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"They Don't Care About Us" is the fourth single from Michael Jackson's album HIStory. The song remains one of the most controversial pieces Jackson ever composed. In the US, media scrutiny surrounding alleged antisemitic lyrics were the catalyst for Jackson issuing multiple apologies and re-recording the album–altering the lyrics for that particular track. The singer countered allegations of antisemitism, arguing that reviews had misinterpreted the context of the song, either unintentionally or deliberately. Musically, it is an aggressive hip-hop production about social ills.
The song was accompanied by two music videos directed by Spike Lee. The first was shot in Brazil, in the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. The second video was shot in a prison and contained video footage of multiple references to human rights abuses.
Commercially, the song became a top ten hit in all European countries. In the US, radio stations were reluctant to play the controversial composition; it, however, managed to peak at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The possibility that the lyrics to "They Don't Care About Us" preached antisemitism was first raised publicly by The New York Times on June 15, just days before the album's release. The publication highlighted the lyrics, "Jew me, sue me, everybody do me/ Kick me, kike me, don't you black or white me" and labeled them "slurs".[1] Jackson responded directly to the publication, stating:
The idea that these lyrics could be deemed objectionable is extremely hurtful to me, and misleading. The song in fact is about the pain of prejudice and hate and is a way to draw attention to social and political problems. I am the voice of the accused and the attacked. I am the voice of everyone. I am the skinhead, I am the Jew, I am the black man, I am the white man. I am not the one who was attacking. It is about the injustices to young people and how the system can wrongfully accuse them. I am angry and outraged that I could be so misinterpreted.[1]
When questioned further about the lyrics on the ABC News program Prime Time Live, Jackson denied that "They Don't Care About Us" was anti-Semitic, stating, "It's not anti-Semitic because I'm not a racist person … I could never be a racist. I love all races."[1] The singer also noted that some of his closest employees and friends were Jewish. That same day, Jackson received support from his manager and record label, who described the lyrics as "brilliant", that they were about opposition to prejudice and taken out of context.[1]
The following day, two leading members of the Jewish community stated that Jackson's attempt to make a song critical of discrimination had backfired. They expressed the opinion that the lyrics used were unsuitable for a teenage audience that might not understand the song's context, adding that the song was too ambiguous for some listeners to understand. They accepted that Jackson meant well and suggested that the entertainer write an explanation in the album booklet.[2] Jackson's close Jewish friend Steven Spielberg also voiced his disapproval.[3]
On June 17, Jackson issued another public apology to anyone offended by his choice of words. He promised that future copies of the album would include an apology, by this point however, two million copies of the record had already been shipped. The singer concluded, "I just want you all to know how strongly I am committed to tolerance, peace and love, and I apologize to anyone who might have been hurt".[4] The next day, in his review of HIStory, Jon Pareles of The New York Times alleged, "In … 'They Don't Care About Us', he gives the lie to his entire catalogue of brotherhood anthems with a burst of anti-Semitism: 'Jew me, sue me, everybody do me/ Kick me, kike me, don't you black or white me'".[5]
On June 21, Patrick Macdonald of The Seattle Times criticized Jackson, stating, "He may have lived a sheltered life, but there really is no excuse for using terms like 'Jew me' and 'kike' in a pop song, unless you make it clear you are denouncing such terms, and do so in an artful way".[6] Two days later, Jackson decided, despite the cost incurred, he would return to the studio and alter the offending wording on future copies of the album; "Jew me" and "Kike me" would be substituted with "do me" and "strike me". He reiterated his acceptance that the song was offensive to some.[7][8]
Spike Lee, who would direct the music videos for "They Don't Care About Us", noted a double standard in the music industry. He explained that the use of the word nigger, in music, does not cause controversy. Additionally, Jackson did use the word nigger on another song on the HIStory album, but it did not attract media attention.[9]
The song, however, is attempting to address social issues, whether focused on Jews, African-Americans, Criminals etc.
