Humanitarianism: A recurring theme in Michael Jackson’s music and videos

Humanitarianism, as strung on Michael Jackson’s heartstrings, became a recurring theme in his lyrics, his videos, and his public persona. Jackson’s songs like “We Are The World”, “Man In The Mirror” and “Heal The World” convey his interest in humanitarianism, equality and world peace.

In 1985, Jackson co-writes “We Are The World” with Lionel Richie, which is released worldwide to help the poor in Africa and the United States. Blessed with clever promotion and marketing, WATW is finally named the best-selling single of all time. To date, it has sold more than 20 million units and raised more than $63 million for famine relief.

“Heal the World” is a song from Michael Jackson’s hit album Dangerous, released in 1991. The song’s music video features children living in countries experiencing unrest. He performs his hit single at the Super Bowl XXVII halftime show with a 35,000-person flash card performance.

He then creates the Heal The World Foundation, a charity designed to improve the lives of children. The organization is also meant to teach children how to help others. This “improvement for all” concept would become the centerpiece of his Dangerous World Tour.

Jackson’s videos, like his songs, are also well received. His “Man in the Mirror” video offers a montage of footage from several major news events, including the shootings of John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, Live Aid, Farm Aid, and notable people such as Martin Luther King, Lech Walesa, Mother Teresa, Desmond Tutu …. All proceeds from his single “Man in the Mirror” go to charity.

As with “Man In The Mirror” and “Heal The World”, his song “Cry” reminds us of all the problems in the world. It deals with themes and themes of war, loneliness, lying, changing the world, depression, suicide, miracles and faith; it also suggests that if we all come together as one, we can all make a change in the world.

However, in “Scream”, “Tabloid Junkie” and “You Are Not Alone”, Jackson directs much of his personal anger and pain at the media. While on his ballad “Gone Too Soon,” he pays tribute to his young friend Ryan White and the plight of people with AIDS.

In response to the attacks on September 11, 2001, Jackson helps organize the United We Stand: What More Can I Give benefit concert at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC The concert, which supports those who lost family members or loved ones during the attacks, airs October 21, 2001, and includes performances by dozens of top artists, including Jackson, who performs his song “What More Can I Give” as the finale.

Given the recurrence of socially conscious and humanitarian themes in Michael Jackson’s body of work, “Earth Song,” a ballad that incorporates elements of blues, gospel and opera, is the first to deal openly with the environment and animal welfare. . Showcasing images of animal cruelty, deforestation, pollution, and war, the video focuses on the destruction and rebirth of the earth.

Like many of Jackson’s songs of charity, equality, and world peace, “Earth Song” receives a Grammy nomination.