So over the past few weeks or so I, like everyone else have been following news coverage, award shows, TV specials, urban gossip networks, memorial services, and whatever other media content available in order to accompany my Michael Jackson mourning/ life analysis/ listening sessions. In doing so, I’ve become increasingly interested in, and conscious of the portrayal of 2nd most controversial member of the Jackson family, Joe.
Joe Jackson, as a media figure, has not enjoyed the most glorious existence and public perception. As I skim pages, channel surf, and browse websites relevant to the life and death of Mike, I also come across a large amount of content related to Joe, his actions, and his influence in the family. From reading headlines which read “Shameless Joe” and “Joe Jackson…Just BAD”, to articles about Michael’s life which point out his negative relationship with his father, it has become evident to me that Joe Jackson has evolved into the archetype for the militant, destructive, overly aggressive, consciously insensitive, abusive, scary, and just holistically bad Black male icon. While the perceptions surrounding Joe are understandably conceived through a view of his relationships with his children and family, I feel that he has perhaps witnessed and been victim to one of the most detrimental examples of media sensationalism.
Given, I wasn’t there while the Jacksons grew up. Consequently, I don’t know the extent of the effects of his abuse, mean disposition, and relentless pressure. However, I do know a couple of things about Joe that people don’t really seem to discuss. Joe Jackson is a Black man, and a Black father who supported, cared for, and successfully guided his NINE children into not only adulthood, but an incredible amount of success and prominence. Providing for his family in a situation wherein they were Black in the 1950’s, poor, and not thinking big, Joe had a dream for himself and his family, took, a risk and worked incredibly hard to manifest his goals. While I don’t support many things about Joe, including his unapologetic demeanor regarding his abusive history, and his seemingly cold-hearted and selfish record promotion during Mike’s memorial. I can understand why the guy might be a little fed up, hard- shelled, and frankly apathetic in reference to his depiction by the public.
EVERYONE seems to blame Joe for the issues that Michael had as an adult. He took away their childhood and was verbally and physically abusive, Mike therefore never grew up and developed self image problems which led to a lot of his problems as an adult (Neverland Ranch, excessive plastic surgery, speculations of child abuse and the like). Interestingly people seem to ignore the positive influences that Joe’s actions had on Mike’s life. He only grew up to become one of the most celebrated people in the history of the world through music, something that Joe coincidentally pushed and trained him to succeed in. People also seem to forget that Joe has 8 other healthy, successful, skin bleach free children. One of whom is arguably the most celebrated female entertainer of the last two millenniums. So while you can look at Michael’s life to see what Joe has done, you can also look at Janet, or Rebbie, or Jackie or (you get the point), to see what Joe has done..
As I look twice and really analyze Joe’s exploits, the thing I could most concretely shame him for would be the sexual abuse allegations made by Latoya (who is also living comfortably) some years ago, which she later retracted. And while his relationship with his family might not be ideal now, we have to remember that people do have differences. I mean Jon Voight and Angelina Jolie are estranged to the point where he hasn’t even seen his grandchild to my knowledge, and no one accuses him of being a bad father or man. Sure Joe probably engaged in a number of highly illegal means of discipline, and pressured his kids more than the average person might. But I got pressured a lot when I was a kid, and am no stranger to the belt/switch/spoon/right hand. Conversely, I’m not a millionaire and I love and appreciate the hell out of my father.
What really concerns me the most is the Joe Jackson crucifixion that the Black community has partaken in. We really treat that guy as if he’s a cold baboon.( Male baboons are known to practice infanticide) For all of the dead, jailed, ignorant, irresponsible, and non-existent Black fathers out there, I feel that Joe has to be one that we can give a little respect to. It’s hard enough for any Black man to not only succeed for himself but successfully raise a family in American culture. When we do see an example of that responsibility and ambition albeit flawed, it is consequentially our responsibility to recognize it and establish its presence so that we can start to change this negative and defeating self image. I mean who else do we have? Chris Gardener, Matthew Knowles lightweight, and John Q….and he’s not even real. While Joe may not be perfect, I feel that it’s time to give him a little slack and a lot of respect regarding his role as perhaps not a person, but certainly as a father through the definition I understand. We give the benefit of the doubt to O.J., we give to Jim Brown, and we certainly gave it to Mike. I for one am willing to view Joe in a brighter light considering the all the darkness surrounding him right now. Happy belated father’s day brethren…
By Jason Rainford Burr
