It was truly a tragic day for music fans globally when we heard of the passing away of Michael Jackson. MJ was indeed a pop icon and I do not know anyone who could replace him as far as talent and pop appeal go. His music was amazing and enigmatic and I can’t imagine someone matching that!
But in the past more than one decade, he was creating more news than music. And was in the news for all the wrong reasons. Controversies and theories dogged his last few years and he was almost forced into hiding (if you can recall the burqa-clad MJ in Dubai). I am a huge fan of MJ and, like all his other fans, found this disturbing. But I guess, that’s what superstardom is all about.
However, what I found most intriguing about this pop star was his appearance. Of late, he had begun to look rather strange, if you will excuse me for saying this but I am sure you will agree, and his skin drew the most attention. It had begun to pale and in his last few years (I cannot still believe he is no more!), he was looking almost white.
It was in the early 1980s that his skin started to pale and stories started doing the rounds that MJ was bleaching his skin. That he wanted to lighten his dark looks. But, it later came to light that the pop star was suffering from vitiligo, a skin condition.
For those of you who do not know what vitiligo is, it is a skin disorder that causes depigmentation in patches of skin. It apparently happens when the cells which are responsible for pigmentation, that is the melanocytes, stop functioning either because they die or for some other reason. As a result of this, white patches appear on the skin.
What is the cause of vitiligo - that is still not clear. Theories are many – such as the genes, environmental, immune system, emotional distress.
This disorder affects patches of skin so the skin begins to look pale in parts, thus giving a botchy appearance. It occurs usually around the mouth, nostrils, eyes and therefore, is difficult to conceal. However, one should not confuse this with leprosy - though in appearance it may be similar but is a different disorder.
When MJ was diagnosed with vitiligo, he was immediately put on medication. And, the medication he used unfortunately, added to the paleness. As a result, his skin tone grew lighter. He tried desperately to cover up the patches with make-up and this increased his paleness.
And this was not all! MJ was also diagnosed with lupus and medication to treat both these conditions added to his woes. Other than all the other stories doing the round (we won’t get into that here).
It is indeed sad that such a gifted human being had so much to contend with, instead of just making music to soothe our souls! May his soul now rest in peace!