The hip-hop song begins with a child chanting, "Enough is enough of this garbage!" and a female helps sing the chorus—"All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us".[2][10][11] Parts of the song are performed in the key F major. Instruments used include a piano and guitar.[12]
Jon Pareles believed Jackson was calling himself "a victim of police brutality" and a "victim of hate". He continued, "A listener might wonder just who 'Us' is supposed to be … To make the songs lodge in the ear, Jackson uses elementary singsong melodies — a 'nyah, nyah' two-note motif in 'They Don't Care About Us' … and he comes up with all kinds of surprises in the arrangements".[5]
James Hunter of Rolling Stone magazine noted that musically, Jackson was no longer trying to hide any eccentricities he had, he expressed the opinion that in "They Don't Care About Us", the pop musician sounded more embattled than ever.[13] Jim Farber of New York Daily News said that Jackson "snarled" while singing, that the song "clicked" and has an "original clattering rhythm".[14]
The review of HIStory in The Washington Times noted of "They Don't Care About Us": "[it] follows fast, inviting more pathos – and more controversy. With haunting clapping and a police scanner in the background",[15] The Sacramento Bee describe it as a "looped reggae-lite dance beat".[16]
In the UK, it peaked at number four and stayed on the chart for three months.[17] The song found particular success in Europe, peaking within the top ten in all states. European highlights came in Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium and Sweden, in these countries the song became a top five hit and stayed in their respective charts for a minimum of 21 weeks.[18] The lyrical controversy surrounding "They Don't Care About Us" brought commercial disappointment in the US; radio stations were reluctant to play the song. It peaked at number 30 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, falling short of the record breaking success of the two previous singles "Scream/Childhood" and "You Are Not Alone".[19]
Producing the first video proved to be a difficult task for Jackson. State authorities unsuccessfully tried to ban the singer filming in Rio de Janeiro. Officials feared images of poverty might affect tourism and accused Jackson of exploiting the poor. Ronaldo Cezar Coelho, the state secretary for Industry, Commerce and Tourism demanded editing rights over the finished product, stating, "I don't see why we should have to facilitate films that will contribute nothing to all our efforts to rehabilitate Rio's image". Some were concerned that scenes of poverty and human rights abuses would affect their chances of hosting the Olympics in 2004. Others supported Jackson's wish to highlight the problems of the region, arguing that the government were embarrassed by their own failings. A judge banned all filming but this ruling was overturned by an injunction. Although officials were angry, the residents were not. Thousands pushed through security and one fan managed to hug the singer, both of them falling to the floor in the confusion. The woman was escorted away and Jackson continued to sing and dance for the director (the incident can be seen in the finished video). 1,500 policemen and 50 residents acting as security guards effectively sealed off the Dona Marta shantytown. It was alleged that Jackson's production team had negotiated with drug dealers in order to gain permission to film in one of the city's shantytowns.[20][21]
The music video was directed by Spike Lee, asked why he choice Lee to direct the video, Jackson responded, "'They Don't Care About Us' has an edge, and Spike Lee had approached me. It's a public awareness song and that's what he is all about. It's a protest kind of song … and I think he was perfect for it".[22] Jackson also collaborated with 200 members of the cultural group Olodum, "who swayed to the heavy beat of Salvador's 'samba-reggae' music".[23][20] The media interest surrounding the music video exposed Olodum to 140 countries around the world. It brought them worldwide fame and increased their credibility in Brazil.[24]
Speaking of the music video, in The New Brazilian Cinema, Lúcia Nagib observed:
When Michael Jackson decided to shoot his new music video in a favela of Rio de Janeiro … he used the favela people as extras in a visual super-spectacle … All the while there is a vaguely political appeal in there … The interesting aspect of Michael Jackson's strategy is the efficiency with which it gives visibility to poverty and social problems in countries like Brazil without resorting to traditional political discourse. The problematic aspect is that it does not entail a real intervention in that poverty.[25]
For the first time in his career, Jackson made a second music video for a single. This second version was filmed in a prison with cell mates; In the video Jackson is seen handcuffed. It also contains real footage of police attacking African Americans, the Ku Klux Klan, war, genocide, starving children, assassination, execution, and other infamous human rights abuses by the State, such as Tank Man.[26]
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hey this is suchitra, a big fan of jackson.I heard almost all song of jackson and I like all the songs. I was crying when MJ was died.
I agree with the thought that the song was hated on mostly for the fact that it exposed a lot of worldwide govenment incompetence. Worldwide government was exposed for the crimes it committed or allowed to be “acceptable”. I actually feel some type of way due to the fact that it was accepted more by the “average Joe” as opposed to these so-called leaders of nations. You can’t be serious! Today was my first time as an adult that I looked up info on the song because I was feeling the insruments and wanted to know what was used. A lot of people should be ashamed of themselves. If that song wasn’t a powerful straight-forward song, I don’t know one that is. As a human being, a black man, I’m hurt by “the people’s” country deeply. Please wake the hell up. Seriously, hate in any form is played out. Eventually we will kill ourselves. Believe that no one is safe. Those who think they will end up being the last person on earth, I really wouldn’t bet on it. We all live or we will truly all die. Long ass comment but I had to vent that out. I still can’t believe the response to that song was so negative! Over seas showed much more love. Know why? They can’t hide their country’s mistakes as easily as the U.S. okay I know, I know, shut the hell up! Lol. Anyone would like to talk with me on any level, I check my e-mail daily. Feel very free. Negative or positive, but please remain respectful. I really don’t appreciate computer thigs.
very very good
Yes, it ‘s really hurt touching song, I just love that. This song give me a good and positive feedback, so I like that most.
Michael touched on so many sensitive subjects in his musical journey. The legacy of all he was is left behind and will live on forever…I never had the honor of meeting him face to face, but if I had I would have cherished the moment for the rest of my life…What a wonderful moment that might have been…
i love this song