by Michael Jackson was one of the most iconic pop stars of all time, known for his innovative music videos that pushed the boundaries of the emerging MTV era.
While Jackson incorporated a wide variety of colors, styles, and themes across his video catalog, one color that featured prominently was black. From early videos like “Billie Jean” to later works like “Smooth Criminal,” Jackson made strategic use of the color black that served multiple purposes. Far from being a simple aesthetic choice, Jackson’s deployment of black in his videos can be interpreted as having deeper symbolic and emotive meanings.
Challenge to Racial Stereotypes
As one of the first major black pop stars to cross over into mainstream white audiences, Jackson faced immense pressure to conform to racial stereotypes that were prevalent in the music industry and society at large during the 1970s and 80s. However, through his music and videos, Jackson sought to challenge these stereotypes and reclaim black identity and culture on his own terms.
His prominent use of the color black was one way he accomplished this goal of subversion and reclamation. Traditionally, black had often carried negative stereotypical associations with danger, criminality, and otherness when applied to black people and black culture. However, by featuring black so prominently in his videos, Jackson turned this stereotype on its head.
In videos like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It,” Jackson appeared striking and sophisticated dressed entirely in black. The monochromatic black suits, fedoras, and leather jackets he wore conveyed a sense of power, mystery, and rebellion. This stood in stark contrast to the exaggerated, hyper-colorful costumes black performers were often expected to don in the mainstream media. By claiming black for himself in a sleek, stylish way, Jackson challenged the notion that black artists needed to conform to clownish or theatrical stereotypes.
Similarly, Jackson’s use of dark, shadowy sets and nighttime backdrops in videos like “Billie Jean” and “Thriller” recontextualized blackness as cool, alluring, and edgy rather than threatening or dangerous. The darkness became a canvas on which Jackson could express the full range of his artistry rather than a limitation. Through his videos, Jackson quite literally put black front and center, redefining it as a symbol of empowerment, sophistication, and rebellion rather than a marker of otherness.
Unity and Identity
Beyond challenging stereotypes, Jackson’s prominent use of black also served to promote messages of black unity and pride. In videos released during the height of the black empowerment movement like “Black or White,” Jackson incorporated the colors black and white together in symbolic imagery.
In the video, Jackson is shown transforming between a black panther and a white wolf, with the two animals eventually joining together in harmony. The juxtaposition of black and white imagery, set against Jackson’s lyrics of overcoming racial divides, conveyed a powerful message of unity. The black panther specifically functioned as a symbol of black pride and solidarity during this era. By featuring the big cat so prominently, Jackson aligned himself with the ideals of the black empowerment movement and affirmed black identity.
Similarly, Jackson’s all-black dance troops in videos like “Smooth Criminal” and “Remember the Time” served to promote in-group bonding and representation. Comprised entirely of skilled black dancers and choreographers, these troupes took up the majority of the screen time in their respective videos. Their slick, synchronized movements and sharp black suits commanded attention and conveyed a sense of black excellence. Through these visuals, Jackson uplifted and centered black performers, a rarity in mainstream media at the time.
Mysterious and Edgy Aesthetic
Beyond its social and political meanings, Jackson also leveraged black as a creative color choice to cultivate an aura of mystery, darkness, and rebellion in his videos. Starting with iconic works like “Thriller,” Jackson incorporated black into his aesthetic in a way that amplified the emotive force of his music through suggestive rather than explicit imagery.
In “Thriller,” Jackson appears in a dark, shadowy forest at night dressed head to toe in a black trench coat and fedora. The monochrome black and shadowy lighting create an eerie, suspenseful mood that heightens the horror elements in the song. Similarly, in “Smooth Criminal,” the smoky, low-lit nightclub setting illuminated by flashes of neon accentuates the danger and intrigue hinted at in the lyrics.
Through these mysterious, shadowy backdrops highlighted with flashes of color, Jackson was able to imply danger, fear, and criminal undertones without needing to show graphic violence or criminality directly. The dark, suggestive tone heightened audience engagement as viewers’ imaginations were left to fill in the blanks. This created a mystique and sense of rebellion around Jackson as an artist pushing boundaries in a subtly provocative way.
The all-black costumes of the dancers and Jackson himself in videos like “Smooth Criminal” and “Thriller” furthered this mysterious edge. Dressed as anonymous shadows blending into the nighttime scenes, the performers took on an otherworldly, almost sinister quality that amplified the uncanny, unsettling mood. Through these creative uses of black, Jackson crafted multilayered videos that stirred complex emotions in viewers through implication rather than explicitness.
Timelessness and Elegance
While black lent itself well to edgier concepts in many of Jackson’s videos, he also deployed it in a classic, elegant way. In works like “Smooth Criminal,” “You Rock My World,” and “Black or White,” Jackson’s use of black conveyed sophistication, class, and timelessness.
Clad in tailored black suits and fedoras, Jackson cuts a striking figure of sleek refinement. The monochrome black costumes of the dancers create a uniform look that is at once sharp, stylish, and visually cohesive. Even in high-energy dance sequences, the dancers maintain composure and precision thanks to the understated black attire.
Through these sartorial choices, Jackson elevated his videos to a level of prestige and polish beyond what was expected even for major pop stars. The black attire suggested Jackson and his performers belonged to an elite echelon of refined talent rather than flashy entertainers. This distinguished his work as art deserving of respect rather than just disposable pop.
Moreover, the classy black aesthetic ensured Jackson’s videos would maintain their visual appeal and not appear dated over time. While fashions and styles change, the timeless silhouette of a tailored black suit will always look sophisticated. Decades later, Jackson’s videos utilizing black in this elegant way still feel modern and relevant rather than tied to a specific era. The monochrome black allowed the artistic elements like dancing and cinematography to take center stage over flashy costumes.
Conclusion
Through his strategic use of the color black, Michael Jackson was able to imbue his iconic music videos with layered symbolic meanings and emotive force well beyond simple aesthetics. By prominently featuring black, Jackson challenged racial stereotypes, promoted messages of black unity and pride, cultivated an aura of mystery and rebellion, and projected elegance and timelessness.
The specific interpretation of black’s meaning shifts depending on the individual video and song, but Jackson consistently leveraged its versatile associations in a thought-provoking way. Through black, Jackson was able to powerfully express the full spectrum of human emotion and social commentary within his artistry. His innovative videos broke new ground, but also reflected and furthered important conversations of his era. Jackson’s masterful use of black demonstrates how visual elements can enhance music to create multilayered artistic works of lasting influence.
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