Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

AnAverageAmerican — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:58:01 GMT

When Michael Jackson was walking around with a chimp on one hip and Emanuel Lewis on the other black folks were not claiming he was like family. Nor were we claiming him when he was accused of molestation.

And by-the-way, I have never been to a family event and heard of relative of mine say, "I sure wish Michael Jackson had made it."

Stop with the ownership, race nonsense. Being black does not make you family...It just makes you the same color Michael use to be.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Lifelong — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:05:04 GMT

Gosh, you missed the point. Michael's death transcended race - he belongs to the world, not any particular race. We all loved him. I've been crying on and off ever since I heard. Michael was a beautiful soul. I cried for a life taken too soon and for his family -- his situation reminds me of my brother who died from his addiction in September of 2008. I begged him not to continue and told him I did not want to find him dead one day. My family and I even forced him into rehab where he spend two months. He died four months after getting out. And I'm the one that found him. He died a healthy man according to the autopsy. His cause of death was alcohol poisoning. I sympathize with Michael's poor family as they watched in horror as Michael spiraled downward. My prayers are with Michael's children and family.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

bojack27 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:20:57 GMT

As a Black man myself I thought the comments of Jamie Foxx and others are just plain Stupid! Nobody owns Michael (i thought we did away with slavery) and if others want to embrace him then who is anyone to tell them they can't. Nobody has a whole on Blackness (it is just the color of your skin) and Michael Jackson didn't show the color off as much as he showed the transcending love in his heart towards his fans and those who are less fortunate.

He does whole the record for most charities contributed to and most people embraced him as a loving human being and not just as a black man. GET REAL! It is a tragedy because we all (everyone who is a fan throughout the world) watch him grow up with us and influence our lives in such a dramatic way through his music....

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Angelfire743 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:47:56 GMT

Michael Jackson... he was first and foremost a human being and this makes us ALL family. Next he was a man, and finally he was African-American. Race or color does matter, but only in that we are unique and different and because of this we can marvel at our differences in appearance and culture. No one is better than anyone else, we are all wonderfully made.

Michael was an exceptionally talented human being. A man with a huge heart full of compassion and love for the human race. Yet, he carried a lot of pain with him, too. He was even dividing us in black or white when he created that beautiful song and video... he had people from all over the world! He gave us so much and took little, or nothing.

I will remember Michael for everything wonderful that he did and yes celebrate his life. I mourn more for Michae's pain caused by other human beings... our loss is a byproduct of people not accepting differences because they fear it, and therefore attack with negativity in order to defile the uniquely beautiful things that most consider to odd to accept.

Wow... we put people on a pedastal then tear them apart when we find out who they are. Many times casting lies to cut them at the knees because they aren't like us... they are exceptional, gifted, unselfish. What they put themselves through for us...

Michael, know you are loved and will always be remembered as the King of Pop, a beautiful human being with a beautiful heart. RIP.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Angelfire743 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:53:33 GMT

Oops... meant to say he wasn't dividing us in black or white. Sorry.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

julieclayville — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:39:41 GMT

I am a white woman, about the same age as MJ, and I was crazy about MJ since his Jackson Five days. My favorite MJ album was and still is Off The Wall, and I , too, thought he was adorable & hot! I was sad & perflexed about his changing appearance.

His passing gave me a very sad feeling, and I choose to believe that although he seems to have practiced harmful & inappropriate behavior with children, that it was unintentional and due to his very troubled sense of self. Deep down, he was a genius trapped in the mind of a young boy.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

seti2008 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:09:14 GMT

It's not colorblindness that matters. What matters is the embracing of diversity. To say that color doesn't matter is both revisionist and co-opting. The Jackson 5 were initially marketed for black young audiences through Motown. To truly understand why that was so, one would have to understand why Motown came into existence in the first place. (Rock-n-Roll was practically stolen from black culture and black artisits, such as Big Joe Turner, couldn't make a penny. His music is often attributed to Bill Haley.) Not only was interracial marriage not okay back then, but neither were interracial crushes. My generation had the Jackson 5. My mother told me that her generation had Frankie Lymon.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

5o'clockcharlie — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:12:40 GMT

Wow...white people stole Michael Jackson from the blacks, now we are responsible for all the plastic surgery black people get. Shame on all you white folks for buying a black man's music and helping to make him famous world wide! And how dare white folks mourn the loss of Michael, he did not belong to us! Just another example of whitey keepin' em down! World sho' gone crazy!

