As great as the late Michael Jackson was many Blacks questioned his acceptance to being a Black man. His transformation to a lighter skin complexion in his later years was viewed with suspicion. Despite many news reports which have suggested Michael Jackson was afflicted with the disease known as vitiligo, Blacks have remained suspicious. The suspicion was probably heightened because Michael Jackson succumbed to the plastic surgeons knife on many occasions, the result, the alteration of physical characteristics worn proudly by Blacks.
In recent days yet another high profile Black celebrity is being accused of ‘messing’ with his skin colour. Sammy Sosa the poor boy born in the Dominican Republic; who went on to become a famous baseball player in the American Major League Baseball admits to the following:
… in the middle of doing a cleansing process to his skin. The picture is deceiving. He said, If you saw me in person, you would be surprised. When you see me in person, it is not going to seem like the picture.
There is probably consensus to the point that prominent Black celebrities, especially sportsmen are role models for millions of children including Blacks around the globe. Some may question the effect decisions by high profile Black celebrities is having on the psyche of the Black race. Do we accept that colour is only skin deep? If that is the case what conclusions can be made by the decision of Sosa to undergo skin treatment?
The fact is many Blacks who are not celebrities purchase bleaches to lighten skin complexion, straighten curly hair which is a natural feature of Blacks and the list goes on. What does this say about our Black people? Are we reading too much into these kinds of decisions? Are these decisions indicative of a Black race continuing to struggle with poor esteem?
The big question: does the Black race suffer from an inferiority complex?
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.