Paris Jackson, the only daughter of the legendary pop star Michael Jackson, has publicly declared that she identifies as a Black woman, despite being of mixed racial heritage. This declaration, made in 2017 and reinforced in recent interviews, is a powerful statement that honors her father’s roots and legacy.
Paris’s Journey: Embracing Her Roots
Born on April 3, 1998, to Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe, Paris Jackson’s life has been marked by both the privileges and challenges that come with being in the public eye. As the daughter of the “King of Pop,” she was thrust into fame from a young age. Along with her two brothers, Bigi and Prince, Paris was sheltered by her father from the prying eyes of the media. In an effort to protect their privacy, Michael Jackson famously shielded his children from photographers by covering their faces with blankets, masks, and veils.
Despite the constant media attention, Michael’s children were raised with a strong sense of love and protection. A 2007 statement from one of Jackson’s bodyguards described the Jackson kids as “well-mannered, well-behaved…level-headed…Michael’s first priority.” However, after Michael’s untimely death in 2009, Paris and her brothers were thrust into the public spotlight, facing intense media scrutiny. The loss of their father, combined with the relentless pressure of fame, took a toll on Paris’s mental health.
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Mental Health Struggles and Therapy
Paris has been open about the difficulties she faced following her father’s passing, revealing that she struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She shared in interviews that she would experience audio hallucinations, hearing the sounds of camera clicks, and severe paranoia. These issues, alongside her personal struggles with self-esteem, led to multiple suicide attempts by the age of 15. Paris has since sought professional help, entering therapy and later a treatment facility in 2019 to recover and work on herself.
During this time, she came to terms with her mental health challenges, recognizing that her struggles stemmed from self-hatred and low self-esteem. “I couldn’t do anything right…not thinking I was worthy of living anymore,” she admitted. Over time, however, Paris has grown stronger, leaning on her family for support.
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Honoring Her Father’s Legacy
Despite the difficulties, Paris remains determined to honor her father’s legacy, especially in terms of her Black heritage. Michael Jackson, who dealt with significant racial challenges throughout his life, had a complex relationship with race. Though he experienced a skin condition called Vitiligo that lightened his skin over the years, he always identified as African-American and was proud of his heritage. In an iconic 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Michael stated, “I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am.”
Paris has made it clear that she feels a deep connection to her father’s African-American roots. She recalls her father’s insistence that she embrace her Black identity, stating, “He’d look me in the eyes and he’d point his finger at me and he’d be like, ‘You’re Black. Be proud of your roots.’”
In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2017, Paris further elaborated on her identity, saying, “I consider myself Black,” emphasizing that her father’s words shaped how she saw herself. Despite her lighter skin and striking blue eyes, Paris chooses to identify as Black, fully embracing the culture and heritage she shares with her father.
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Facing Criticism and Embracing Confidence
Paris’s decision to identify as Black has not been without its critics. Talk show host Wendy Williams, for example, mocked Paris for her claim, questioning how Paris could identify as Black when she doesn’t visually resemble the typical Black person. However, Paris’s stance remains firm. She has acknowledged the challenges of fitting into a particular racial box, but she holds onto the belief instilled by her father: “To my knowledge, he’s never lied to me.”
Paris’s Career and Public Life
Today, Paris has carved out a career in entertainment, following in her father’s footsteps as a musician, model, and actress. She has walked the runway for major fashion brands like Chanel and is also the lead vocalist and guitarist for the band The Soundflowers. Her passion for music and her dedication to keeping her father’s legacy alive is evident in her work.
Paris has expressed that her connection to music is a natural part of being a Jackson. “Everyone in my family does music. I mean, I’m a Jackson,” she said in 2020. While her music may lean more toward folk and indie rock, she is still proud to carry the Jackson name and honor the musical tradition established by her father.
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Understanding Race and Identity in the Public Eye
Paris Jackson’s story is not just about fame and her relationship with her late father; it’s also about the complex nature of race and identity, particularly for individuals who are of mixed race. Growing up in the public eye has given Paris a unique perspective on race and how it shapes not just personal identity but societal perceptions.
In a world where people often try to fit individuals into narrow racial categories, Paris’s story challenges those boundaries. She serves as a reminder that identity is not always about appearance but rather how an individual chooses to define themselves. For Paris Jackson, embracing her Black identity is not just about honoring her father but also about reclaiming her personal narrative.
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