In the 80's I did not care what color Michael Jackson was, but I knew a great song when I heard it. It was your industry Ms. Ball, the mainstream media and paparazzzi that also helped push MJ to incredible heights and then happily helped hound him and tear him down. You did not care what color he was as long as you got your headlines, and now that he is gone you turn the argument back to race. You are the hypocrite that needs to understand that MJ was a human that deserved dignity and privacy. But that does not interest you as you are probably already getting ready to tear down another celebrity for a headline.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

airjackie — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:31:40 GMT

Interesting topic as Michael Jackson wasn't racist and love all people. It's understandable that the US is now questioning race and Michael. Good news is Heaven doesn't have a race problem that belongs to the USA. God created all people equal but it seems Republican Christian Americans don't think that. Now Satan loves to support racism and hate and as President Bush said himself his GOD aka Satan wanted him to be President. Now we have seen the examples of US Christian Family/Moral Values that we should all follow like Mark Foley, Larry Craig, Senator Ensign, Gov. Sanford, Senator Vitter and even Bush/Cheney. Yes we have our examples of what the US means by Christian Values while it's really Satan calling the shots.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Tamaraja — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:41:36 GMT

I've always had a great interest in black entertainment, culture, and music. This stems from my teenage days and being introduced to Michael Jackson, New Edition, the New Jack Swing era and up to current times. At no time has anyone that I've known (I'm white by the way) ever claimed that they liked the newer, whiter Michael. We all...everyone I've ever discussed this with, agreed that we liked MJ when he "was brown and could get down". I can try to understand the author's feeling and emotion about taking Michael back into the AA fold, but to blame any of his problems on white folks...is hurtful and derogatory. I also found Jamie Foxx's opening monologue on the BET AWards to be offensive. Really Jamie? The AA community "gifted" MJ to the rest of the world (mainly "whitey"). What about the Japanese, and the Taiwanese, and the Europeans and everywhere else? Now you're all claiming him back, huh? You all thought he looked freakish as much as the white folks did, so don't even front. The fact remains that despite all of this side of the conversation about MJ, he was and still is a gifted artist. I cried upon learning of his death too, and I cried at Janet's comments on BET last night. He was part of "our" family as much as anyone else's.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

distantsmoke — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:48:56 GMT

From your headline I can only believe that a bunch of white folk kidnapped Michael Jackson when he was a young man and have been forcing him to perform for them as a slave. Apparently Mr. Jackson had no say in the matter. He made no business decisions himself, and was completely at the mercy of those nasty white folk. By writing your headline in this fashion, you completely diminish this great man's work. You should be ashamed.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Skybox — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:13:02 GMT

He laid down his life for us. He fought for rights and dignity all through the south and in the north too. He stood up to the white man and they just cut him down. Forget Martin and Malcolm. This dude died for our sins!

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

kenfromillinois — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:43:38 GMT

Something is seriously wrong if people want to praise a drug using, child molesting pedophile. If Black America wants to embrace something, this is not it. Nor is it Michael Jordan or any Black athlete. Why can't Black America find an educated, intelligent Black American to embrace? Why can't Black America embrace education? I don't know the answer, but the problem is killing lots of Black Americans. Even Oprah left the country with money to educate Blacks. That is a big statement.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

marcopolo129 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:46:26 GMT

Tough to read an article like this. Jamie Fox would have us believe that Michael needs to be "taken back"? Let's celebrate the man's short life without resorting to where he belongs. I would think that this is not what Mr. Jackson would want to hear. Tough, also, to hear that I am lumped together by Mr. Foxx with "white America." I had never spent a great deal of time worrying about Mr. Jackson's personal life, but rather, enjoying his music. Articles like these are hard to stomach. I am sorry for him and his family.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Gutch220 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:57:31 GMT

