I’m going to quote Dana (http://dana-bana.tumblr.com/) from our forum, because she’s put it so beautifully that I can’t possibly write anything better:
“Another question I would like to ask MJ fans: What does the song “They Don’t Care About Us” actually mean to you? I’ve always been shocked/confused when people say the song is ambiguous. It’s one of the most blatant songs he wrote. Never mind the critics, but particularly - the fans: What do you think Michael is saying here? Some fans immediately like to take the “Michael wanted peace, so we should all be peaceful” approach. Okay. I get it. I understand. That’s what I want too. But peace doesn’t mean there isn’t sacrifice, blood, sweat or tears. Michael sang Heal The World, We Are the World and Man In the Mirror, etc. They’re wonderful. But WHY, people? WHY would he need to make or sing these songs in the first place? Open your eyes. It’s not all about peace being the answer. It’s also about openly addressing the problems that need to be answered. When I listen to TDCAU - I hear an angry, frustrated man - a black one, at that. It’s personal. It’s deep. Look at the title! Sure certain words can be interchangeable, but furthermore look at the lyrics. They’re pretty specific.
How is it causing drama to discuss the reasons why he’s angry? (And it’s not all about the Chandlers, people. Or him being mad at solely the media. They are a part of it, but it doesn’t stop there. Btw, when was TDCAU actually written? Anyone here know?) And there are other songs too. All that to say, I wonder if some fans truly recognize just how much Michael being a minority played into his songs and whether or not they truly understand that just because you sing about love and peace, doesn’t mean that racism doesn’t exist or that discrimination doesn’t exist - or that Michael was somehow above these things. Or that people should continually say the words love and peace ad nauseam without recognizing why they’re saying them. Living by Mike’s words, or L.O.V.E. (lol, sorry! couldn’t resist) means opening your eyes to the mess in front of you and talking about it. Cause it’s there, whether you like it or not. You didn’t cause it. I didn’t either. But it’s there.
Uh……. Lol great quote and all… But you totally missed what provoked my post in the first place lololol. It wasn’t racism or any serious matter which I would be backing up…. Quite the opposite. :S It was concerning that new Justin Bieber song. LOL. There you have it.
