Jackson was his music video for his song “Scream”. For years, it was the most expensive music video to ever be made the level of technology and digital art involved in the production of it is astonishing. Watching the video, I feel like we’re heading into a spaceship and diving first into a world controlled by robots and complex apparatuses.
I think Michael’s use of digitized media is a perfect barometer for how Jackson was an artist who was always taking it to the next level. Before his “Thriller” video, there was not advanced production. With the influence of Jackson, artists have become a lot more artistic with their music, in the way that music videos have become sensualized. Watching a music video today feeds on our senses and is highly realistic. His connectedness to the changing technological structure really shows his dedication that he had for his fans; adapting to new structures to uphold his fan base and really give the public what they wanted.
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