Michael Jackson was much bigger than a black-white thing so stop trying to interject race relations into every god damn thing. Why would you want to put MJ in a box by trying to limit his "real" fans. Also, this article badly contradicts itself. You can't write "Love was the overall vibe at the pre-awards-show event Saturday night" right after writing "Foxx lamented how "they" (white America, presumably) had taken Michael Jackson away from us (African-Americans, definitely), and now we’d have to take him back". I can't think of anything that Michael Jackson would disagree with more. Shame on Jamie Foxx. "Black America" can't keep on trying to seperate itself and at the same time complain about being seperated. This is foolish. Michael Jackson was the worlds to love. Lets all blame the white devil.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

thomasar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:09:13 GMT

I am black, and some of my black friends at work were talking about this. MJ was loved by all people of all races, nationalities and even all religions. I know some people have made comments that he is more popular or loved than Christ or God or whatever and that gets to some peoples cores, especially blacks cause we know we love our God, but to me it makes sense because Christ is important to Christians and God to those who have faith, but MJ was important to people who were Chrisian, Muslim, Hindi, Jewish, Atheist and any other faith or lack of faith that exists. Unless someone has literally lived in a cave for 45 years, they have heard of MJ and I think he has affected every human's life in some way, even if all you did was gossip about him and make fun of him. His name was still coming out of your mouth. What we did notice with MJ was that when he got away from his Motown family and his extended black family (us the fans) that his life did become chaotic and topsy turvy. He became exploited and commercialized and we decided that all the basic burdens that fall upn great black men fell upon MJ 20 fold. I have accepted in my mind that MJ has gone on to a better place and has left us, but my soul and heart cannot accept it. I will have to see his body lying in the casket before I am willing to justify my confusion and my outbursts of crying and anger (becuse no one helped him). We also decided that the world is not ready for two GREAT black men at the same time. God blessed us with President Obama in January and I guess the world was not big enough for him and MJ too. Just as Allison said as black people and as extended family of MJ we each see our sons, husbands, fathers or whatever in his spirit and in the life that he lived and we cannot help but cry out and show our love and I agree with Jamie Foxx, we did let the world borrow this wonderful man, and unfortunately they chewed him up and spit him out and of course as black people so often do, we are left to pick up the pieces and clean up the mess. I just hope MJ can truly rest in peace now and get the love, respect and quiet he so greatly earned and deserves and we will get to be with him again, and when we see him, each one of us can give him a hug and show him the love, and glow with pride and praise God for making MJ ONE OF US!

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

SophieAnne — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:09:29 GMT

You people are in love with a perverted, demented child molester who disfigured himself in an effort to completely distance himself from the black community. Of course he had no problem playing the race card to sell music or to insulate himself from well-deserved indignation resulting from his criminal actions. Quite frankly, I'm disgusted by all this angst over Michael Jackson. He wasn't black or white or male or female; he was a disturbed freak.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Skybox — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:18:54 GMT

Oh. We're talking Michael Jackson here?

Sorry.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Cloverine Fleetwood — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:27:27 GMT

When Jamie Foxx spoke in generalities about "we" and "they", he seemed to be distancing himself from part of the message I took from Michael Jackson's art. I have no idea about Michael Jackson the man - he is as mysterious as he could possibly be, As an artist, he spoke to understanding and commonalities among people, not a we and they kind of mentality.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

snufu — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:28:15 GMT

Congratulations Newsweek! Another condescending, trite article that presumes to know what the "African American" community feels based on a few buffoons prancing on BET. What was this, Sarah Ball's second ecnounter with black culture other than a dinner at Sylvia's? Yes, let's just assume every black person looks, feels, dresses the same and has the same insecurities. We must have all been raised by Joe Jackson! That's why we can all sing and dance!

The fact that this "journalist" just slapped some stereotypes together and added some faux emotion and it was permitted to be published further convinces me about the "dumbing down" of the U.S. media and education system. This article would have more credibility if she actually asked random non-celebrities how they felt about the show and his passing.

BTW, No ethnic group is completely happy with how they look. Asians try to make their eyes appear more western, whites want bigger lips and hips, etc. Even Paris and Brittney weaves their hair! Insecurity is how the beauty and fashion industry makes it money. My cosmetic surgery, was to remove medical scarring, Not to "change my nose," seem safer or more attractive to the ignorant, or insult my creator who did an awesome job on me.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

coraltown — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:30:29 GMT

If one has to be so ethno-centric (seems to be no end to it) regarding talent, then I would consider Hendrix to be the true genius. His influence on guitarists since is like none other,

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

betezewhi47 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:41:51 GMT

Michael Jackson was one of the most influential performers of all time! His music made us laugh, cry, and learn to except each other because of similarities and our differences. His music taught us to love music and each other!

Our nationalities were never important in the world in which HE LIVED! As an African-american woman who has listened to his music, every since I was a little girl, I has seen the changes that have been made in this country. Michael's music bridged that gap with people in America and around the world.

