Michael Jackson made a strong political statement when this video was produced in 1995. He may have been ahead of his time when it comes to using media as a means to influence change (whether for the better or worse) for the environment. Al Gore and his Inconvenient Truth was certainly not the first attempt to tweak at our collective earth conscience, and I'm certain it won't be the last. But when it comes to messaging statements about the environment, I think I prefer it in the music format of Michael Jackson. It appears more tolerable and less sanctimonious.
I'm not signing up for Greenpeace anytime soon, making plans to cast a vote for the Green Party in Canada, or converting to environmentalism as my new religion, but I do love this planet we were given and all the beauty that she came with when we inherited her. For me, it's people before planet, although some would argue you can't have a viable people if you don't have a viable planet. And around and around we go...
I wonder if our forefathers (Both Canadian and American) could have ever predicted platforms for the environment seeping into our politics, or that it would even be "necessary." When it comes to making decisions for Mother Earth and for ourselves, let us hope that we can see the forest through the trees that are still left.
2 comments:
I completely agree with you, Rikki. While I wouldn't consider myself an environmentalist, I try to make the small changes I can to "be green." Like everything, the earth is a gift that God gave us so we should care for it and treasure it accordingly.
I also appreciate MJ's approach to environmental awareness. "Earth Song" has always been one of my favorites. I still get goosebumps every time I hear it. Maybe because it was made before going green became a fad.. or maybe it's because it's focused on something Michael cared so much about that you can feel his spirit in the music. Whatever the reason, "Earth Song" is inspiring to me.
Amen, Rachael, amen. Most fads bother me. Especially when the fad is rolled up in a leafy green ball and shoved down my throat. What was also great about his video, it that it ended on a hopeful, redemptive note.
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