Core Post- Black Masculinity

This week’s reading examines Michael Jackson’s image, highlighting his unique appeal and interesting choices he made for his image. Mercer writes, “it is the voice which lies at the heart of his appeal. Rooted in the Afro-American tradition of ‘soul’, Jackson’s vocal performance is characterized by breathy gasps, squeaks, sensual sighs and other wordless sounds which have become his stylistic signature” (305). Mercer points out Michael Jackson’s use of “traditional… ‘soul’”, referencing African American vocal traditions.

            Mercer follows Michael Jackson’s career and how his image shifted over the years. Jackson’s career reached a height of “public fascination” (306), after the release of the Thriller video, when the cameras captured distinct changes in his face and body appearance. Mercer explains, “the glossy sheen of his complexion appears lighter in colour than before; the nose seems sharper…less rounded and “African’ and the lips seem tighter…the large “Afro’ has dissolved into a shock of wet-look permed curls” (306). The Thriller music video provoked conversation and intrigue, causing people to wonder if Jackson was attempting to rid himself of African-American features. Living in a world where his image was everything, Michael Jackson undoubtedly felt pressure to update and drastically change his image.

            Mercer writes several times how media scrutiny drew much attention to Michael Jackson throughout his career. I strongly believe that Jackson’s entire life was shaped by his stardom. Every choice he made was recognized and written about. Every “African American quality”, facial and body feature, was analyzed and critiqued.  Growing up in a Hollywood family and being famous from a young, tender age made his upbringing the furthest thing from normal. Perhaps he grew up knowing he was insecure about parts of him, one day desiring to change facial and body features.

            Today, Michael Jackson’s image is still an enigma. Questions pertaining to his cosmetic surgeries, behavioral choices and lifestyle remain unanswered. Perhaps we cannot entirely understand his complex star image, but we can remember him for his unique talent and celebrate his musical achievements.