As for his personal life, I am very sorry that he was such a troubled soul, that could never seem to find peace and harmony. During this said time, let's concentrate on the music and how much his life changed ours!

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and fans and he will be truly missed. He will also be remembered as one of the biggest music entertainers of all time.

Rest in peace Michael, we feel very blessed to have had your musical talents for more than forty years!

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Sarcasm — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:18:33 GMT

Us crazy white devils are always stealing black performers! Michael Jackson, Oprah, Will Smith, Jesus, the list goes on. Unluckily enough, people like Jamie Foxx keep freeing them from us.

Now I'm not suggesting that fences be built around the remaining black performers in our hands, but I think that fences should be built around the remaining black performers in our hands.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Rooster1954 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:43:44 GMT

The african american community has done it again. Wanting to blame someone for being a pervert, child molestor and the list goes on. You can bury your queer and hope he lays in peace, because that is where this pervert belongs. I never bought a record, cd or any of his music. I was not going to support this so called thing of a person.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

sieg6529 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:19:48 GMT

Whites stole MJ from the blacks? That's absurd. He made his own choices, and no race owned him.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

ned3585 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:11:26 GMT

It seems to me the same people that are "embracing him" as a member of the African-American community were the ones who 4-5 years ago were shunning him as a child molestor. I wonder how many people watched intently during his trial, convinced of his guilt and disgusted by the way such a promising young man turned into such a pervert. A lot of those same people are now shedding tears at his death and embracing him and making excuses for his life. I thought he was a great performer, and I have turned up his music in my car more times than I can count, but it sure is amazing what dying will do to people's perception of you.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

hodgethecat — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:26:50 GMT

this is racist garbage

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

embell4 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:30:08 GMT

I had hope and prayed that someday he'll grow up and accept who he was; Unfortunately this was not to be, most blacks where ashamed of him and white did not want to associate with him because he was so fake with the color and the nose job. Janet is not far from this pitfall. My humble opinion

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Jacquiem — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:48:47 GMT

Who the devil are these people who claim him as "family?" This is getting on my nerves! I am Black and this man is not my "family." My actual family members are my family. You having Black skin does not automatically endear you to me, nor should it endear me to you. Michael Jackson was an ENTERTAINER. To HIS actual family member, he was family, but to everyone else, he was an ENTERTAINER - that's IT! I don't get why people claim celebrities as intimate and integral parts of their lives. He made music that was great. I grew up listening to it, dancing to it, enjoying it. Later in life he made some questionable, foolish, and dangerous decisions that tarnished his reputation. He was an ENTERTAINER who had no closer attachment to my life, no deeper impact on my life than that. It stuns me that people claim some type of emotional attachment to someone they've never met, and isn't related to them in any way. Stop this silly talk about how "most" African Americans consider him - or any other African American celebrity of any genre or calibre - to be "family." His last name is not mine; he's not my family.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

concerned liberal — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:56:15 GMT

Wether or not M/Jackson was or was not involved in any bizzarre sexual matters, he was clearly unhappy with any part of his African physicality and that would have to be an issue for most who subsist on BET, NAACP, Miss Black American, United Negro College Fund, Ebony, or any one of the seemingly countless supposed acceptable "counter-racism" groups!

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

DontCare — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:15:20 GMT

I can't believe some of the comments here. Geez! Michael Jackson was a guy. I won't even begin to imagine how he thought because I am not him and I did not know him. I have my personal opinions based on his actions and that is all. Michael Jackson was a great performer. Was he weird? Yes. Did he have the right to be? Yes due to his childhood. The man had too much money and too much free time. I don't care what color his skin was as I decide a persons character on his actions not his color. I also don't believe any of the lawsuits brought against him as I think that was for personal gain from greedy idiots. From his actions, Michael appears too innocent to believe someone would make those type of accusations against him. He reminds me of the kid in school that nobody liked just because he was different but then everyone wanted to claim him as their own once he made it to the big time. I think Michael is now in a happier place where no one can fight over him (excuse me - his fortune and fame) and where he can be little boy wonder and run thru the field with his animals and look however he wants too look. I am saddened that he did not have the chance for his big come back - but maybe that is for the best as someone would have twisted something to make him look bad. Please finally rest in peace Michael.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

maxmino — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:17:39 GMT

what a crapy article! Please all of you get over yourselves he did this made us look bad and now you say whites took him and we want him back because he die, HE DEAD!! please give me a fraking break people!! JAMIE FOXXXXXXXXXXXXXX THOUGH I LOVE YOUR DIGITIZED MUSIC AND ALL BUT you can kiss my fraking ***!!! he was not the blacks nor was he the whites he was THE WORLD'S ENTERTAINER!!!!!!!!!!!! You buddy are a racists!!! NOW I WILL NEVER BUY ANYTHING YOU ENDORSE!!! I AM ASHAMED, that is why racism doesn't cease to exsist you can't change what is in peoples hearts only they can!!!! WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN MJ'S LIFE IS NONE OF OUR BUSINESS!! THANK YOU ALL "THE MUTT" SIGNING OUT!!!

