Michael Jackson, the King of Pop passed away yesterday. He will be remembered for being a brilliant music artist and a misunderstood and eccentric individual who tried to keep to himself even though no one would let him. No other artist could match his talent and he continues to influence many musicians both young and old.
He has been immortalised in his music which will be played around the world forever. As a pop culture figure his image has been immortalised in prints, sculptures even including dolls.
Michael Jackson - Black or White
This doll of MJ wears the outfit from his video clip for Black or White from his 1991 album Dangerous.
Screenshot - Black or White Video
A personal favourite scene from the video clip – MJ transforms from a black panther and goes nuts on cars and windows in a dark alley, silent but brilliantly choreographed…
Beat It - Costume Set
This outfit is a 1:6 scale replica of his outfit in the video clip for Beat It from his 1982 album Thriller.
Screenshot - Beat It Video
MJ saves the day, breaking up a fight with song and dance…
Same Dolls - Different Outfits
Dolls are Michael Jackson – King of Pop Street Life “Black or White” SKU# 800000, made in China, 1997, released by AB Toys.
My own personal favourite MJ song AND music video – Smooth Criminal from his 1987 album Bad…
Running up the dark alley...
MJ dances...
MJ dances...
MJ the star performer
MJ strikes a pose
That famous dance scene
sooo CUTE!
MJ dances...
MJ opens fire
MJ makes his smooth exit
Going through these video clips, it is very apparent the large number of people of color he’d employed as dancers and extras. His representation of himself as a black panther proves to me that contrary to the popular belief of MJ wanting to be white is not quite true (maybe it is a little), it seems more like he might have had a serious case of body dysmorphic disorder but not denial or abandonment of his self and others as people of color.
He was ground breaking and truly out of this world, and it also seemed as though he didn’t really quite get this world and nor did this world get him. Hopefully where he is now brings him the much needed peace that he’d craved. All prayers and blessings are with his surviving family and friends and especially his children.
All doll photos by Barbara McCauley and are NOT for sale and music video screenshots from online videos.
Thanks for this Michael Jackson tribute.
I couldn’t think what to write about him in mine. I could only wish him peace that he likely seldom had in life.
I’d never seen your dolls, the AB Toys ones, but they look neat. I only have an LJN one that my Mom got me from a flea market. He’s one of the few secondhand dolls that I treasure. If I could get the Hot Toys figure, I would. (Ha, not likely soon.)
Anyway, your tribute has been my favorite from the ones I have seen to date. You don’t wallow in the controversy and you don’t bask in spite. Thanks!
[Reply]
Therese Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Thanks. I’ve always believed that MJ was a gentle and compassionate soul… perhaps a bit of a strange man… but who gets to define strange? He really was amazing and you couldn’t describe him as anything less.
[Reply]
You’re welcome.
Gentle, compassionate, strange – strange doesn’t have to be negative – and amazing are fitting adjectives for Michael Jackson.
I collect dolls and action figures. I write about them. Some people would label that strange. Anyway, his strangeness touched millions of people. Pretty awesome feat for one man.
[Reply]