Re: [Marxism] Behind the headlines on Michael Jackson

[Gary Wilson <gary@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Zak McGregor wrote:

> Michael jackson deserves whatever he gets. His being of African-American descent
> has _nothing_ to do with his innocence or guilt. I don't recall him _ever_
> taking a stand for anything that didn't help himself in some or other way. He
> co-wrote "We are the World". BFD.

Maybe you aren't familiar with the role of racism and national
oppression in the United States (though being from South Africa I'd
think you were), but being of African-American descent has everything to
do with everything that happens every day in the United States. Racism
is the number one issue for the class struggle here, and has been for
since Marx's time.

That's the issue. It does not really matter that he is not a
revolutionary socialist. Or is our support only supposed to go to those
narrowly fitting a certain definition. The working class itself is
pretty ugly in this regard, and would not be deserving of support if the
definition must be so narrow.

> He is a grossly overpaid "entertainer". He has settled out of court for 
> previous
> child molestation accusations - surely a silent admission of guilt? He spends
> ridiculous amounts of money on himsedlf - plastic surgery, exotic pets, lavish
> playthings. I have not heard any political messages coming through in any of his
> music.

In your book, trial by media wins. Guilty because of plastic surgery.

> Screw him - I hope he rots in jail. That Worker's World seems to side with him
> just because he is of African-American descent is IMHO detrimental to their
> credibility. There are many tragic examples of racial discrimination causing
> social problems and grave injustices. Michael Jackson is not such a case at all.
> To add insult to injury, the WW is contributing space to an issue they decry as
> drowning out all other media coverage. It is also not a gender issue, gay rights
> issue or anything other than a question of sexual abuse of young people.

Good to know that you know more than anyone else and know who is guilty
of what. Makes it easier to win your argument, in case the facts ever
get in the way.





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