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

techresmgt — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:52:43 GMT

A completely useless and racially offensive article. Does the media use proof readers and editors or do they just spew on cue? According to the media, Caucasians (learn some respect, please) are bad, Blacks are good. That idea is utterly and completely offensive, not to mention untrue and inflammatory. Tolerance is simply a word the media uses to confuse and befuddle the easily led. The intolerance exhibited by many is their new religion.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

carbar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:52:55 GMT

Ms. Ball,

As an outsider looking into the mind and feelings of black culture you did the best you could, but definitely fell short. Why? Your very premise is based solely on the famous with a few hours at a pre-party. Its very obvious your lack of constant exposure of the black experience, and that may or may not have been of your choosing for a time. However, your theme of the article though appears genuine lacks much understanding of black life. To be fair, these attendees were once non-famous, so they too should state their opinions.

1. Your writing is riddled with a general monolithic view/conclusion as to what MJ meant to blacks as a whole. I can't remember anyone loving the J5/MJ in a family/familial way. What blacks did take away from them is they made it over the barrier in music for black artists during the late 60's and 70's. We fully understood it was because they were children, thus non-threatening to white society. Even as a child (same age as MJ, we knew and I knew it would be much harder for them to maintain the level of white aceptance as they got to be adults. If we as blacks knew that when they got started, MJ/J5 ad to have known it even moreso. Blacks loved them for different reasons based on our age when we as individuals were introduced to them. Young girls felt lust, old folk saw pride and cuteness, but in the back of our minds we also knew the hell they faced and would face as they matured into the theatening black man. The only familial way we felt for the Jackson was a wish they were in our family for real! LOL

2. Blacks know we were the first to pick at, ridicule, and tease MJ's ethnic appearance. So imagine when the fame came, they go to a practically all white school and get it from that end as well. So here you have both races and family members displeasure of MJ's nose/color. Jealousy was the stem of the nose jokes in my opinion, but if a child is that sensitive as folk say about MJ was he took it to his core. Too bad nobody ever told him the black nose is "perfect" - width and length are equal! Too bad he didn't realize he was born cute and remained cute until he went to cutting/coloring. Too bad he didn't realize it was the good old green eyed monstoer that folk used to bring him down a peg or 5. Too bad he allowed vanity to become his focus after music. And the worse, too bad - he didn't see/hear the real cuteness with the man in the mirror due to the tape recorder going on in his head of the ugly remarks based on JEALOUSY!

3. The love blacks have/had for MJ was not so much as familial in the traditional sense, but more like a play cousin we have within our culture. However, his vanity and willingness to please destroyed that play cousin feel we had, because of his denial to explain the "why" honestly. The honesty IMO - he wanted world wide acceptance. Thus, the childlike mannerisms and the ethic visual change. One thing that has struck me odd the media has yet to report - why was MJ brown in a color photo from the ambulance to UCLA med ctr captured. Was the white appearance we've seen in recent times theatrical makeup?

4. If you want to write an article on race, start with that question posed above. As far as my race as an AA refuse to allow the media tear him down in death, your conclusion is correct. We won't allow lies, speculations, and innuendos be all thats reported. Why? Becausee we know the hell of a climb it took for him to the top more than any other race. So for all he meant to us in all of his appearances that's the least we can do for him. We never owned his talent, but we own our feelings for him to die in dignity if only for a minute. Truths of what he did has its place, but not at the expense of folk on TV/print guessing, speculating, and straight out lying on a man with little research, comments of a few at a pre-party, and a misunderstanding that all blacks think and feel alike for the same reasons.

