“I’m starting with the man in the mirror,
I’m asking him to change his ways,
And no message could have been any clearer,
If you want to make the world a better place,
Take a look at yourself and make a change.”
The classic song “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson enhances the soul of music lovers and activist striving for change everywhere. Outside of his influence in being the king of pop, Michael Jackson has been an iconic figure by being a man with revolutionary lyrics. Michael Jackson phenomenally produces lyrics that have simultaneously brought out the excitement in people while delivering an internal message through instrumentals and poetic messages. Even after 28 years of the popular song's existence, the song continues to carry a message that can assists us all in the problems that American society has endured this summer.
Throughout these past couple of months it seems as if our America the beautiful has been having internal conflicts. Because of the rapid evolution of social media, citizens in our country have easy access to media that exposed the untold truths about many communities within our country. The radical actions executed by some law enforcement and political officials have resulted in the retaliation of citizens all throughout our country regardless of gender, race, or creed. Retaliation is a natural instinct to have. However, it is important that when facing an injustice we find the appropriate way to retaliate if we want to see positive change.
Throughout countless years we have engaged in an enormous amount of non-violent protest with the hopes that disturbing the peace of the community through protest will alert government officials of the changes that many citizens want. Some of these protests have proven to work while many more have proven to not work. However one thing that will never work is bringing harm to a community by crucially injuring any human being, regardless of which side they stand on in the conflict. It is important that all individuals seek to remain diplomatic when fighting oppression and discover other alternatives that will allow us to be effectively heard.
What if I told you that this other alternative is rhythmically presented in “Man in the Mirror”? We each have the power to use this alternative and no one can stop us! The alternative is as simple as looking into the mirror. Once you are in front of the mirror pay attention to details from head to toe. After seeing the reflection of your physical appearance, look into your own eyes and see through your soul. Reflect on how your world is and what will you like to change about the world you live in. Then finally create a plan resulting in you becoming the prodigy of the world you live in. Single-handedly changing the world with your talents will then become much more rewarding then protesting with posters on busy streets.
You want to stop police brutality? Set your goals in being a member of a police department’s Internal Affairs or other government related positions. You want those that were falsely of going to jail to be set free? Grow to be the lawyer to set them free. Not satisfied with the options you have for our future president? Be our future president. That’s what Michael Jackson meant in Man in the Mirror. You are more than capable of not only making the change but being the change as well.
