Empress,
From what I understand, MJ had deep problems with his self-image because of years of vicious mistreatment and criticism by his father. These were deep psychological scars with which I can very acutely empathize. People who have imputed to him some dislike of his color or African features have failed to consider & understand how deeply hurt the man was by his father's ridicule. He was trying to run away from an image that his father mocked in an effort to pursue (in futility) an essential paternal approval that was missing from his life. Very sad (i.e., having multiple plastic surgeries to try to become someone his father would accept & to distance himself from a self-image he felt was partially responsible for his father's rejection), but definitely nothing to do with some personal aesthetic rejection of African in favor of Caucasian -- I think that's just something the public projected onto him speculatively because of his fame & prominence. Ironically, just one more way in which MJ, despite his incredible talent and wealth, was the victim of a tragic life.
While I was never an MJ fan, I became awed at his one-of-a-kind talent & creativity as an all-around entertainer near the very end of his life when a family relation of mine, who tutored MJ in specialized dancing, recommended that I take another look at his unique talent. I also felt that his dedication to charitable causes was admirable.
PEACE & INITY
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