You ended your article very well, just give more thought to the main body next time you approach a complex subject.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

jrgrant — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:02:45 GMT

I find all of the comments and this article to be a disgrace! Why does racism exist today? Because of idiots like Sarah Ball & Jamie Foxx. I really do not see why everything in America is race based, To grow and look beyond the color of someones skin is such a far fetched idea? Michael Jackson had more fans across this world, black, white, brown, yellow and green! To put such a lable on one person? Who cares what "changes" he made to himself? This changes did not change who he is on the inside! Michael Jackson was an entertainer and he was damn good at it. Where is the compassion at for such a sudden loss of life?! Is a living- breathing person so disposable? To all of the ppl posting that Michael Jackson was a "FREAk", you are not GOD, who are you to judge anyone, go look yourself in the mirror and judge yourself before you try to judge others. Michael Jackson lived his entire life in the "lime light", every move he made, was scrutinized by the media, and a lot of ppl were just "friends" with him because of $ motivation. MJ could not live a normal life if he wanted to, I would be reclusive too. I believe MJ had a good heart, a loving, & caring person. Now he is gone and everyone is left with only a memory of him. Let me re-phrase great memories of him! He was an awesome motivator, the charity work alone made a national movement to do better and be better, to help others in need. On top of the GREAT music!

America should be ashamed of the racism, judments, and horrific things being said about the KING OF POP!

His family and world wide are mourning the loss of the best artist in the world and skin color is not the determining factor here!

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Lancev32 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:09:27 GMT

Terrible article, with a worse message. Foxx is a racist idiot. How did the audiance applaud his outragous remarks. The show was a waste of time, and more than a few actors/entertainers lost my respect, and my money. Funny how a man who sang "It doesnt matter if your black or white" is "Honored" by those showing so much hate. Whats ironic is that Foxx was on a commercial for the awards show saying that it wasnt a black thing... Well, it sure sounded like it was a black thing.. and it actuality it should have been a Michael Jackson thing... Sad, very sad and disturbing.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

pisapiag — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:12:36 GMT

Forget about the artistry of the man. Forget about the ludicrous and senseless suits for pedophily. Let's concentrate on a fact that has been disregarded for too long: serious child molestation. The kind of which MJ has been the victim. There are worse cases than MJ's but none with such an international fame. I hope that soon enough, his life will be scrutinized to no end in order to expose the source of all this horror: his parents.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

woodduckie — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:58:34 GMT

First of all, the author of the column is Allison Samuels, not Sarah Ball. It's there right under the picture. But as far as Jamie Foxx's comments, it was Michael Jackson who decided to distance himself from his heritage with his numerous plastic surgeries and skin-lightening procedures. "We" did not take him from anybody. But what astounds me most is the rationalization for his pedophilia; of course it was his harsh upbringing it was this it was that. When Michael Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ear off, it was not an out of control temper, no, I heard comments like "well, he couldn't help himself, he was from the street" etc. Such rubbish. White offenders never get this kind of rationalization. Yes, racism is still rampant out there, and a lot of it is black-generated.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Travelgirl36 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:20:22 GMT

Firstly, I'd like to say I think that without a shadow of a doubt Michael Jackson was absolutely amazing and I cannot think of a greater entertainer -- EVER!

In regards to Ms. Samuels comments, as an African American, I understand what she means by saying that for some African Americans Michael is like family. It is merely an expression she is using to describe the impact he had on her life. Thirty something years ago, a face of color on the TV screen was a rarity. Top that off with the fact that his talent was amazing! When blacks came on TV for the right reason, we were happy. Perhaps only a person of color could understand that statement. When AR Rahman appeared on the Oscars, my Indian friends expressed a similar sentiment. Because for them, they felt as if the world could finally see what India could offer. He was sharing their culture with all of us. It does not make one racist to think this way. It is just a fact.

HOWEVER, I think anyone of any race could share an equally strong connection with Michael Jackson based on something different about his persona or his music.

Michael Jackson did not start out in the world as it is today. Without a shadow of a doubt, before he was the Michael the world embraced, he endured the racism of the various decades in which he lived. By the same token, by being who he was, he changed a lot of things. I cannot explain the various phases of Michael's physical appearance that we saw, nor do I need an explanation for them.

In regards to all child molestation allegations, he was acquitted. Some say, he paid 22 million to make one go away. For a man with millions, 22 may not have seemed like all that much. Comparatively speaking, I'd pay someone 22 dollars to regain some peace in my life. Whether he was guilty or innocent, I suspect only he, God and the victims (alleged) know.

