Equality among the races has always been an issue in the world, let alone America. One artist that is a symbolic icon to the ideology of equality among races is the late and great Michael Jackson. A song that I want to evaluate is his 1991 Dangerous Album hit single, ” Black or White”. The song was written by Bill Bottrell with a consistent theme of promoting racial unity. The lyrics of the song in conjunction with the visual aspects of the video are a in strong support of racial equality and unity. Taking a look at the lyrics, from MJ’s singing to L.T.B’s 16 bars, the words are weave equality with a simple musical needle & thread. Michael is correct though, it does not matter if his baby is black or white or any other possible race that exists within this country. Sure, it is important to consider that racism and exceptionalism are experienced through every country and race, but at the end of the day, we are all humans; came into this world alone, and will die alone. After death, no superiority remains with one’s dead corpse.
Another artist that addresses need for equality among Americans are the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Their song, “power of equality” describes how equality is such a filling feeling. Now this song is unfamilair to me but after listening to this amazing song, this verse stands out the most for me: “
The power of equality
Is not yet what it ought to be (chorus)
It fills me up like a hollow tree
The power of equality
Right or wrong
My song is strong
You don’t like it
Get along
Say what I want
Do what I can
Death to the message
Of the Ku Klux Klan
I don’t buy supremacy
Media chief
You menance me
The people you say
Cause all the crime
Wake up motherfucker
And smell the slime
Blackest anger
Whitest fear
Can you hear me
Am I clear
My name is peace
This is my hour
Can I get
Just a little bit of power
The power that the group is discussing is within the power of equality and the time for peace among the nations is now. The radical times of racism that created fear and prejudices within certain members of society need to come to an end.
Just as Marvin Gaye’s stated, “You know we’ve got to find a way/ To bring some lovin’ here today.” The new remastered video includes various musical artists of racially ambiguous backgrounds are all visually and physically rapped up in the prejudices of the world. Words and descriptions of individuals such as “black, military, conservative, democrat, Asian, poet,christian,rock, blue collar, upper class, gay, old, prejudice, addict and revolutionary” describe a characteristic that each individual may possess, but we must not be blind to these titles. It is time to open up our eyes, ears, and mouth and embrace equality among everyone with open arms.
I liked the MJ video for “Black and White” it eventually showed how all the images were “morphed” and it became who or what culture they actually were. This is true now. You see people who look like Black Americans but may Liberia, Haitian etc. Light skinned people who may be Hispanic, French, Puerto Rican… Can you reallly tell until they speak what nationality they are. Visit NY and see how many people you can tell what culture they are just be the color of their skin…most of the time you will be wrong!