Justin Timberlake performed at Super Bowl LII, and millions of fans around the world were overjoyed. Unfortunately for Janet Jackson, people of color and women, Timberlake’s performance was another reminder of the double standards and cultural appropriation within the music industry. Throughout American history, such individuals have been exploited for their talents, and the white artists who cover their music or commit similar mistakes are heralded and praised as superstars who can do no wrong. When Janet Jackson invited Timberlake to the halftime stage at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004, her reputation was forever tarnished thanks to a perceived wardrobe malfunction, beginning a slew of lawsuits, unfair indictment, the end of halftime performances shown at Student Association (SA) Super Bowl parties, the eventual creation of YouTube, and the blacklisting of Jackson’s music and character by the media.
In order to make music more acceptable to white American audiences, white artists like Elvis Presley would cover songs and replicate dance moves by black artists like Chuck Berry, creating the more popular mainstream hits many of us know today. Artists like Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, Katy Perry, the Beach Boys and even the Beatles have benefited in some way from the African-American sound and influence and have even been sued by black artists due to the intense similarities between notable songs.
Michael Jackson, the undisputed King of Pop, should be credited with helping bridge the gap between black and white artists. Jackson, frustrated with initially being limited to black categories within the Grammys, decided to fashion an album with something for all people of diverse backgrounds to enjoy. Jackson and producer Quincy Jones, teamed up to create the monumental “Thriller,” the highest-selling album of all time. “Thriller” earned Jackson a record-breaking amount of Grammys and an assortment of awards. Jackson became the most successful crossover artist and global icon. If it weren’t for his efforts and influence, America may have continued to be an increasingly divided society, especially sonically. Unfortunately for Jackson, his personal life and diseases like vitiligo often tried to overshadow his value to American culture. Jackson also, however, became one of the most powerful artists of all time when he bought the Beatles’ music catalog and married Elvis Presley’s daughter, seemingly intentionally symbolizing his power over white artistry that had never before been seen by a black artist in history.
Allowing Timberlake to perform at this past Super Bowl while Janet Jackson continues to be remembered as problematic and controversial speaks to a problem within American society.
For too long, women have been cast as sexual beings and have been subject to being degraded, humiliated and publicly shamed without remorse from the general public. Black music, along with women, have been mistreated by certain white artists who choose to continue to benefit from the culture without humbly acknowledging the individuals who have worked so hard to produce what we all love. As our music continues to blend together, let us not forget all of the influences that have shaped American popular music since the dawn of the twentieth century.