I personally don't believe he was a pedophile, rather I think he was a man who made poor choices. I don't think he sexually lusted little boys, rather he lusted their youth and freedom, which he himself never had. He did things rational thinking normal adults would not do. He thought he was different and above speculation. Perhaps his belief that he was above the rules for the rest of us came from the fact that people didn't respond to him in a normal way. Some say he was weird -- well, how normal would you be if people consistently fainted, screamed and cried when in your presence for most of your life?

Everyone gets to choose how they remember Michael Jackson. I choose to remember Michael for the larger than life entertainer that he was. I choose to remember him for being a performer who gave 150%. In this world filled with digitized tunes and one song sounding like the other, I choose to grieve for a man obsessed with giving his audience something new. I remember and grieve for a man, who never had a childhood and struggled like we all do to find our way - but his struggles could never be private.

Michael Jackson's death stopped the world for a brief second. From America to Kenya, from India to Russia -- this man had something so special that the entire world is grieving his loss. He had something that transcended pigmentation concentration. Some will lay claim to him because he was black, some will lay claim to him because he was not their stereotypes of blacks . Some musicians lay claim to him because he was a black performer who showed them they could do it too, while others lay claim because of his musical genius. In the end, Michael Jackson didn't belong to any of us, but he touched most of us in a special way.

My condolences and prayers to his children, his parents, family and friends, because while the world lost an entertainer --they lost so much more than we did.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

burkie1376000 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:48:22 GMT

We (the white community) are most certainly not trying to "Steal" michael jackson from you. you can have him

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

wanderson9697 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:38:48 GMT

Wow Jamie Foxx! Way to kill your career! I will never watch another movie with that racist POS ever again! Thats the most ignorant comment I have ever heard and I'm surprised it came from him. I used to like and respect Foxx. Not anymore, way to enlarge the racial tension gap in America, you douche!

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

LSaldana — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:46:24 GMT

NEWSWEEK ...

You guys need to moderate your comments. Take for example, the comments below this article. Half the commenters seem to be under the erroneous impression that Sarah Ball wrote this article when in fact it was Allison Samuels. For an article that talks about race and celebrity, this has implications on how people read and understand the piece. It would be helpful if there was an editor responding to some of this feedback.

Another suggestion, can we implement a rating system to these comments?

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

LSaldana — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:54:47 GMT

ALLISON SAMUELS ...

I take issue with your monolithic categorizations of white America and black America. It's absurd for African-Americans to claim that his legacy belongs solely to black culture when the man was a multinational superstar with fans all over the world.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

vavalleygirl1 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:28:31 GMT

I really take offense to the comment by Jamie Foxx. Michael Jackson's music was loved by everyone, both black and white. Maybe he should read the words to Michael's song "Black and White" and heed them. I was born in 1957, Michael Jackson was born in 1958. I grew up with Michael Jackson, not in the sense of actually knowing him, but of watching him grow from a cute little 5 year old boy into a man. I have and always will love his music. Michael Jackson didn't belong to the African-Americans, he wasn't something anyone could own. He was truly a gift to everyone in this world that loved his music, his videos, his incredible showmanship. Regardless of his eccentricities, he was musically gifted. And that gift came from God. His music made people happy. And he leaves behind the legacy of that music to everyone. He may be gone from us physically, but he and his legacy of his music will live on in our hearts and souls for infinity. Rest in peace Michael. May you have the peace now as an angel that you never had here on this earth.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

SamOliver — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:34:16 GMT

The first time I saw Michael was when he performed back in the late 60's. I was in the Service and remember it to this day. You could see then that he was going to be someone special even without his family as back up for his Music. He stood out from the rest. He grew with his music, he made Great Music. I enjoyed following his career, especially during the Thriller years. But after that things seemed to change. I can't put my finger on it. But I will always remember Michael for the early years. This for me was a time of enjoyment. I thank him for his Music and I know he is in a better place now away from all the misunderstanding, hate and bickering that went over the last part of his life. There is a lot of resentment here. Please let's Remember Michael for the Good.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Tanya3673 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:04:31 GMT

I'm glad to know who to blame for Michael Jackson's death--white people. Are they also responsible for Richard Pryor's death, Jimi Hendirx, Tupac, and Notorious B.I.G.? I want to know so I can hate them more.

