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Humanitarianism, as strung from the strings of Michael Jackson\u2019s heart, became a recurring theme in his lyrics, his videos and his public persona. Jackson\u2019s songs such as \u201cWe Are The World\u201d, \u201cMan In The Mirror\u201d and \u201cHeal The World\u201d convey his interest in humanitarianism, equality and world peace.<\/p>\n
In 1985, Jackson co-writes with Lionel Richie, \u201cWe Are The World\u201d, which is released worldwide to aid the poor in Africa and the US. Blessed with clever promotion and merchandising WATW is eventually named the biggest selling single of all time. To date, it has sold over 20 million units and raised over $63 million for famine relief.<\/p>\n
\u201cHeal the World\u201d is a song from Michael Jackson\u2019s hit album, Dangerous, released in 1991. The song\u2019s music video features children living in countries suffering from unrest. He performs his hit single in the Super Bowl XXVII halftime show with a 35,000 person flash card performance.<\/p>\n
He then creates the Heal The World Foundation, a charitable organization designed to improve the lives of children. The organization is also meant to teach children how to help others. This concept of \u201cbetterment for all\u201d would become a centerpiece for his Dangerous World Tour.<\/p>\n
Jackson\u2019s videos, like his songs, are also well received. His \u201cMan in the Mirror\u201d video offers a montage of footage from various major news events such as the John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy shootings, Live Aid, Farm Aid, and notable people including Martin Luther King, Lech Walesa, Mother Teresa, Desmond Tutu \u2026. All the profits from his \u201cMan in the Mirror\u201d single goes to charity.<\/p>\n
As with \u201cMan In The Mirror\u201d and \u201cHeal The World\u201d, his song \u201cCry\u201d reminds us of all the problems in the world. It discusses issues and subjects of war, loneliness, lying, changing the world, depression, suicide, miracles, and faith; it also suggests if everyone pulls together as one, we can all make a change to the world.<\/p>\n
However in \u201cScream\u201d, \u201cTabloid Junkie\u201d, and \u201cYou Are Not Alone\u201d, Jackson directs much of his anger and personal hurt at the media. While in his ballad \u201cGone Too Soon\u201d, he gives tribute to his young friend Ryan White and the plight of those with aids.<\/p>\n
As a response to the September 11, 2001 attacks, Jackson helps organize the United We Stand: What More Can I Give Benefit concert at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The concert, which supports those who loss family members or love ones during the attacks, airs on October 21, 2001 and includes performances from dozens of major artists including Jackson, who performs his song, \u201cWhat More Can I Give\u201d as the finale.<\/p>\n
Given the recurrence of humanitarian and socially conscious themes in Michael Jackson\u2019s body of work, \u201cEarth Song\u201d, a ballad that incorporates elements of blues, gospel and opera, is the first that overtly deals with the environment and animal welfare. Showing images of animal cruelty, deforestation, pollution and war, the video centers around the destruction and rebirth of earth.<\/p>\n
Like so many of Jackson\u2019s songs of charity, equality and world peace, \u201cEarth Song\u201d goes on to receive a Grammy nomination.<\/p>\n