so sayeth The Village Voice in an article that actually mentions him in the context of Jackson's fight with SONY:

"Michael," said an industry insider, "is far more politically savvy than people give him credit [for being]." "Prince," he noted, "merely wrote 'slave' over himself in his struggle with Warner Music, and didn't reach out." True, but Prince also didn't try to disguise his self-interest behind black unity. He made race an issue to some degree, but he didn't exploit black consciousness. Jackson has reached out to the black community, as evidenced by the enthusiastic but gullible crowds who filled the room to see the bleached-out brother last week. Given that he has shown no real regard for black concerns over the past 20 years, though, some blacks question his sincerity in returning to the fold in hard times.

IrishEcho said:

Ummm so whatz your point??? And Are u really "qualified" to discuss black consciousness??? And would u please define the term, "black consciousness". Thank U...and thank u so much for changing your Avatar.

I agree with you in that mj could just be using 'black consciousness' to manipulate people, but I also know that he has supported many black related chartiteis over the years.

korovyov said:

hi!
u seem like a nice person!

korovyov said:

Please "Define" black conciousness...

eos23 said:

You and I both know he just picked out the most racially inflamatory quote and used it as subjectline so as to get a few angry responses. *yawn*

You're all a bunch of idiots, really. You know that? I mention quite clearly at the top it's from a Village Voice article. It wasn't online at the time, so I took the time to retype it, as it's the only portion of the article that mentions Prince. I don't have to understand "black consciousness" - which anyone can by the way, in order to type something that has already been written by a yes, black man. Yet, as usual, you're looking to accuse me of "racism." As usual, none of you know what the hell you're talking about. So friggin sad. You all can piss off. You make me sick, all so overly desperate for some angle that isn't there, just because it would suit your little sad agenda. Just so you can have a point, even if it has no basis whatsoever in fact. Seriously. Get a life.

Incidentally, someone has now posted a link to the complete article in the News section. You had better go over there & accuse them of racism too! Hurry along now, you sad sacks.

IrishEcho said:

Man!!! What the hell is wrong with you and what do you mean that anyone can understand "black consciousness" As a black man I am trying understand where you are coming from.

gman1966 said:

There is nothing wrong with me. I am sorry your lack of intelligence keeps you from seeing that. I posted a relevant piece from an article in a newspaper - relevant because it mentions Prince. And people accuse me of being a racist. Absurd.

Anyone with the ability to read & reason can understand just about anything, even this idea of black consciousness, which you so desperately want to claim as solely within the grasp of black people. Let me try to spell it out for you, ok? Did I write "understand black consciousness" or "experience black consciousness?" I wrote understand. The writer means that Jackson is retreating into his blackness - his racial identity - in order to rally support for his personal cause. That's very simple to see.

I can't believe I actually posted this article with the impression you fools would understand it's IN FAVOR of Prince & his approach to his search for freedom from WB!
[This message was edited Thu Jul 18 7:53:21 PDT 2002 by IrishEcho]

I got some fam freaking out and calling *me* negative? Yet..not a single mention of the word from said fam about this thread...oye!!

IrishEcho said:

Dude Whatever!!!

gman1966 said:

Yeah, pretty impressive display of your intellect.

I agree with the article. All of a sudden Michael wants to rally up support from the Black Community, which he has distanced himself from for years, and personally attack the head of Sony. For what, probably because they were smart enough to cut the chord on on his uninspired work, Invincible. Now it's one thing to have valid arguments in an effort to negotiate. It's another to resort to personal attacks that probably do not have merit.

Michael's cry of racism smacks in the face of those legitimate complaints from black artists that truly have been exploited.

Some may not agree with Prince's methods in resolving his contract dispute; however, he did not resort to foolish, unsubstantiated personal attacks.

How the Hell Can you Exploit when you are Black? that is the Most Loaded Piece of Bull-Shit I've ever heard.or someone saying so&so is playing the Race Card how do you play what is used against you? now Maybe Michael Jackson isn't the person to speak on the topic fully I would want James Brown.Little Richard,Jackie Wilson's Estate,etc... to speak on it, but MJ is a Big Artist especially in the past&if anyone knows the Game He would be one of the few that can speak on it fully IMHO.MJ is fighting the Issue of that Catelog more than anything&I hope He keeps it&Moonwalks Off with it.MJ is more Hip than folsk give Him Credit for Being.The Music Industry just Like AMERIKKKA doesn't want you to Speak on the Real issues.Prince said it on "Dead On It" about the way to Play that Bass.when Prince didn't say nothing He had Lenny Kravitz type of Love but when you speak on something then they "WHITE-BALL" Your ASS.MJ too Me made a Very Pro-Black Statement Buying that Beatles Catelog in the first Place&then turning around like a Pimp&Buying Half into Sony.that is Serious Action Jackson.Tommy&the Sony Brass Got Hood-Winked.MJ thought ahead&this was back in 94-95 He Signed half with them?? MJ got alot of Issues but The Guy has that Joe Jackson Sense in His Blood.His Pops use to speak out on things&MJ was listening.

How can an "industry insider" say that Prince didnt reach out ??? The man has given millions to Marva Collins and also pitched in 100,000 dollars to help Spike Lee finish Malcolm X.I think MJ also helped Spike,but Damn ,forgive him for WE ARE THE WORLD!

IrishEcho said.

Anyone with the ability to read & reason can understand just about anything, even this idea of black consciousness, which you so desperately want to claim as solely within the grasp of black people. Let me try to spell it out for you, ok? Did I write "understand black consciousness" or "exprience black consciousness?" I wrote understand. T




LOL...well you seem to be able to read and reason, so I "challenge" you to "define" black conciousness. And after u define it for all of those black folks who themselves are struggling with the "idea" of black conciousness, I would like to challenge u to write us a "thesis" on your "understanding" of the term, along with it's literal,general,hidden, and contextual meanings.

eos23 said:

I'm not interested in your "challenge," nor in the idea of writing a thesis without receiving a degree. Dumbass U doesn't impress me. I've already interpreted what he meant by it within the context of the article - Prince didn't fully retreat into his blackness in his fight with WB. Jackson has turned it into a thing about racism & said crap like "You fight for me, you fight for all blacks living & dead." That's exploitation. Easy enough for you?