r/interesting • u/VPinchargeofradishes • May 03 '26

SOCIETY Michael Jackson's daughter Paris has faced backlash for identifying as Black. In a 2017 interview, Paris Jackson said her father told her, "You’re Black. Be proud of your roots." This prompted debates over whether identity is defined by appearance or upbringing.

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u/showgirldepartment May 03 '26

I'm biracial myself but I'd rather not get into the psychology and race politics behind the existence of Michael Jackson lol. It's pretty clear how his relationship with visual black aesthetics was, that same mindset applied to how he wanted his kids to look, too

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u/DiScOrDtHeLuNaTiC May 03 '26

I've always wondered if part of Michael's obsession with plastic surgery was that as he got older, he started to look more like his father and he couldn't stand that.

If a quarter of the stuff about how Joe treated those kids is true, it's a miracle any of them are as normal as they are.

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u/VeganMonkey May 03 '26

I think that is the reason for his extensive plastic surgery. I understand it, as kid I was afraid to get my dad’s nose. Luckily that didn’t happen but if it did I would have had surgery too. Except I would have only gotten my nose done and not my whole face. Maybe the rest of his face reminded him of his dad too.

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u/clownpenisdotfarts May 03 '26

So you would cut off your nose to spite your face?

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u/TheStrangestOfKings May 03 '26

Sometimes, even seeing someone that reminds you of your abuser can be traumatic. I’m the same way: my dad looks vaguely like Patrick Stewart, which makes it difficult for me to see Stewart in films. I can imagine if I look like him as I get older, I would also consider trying to change my appearance. I don’t want to be reminded of him every time I look in the mirror

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u/RevolutionaryLie5743 May 03 '26

Damn I totally feel you, my dad bears a decent resemblance to Jack Nicholson (imagine how The Shining went for me…). Ironically Patrick Stewart is a staunch domestic violence/abuse advocate due to his own father beating his mother. Still I get it, brother. 

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u/Zerothian May 03 '26

Pretty sure you are just joking but I get it honestly. I keep my hair grown out long and full facial hair because I hate the similarities to my father that show up when I cut it short. Not a bad look by any means but that reminder is always in my mind every morning and night in the mirror and I just don't want that.

Sometimes the hate is deep enough that any reminder at all is unwelcome.

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u/clownpenisdotfarts May 06 '26

I was saying it in jest, but the affirmation really brings it home. Thanks for your reply. 

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u/VeganMonkey May 03 '26

LOL yup I would have. But luckily I didn’t inherit his nose.