I LOVE Cornel West. He spoke at my college a couple of years ago and he is just such an insightful, bright man and now I respect him even more.
I love that they put him in a historical and sociopolitical context and really tried to talk about Michael's humanity and musical genius.
This was a great interview, thanks for sharing.
Highlights:
DYSON:
"It's a sign of the hopefulness of black people and the democratic possibilities of America that we're even outraged or surprised that the same white supremacist impulse and media that is incapable of acknowledging the fundamental humanity of black people, would at this moment acknowledge the central contribution of a person of African descent to the global expression of American culture."
"Michael Jackson fundamentally altered the terms of the debate about African-American music."
"The reality is Michael Jackson's humanity is so deep -- the implications and inferences of his art so monumentally and magnificently global -- that nothing American television can do to besmirch his character could ever, if you will, deny the legitimate genius that he represents ..."
"...even has his face got whiter and whiter, his music got blacker and blacker, and his soul got more deeply rooted in the existential agony and the profound social grief..."
DR. WEST:
"There is a political dimension to what he did, but it was an indirect effect; first and foremost he was Katherine and Joseph's child, trying to make sense of the world given this immense talent, tremendous discipline and determination to express himself..."
"Those who choose to find joy in serving others, those who choose to find their voice - to pursue their vocation and to act on their vision often times have to sacrifice much, my brother, almost like a crucifixion in terms of the cross you have to bear; and we reaped the fruits of the resurrection in terms of the power that emanates from his sacrifice. He sacrificed his childhood because he loved us so, and he didn't just entertain us - he sustained us. I can't conceive of myself without "Who's Loving You" by the young Michael...."
"Long live the genius, the legacy, of Michael Joseph Jackson - there is no one like him and there will NEVER be anyone like him! We shall keep track of his art and his music, even as we pray for his humanity, and most importantly the living - those who love him and his blessed family"
Also OMG, LOVED James Ingram's impression of MJ singing PYT in the studio and dancing, haha.
And the end - "IT WAS THE MAN IN THE MIRROR WIT THE CANDLES IN THE DARK! NEVA FORGET THAT BROTHA."
Love it.