The only thing I can't figure out is why they killed Kurt Cobain, Chris Farley, and Shannon Hoon. Or Elvis.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

libra3ko — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:15:54 GMT

I agree with a lot of the comments here, very well said. I too was very surprised to hear Jamie Foxx's really ignorant statement about MJ and playing the race card along with it. Jamie should really watch what he says. He was excellent in the movie, "Ray," and he's a decent actor, but when he turned his attention to music, trying to be a "rap star" he's becoming nothing short of an a**hole with a rapper mentality!

I grew up loving the Jackson 5 & MJ's music in the 70s & 80s. I think he was an extremely talented singer/dancer/song writer & performer, who was one of the only AA who's performances saw no race/color/religion and he was truly successful at crossing over into all kinds of music and it became a universal art form.

Unfortunately, while MJ was so talented and successful in the music world, I think in his personal life he was confused, lonely, insecure, isolated and he made some very bad choices in his adult life. His life, (thanks to the media and even b/c of him) was shrouded in mystery, controversy, secrecy and speculation about things we will all never know for sure whether they really happened or not. His life was a constant turbulent mystery and therefore his death is turning out that way as well.

As far as him changing his appearance over the years with plastic surgery and skin bleaching... all of that was his choice! You cannot blame any race or people on that. If he was insecure about looking too "ethnically" black and he obviously was, you need to consider his upbringing and the allegations of what his father put him through when he was a child. Or whatever kind of pressure he thought he was under, we don't know, but making those changes comes from his own psychosis and his perception of himself, not from anyone else.

He's not the only person who's tried to change their "ethnic" looks that come from their race and I won't go into more than that, there are many people in the world who've done similar kinds of things and they know who they are. But what about Whoopi Goldberg? Now there's a great example of an AA woman who NEVER compromised the way she looks and I applaud her immensely for that! She still looks like she always has, (other than her naturally aging) and is nevertheless still wildly popular and I have much more respect for people like that who are literally comfortable in their own skin.

In summary, I want to remember MJ for his music and celebrate the great performer that he was. But I think we need to remember that he was also a human being like the rest of us, with flaws, addictions and heartbreak and he cose to handle all that in his way. I hope he can find more peace now wherever he is resting, than when he was on this crazy earth.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Vispateresa — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:20:41 GMT

I just wanted to thank Newsweek for the beautiful picture of Michael Jackson on the cover. I bought a copy just for it. He is pictured as a very young boy, but you can already see some sadness in his eyes, like he was an adult in a boy's body. The photo moved me to tears.

Thanks again.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

AngelArms — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 01:21:19 GMT

Well at least Jamie Foxx has revealed that he is a racist. Those that mindlessly cheered his words are either too dumb or just as racist as he is. A white person wouldn't get away with saying anything like that. The author of this article had more time to ponder his racist words and yet chose to follow suit with this type of article. Racism is alive and well in the black community! It's the gift that keeps on giving black people excuses for poor choices.

Don't worry, Mr. Foxx. I am not a keeper of slaves nor a kidnapper. Rest assured that not one cent of mine will handed over for your music or movies. My hands will be clean throughout the rest of your career so that no one will be able to claim that I had a part in taking you from your people.

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

Texas Jake — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:30:12 GMT

Like MJ, I changed my race/appearance when I was in my 20's However unlike MJ, I changed from being a white person, to being fully Black. I went through expensive and painful pigment augmentation and nose surgery. I committed myself to becoming the "Negro Within". As a child, I was a black soul trapped in a honky-ass white body. Where I grew up, that made me the minority and I was beaten often by my colored brothers. I had to align my outter appearance with my inner yearning. After the transition, I was acceppted in the Black community, givin a job, and started dating 'sistas' (whom are far superior in the bootie department).

I am thankful for the modern medical capabilities, and the doctors abilities that changed my appearance so that I could live comfortable in my own skin. As a black man, it feels good to be accepted by both blacks and whits (instead of just whites). My life is way better. R.I.P Michael - I loved you.

Now all I watch is WET (White Entertainment Television).

re: Behind the Scenes: Mourning Michael Jackson at the BET Awards

fenderroad1 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 17:33:11 GMT

I agree with AngelArms. Jamie Foxx is a fool. For a man who worked his whole career to transcend gender boundaries, Foxx's dumb comments (on Jackson's behalf) just built those walls back. How ignorant. Then, the author claims to identify with Janet on the comment made that he was an icon to us and family to her. Sorry Ms. Samuels, but I dont think you're pain level is anywhere near that as if you were a member of that Jackson family. Don't automatically include yourself in that category. The comment was made with, along with the rest of the public, on the side of viewing him as an icon.