Running Head: Music and Race 1

Music and Race Michael Jackson Man in the Mirror

Jacob Arellano
University of Texas at El Paso
Fatima Masoud
RWS 1302: Genre Analysis
 Music and Race Michael Jackson Man in the Mirror

Its is unbelievable how the world has changed. Racism was a big factor in our society for

many years, and is slowly fading away. Their where many people against it, but few that acted

upon it. Michael Jackson, is one of those people who stood up and decided to send a message to

this society. In 1987, Michael Jackson, released a song named Man in the Mirror. Later, came

the music video, which showed many harsh scenarios involving racism. However, everything has

to start somewhere, in a PBS article, The Historical Origins and Development of Racism

explains the history of racism and how it developed over the years. These genres, are caused by

one another if it wasnt that start of racism, Michael Jackson wouldnt have made this video.

They both regard the main issue of racism.

Audience and Purpose

The first genre, Michael Jacksons music video of his hit song Man in the Mirror,

discussed may issues involving racism. His words where very powerful; however, the visual of

this content was even more effective towards the viewer. Which impacted many people who

wasnt familiar with these types of events going on in the world. His message through not only

vocal but through visual spread awareness for this issue. The second genre, the article, The

Historical Origins and Development of Racism explains to the reader events of racism, in order.

How it devolved, through the years and how it merged with todays society.

The intended audience for Michael Jacksons visual on his song are people that did not

know so much about this issue, individuals that agree with him, fans of Michael Jackson, and

possibly suspects or victims of this behavior. Due to Michael Jacksons visuals, one can conclude

that he wants to get his message out to the people who are not aware of this situation. On the
other hand, for the PBS article, the intended audience is people who are interested in the history

of Racism, and for people that would want to know more about the history of racism. The article

talks about how this issue started and the journey it has come throughout the years. Targeting

people who may be doing research, or just curious about the subject, makes it a good article to

come across when wanting to expand knowledge in this particular issue. Unlike, the second

genre, the first genres audience didnt need to research and read as much, the point was given to

them right from the start. However, both audiences are talking about the same situation, but one

just gets into a specific era. Whereas, the second genre, talk about all aspects of this situation.

Both genres have their similarities; however, differ from the amount of time that is

required for the audience for the message to across to them. Since the first genre is a video,

people tend to take about six minutes on this, which is the length of the video. However, some

take longer due to re-watching it, because of the shocking content that takes place due to this

issue. The second genre, is presented in a lengthy article, therefore the audience will take about

twenty five to fifty minutes. This genre informs the audience so the reader tends to spend more

time on it, to comprehend the article. The viewer has to be very interested in this because it is not

a short reading.

Each genres purpose is to inform both audiences about subjects that have to do with

racism. Each genre; however, addressed racism in a different manner. In Michael Jacksons

music video, the purpose of it was to inform the audience of the actions that where taking place

around the world involving this issue, in a powerful manner. It also was to get the message

across for the audience to be informed in videos what was going on around the world involving

this issue. The purpose for of the PBS article, is to also inform the audience, about the history of

racism. People view this to inform themselves about how racism began and how it developed
over the years. In both of these genres use about the same vocabulary so the audience can

comprehend the information. Since the first genre is a music video, the language does not have to

be professional and has no limits to what he says but Michael Jackson uses clear English and

great vocabulary that has to do with his point getting across. In the article language is formal,

because its an information article. The writer has a limitation on what to put in his article;

therefore, his writing utilizes good vocabulary, and is targeting professionals.

Rhetorical Issues

Only the first genre provides rhetorical appeals, which is appointed through a video. In

the other hand, the other genre did not show any rhetorical issues, because its an article to

inform.

Ethos

In the first genre, Michael Jackson presents his segment with plenty of videos of the

issues. It shows victim and suspects of racism and uses videos to present his point. In the second

genre, the writer, presents his information with creditability. Putting historic events that

happened during the time he was talking about.

Pathos

In the first genre, Michael Jackson used a lot of visuals that show many kids and people

of another race struggling. Using emotional appeals to grab the views attention. In the second

genre, it didnt utilize an emotional appeal, but did provide examples of the issue. He used words

like, Ethnic Groups, and Renaissance and Reformation. Therefore, the writer tried to grab the

readers attention by providing examples of this issue.

Logos
 The first genre used logos by using videos of this issue. He maintained it by organizing

the events in order. He used types of evidence in videos to back up what he was talking about in

his vocals. In the second genre, the writer uses credible evidence to back up his writing

explaining the historical events that happened due to racism.

Structure and Delivery

Given the main topic of both genres, the way in which the information was organized in

each genre varied. In the first genre, Michael Jackson began with visuals followed by vocals

backing up the video. Automatically grabbing the viewers attention by the order of the videos he

released in his visual. In the second genre, the article was pretty lengthy, which may discourage

the reader from reading the whole entire article. However, he organized it by putting the main

events of history that had to do with the issue. Therefore, both genres organized their information

by putting events in order and informing their audience.

Conclusion

Overall, both genres discussed the main topic, which was racism. The first genre, grabbed

the viewers attention being that it was a visual of what Michael Jackson was talking about, while

the second genre, kind of discouraged readers to not read it do to the length of the article. Racism

was the main issue which both genres explained very well to the viewers, and how it is time to

make a change.

References

M. (2009, October 2). Michel Jackson- Man in the Mirror (Official Video). Retrieved. February

5, 2017, from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PivWY9wn5ps

Fredrickson, G. M. (2003, June). The Historical Origins and Development of Racism. Retrieved

February 05, 2017, from http://www.pbs.org/race/000_About/002_04-background-02-01.htm