I recently received a letter from DJ that urged me to go check out the video “Remember The Time” by the late-great Michael Jackson. Back in 6th grade I was really into Egypt. I’m not sure why. I guess I just like middle-eastern countries and wonders of the world. So, anyway, as I’m sure you know, when you get interested in something in 6th grade you end up getting an encyclopedic knowledge of it. Kids are just much better at devouring trivia. That’s why we all still know all the words to Smash Mouth’s “All Star” and Sugar Ray’s “Every Morning” (we do all know those words, right?). Like I was saying, I know pretty much everything there is to know about Egyptian culture….or so I thought! Here are five things I learned about Egyptian history from the “Remember The Time” music video:
5- Michael Jackson Is A Scholar On The Subject
Yes, I knew that Jackson was a fairly decent dancer, a brilliant mathematician and a crack-shot rifleman, but I did not know he was an Egyptian scholar. After watching this 9 plus minute video, I am CONVINCED that Michael knew everything I know about Egypt and much, much more. The first thing you notice in the video is how accurate the architecture is; let’s do a compare/ contrast.
Here’s a screen-shot from Michael’s video:
And (since they didn’t have cameras back then) here’s a screen-shot from the movie “Ten Commandments” (which must be accurate because it’s religious):
Obviously both films are working from the same historically accurate information (or stereotypes).
Jackson didn’t just do his homework on the architecture of the room, he also must have done massive research on his casting. When casting Ramesses The Great, Michael went with funny man Eddie Murphy. Perfect!
4- Egyptians Have Developed Lighter Colored Skin Since
I didn’t release this, but if Michael Jackson did it, it must be true. The “Remember The Time” video is littered with African American superstars. Namely, Michael Jackson, but also Eddie Murphy. And then how about David Bowie’s wife, Iman. More like Ihottie! Am I right? How about someone for those guys who don’t like music, comedy and girls? Bam, we’ve got Magic Johnson!! Then two more famous blacks guys I’ve never heard of: The Pharcyde and Tom “Tiny” Lister, Jr.
Well anyway, like I said, Michael must know Egypt a lot better than me, because I didn’t realize Egyptians were really that black. As I mentioned in the introduction to this piece, Egypt is a middle eastern country, though it is positioned on the tip of the African continent. I wonder why people can never cast Egyptians correct. In the Rugrat’s Passover special the Egyptians are white and in this video they are all black. Why aren’t they ever Arabian like they really are?
Really the only person in the video who looks even remotely Egyptian is Michael (thanks to his skin ailment). Take a look at some real Egyptians. These are the two most famous, their President and their Miss:
3- Ancient Egypt Didn’t Have A Problem With Feminism
Have you noticed how much control the queen in the video has? Now my knowledge of Egyptian culture tells me that Ramesses’s wife is named Nefertari. Or at least that was his principle wife…in other words his favorite out of the other seven wives he had. But man, Iman is empowered in this video! While being fanned by slaves she says, “Oh Eddie Murphy, entertain me!” The pharaoh immediately works to satisfied 1/8th of his wives.
Devils sticks dancer? Not entertained. Fire breather? Not entertained. Michael Jackson…
2- Brendan Fraser Had Nothing To Do With Ancient Egypt
I could have swore he did.
I’m not even going to elaborate. I think Brendan Fraser is just laughable on his own.
1- Michael Jackson Was There
Here’s the real kicker. Michael Jackson doesn’t just know a ton of shit about Egypt through years of research. He knows it from first hand experience! Believe it. Meg just wrote a post about how apparently god-like Michael is, well it looks like she was right. Michael Jackson is the reincarnate form of some Egyptian king. Take a look at this statue and tell me you don’t see the resemblance:
My only conclusion: Once Michael gets done with the complicated process of getting to the Egyptian underworld he will unleash a swarm of pestilence across the globe, eradicating anyone who does not own the “Dangerous” album.
New Jack Swing will be appreciated.
Brilliant post, Roy. And if you think his knowledge of ancient Egyptian history is impressive, check out the Black or White music video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVoJ6OO6lR4
It demonstrates his extensive knowledge of many, many other cultures (Native American, African, Russian, Indian, etc.)! Michael even knows the specific traditional ethnic dance routines belonging to each. He is above all.
Interesting I just came across this post tonight and as a White American whom just returned this semester from Cairo University (study abroad) I have to say that you are completely off base. I noticed how you how you show pictures of modern Egyptians like President Hosni Mubarak but fail to mention that Arabs didn’t invade Egypt 639AD. And the oldest Dynasty (1000 year kingdom) was founded in 4600 BC.
Food for thought I’m sure George Bush or Barack Obama is a clear representation of an Ancient Native American.
Lastly, Having traveled to the Valley of the Kings in Luxor and seen the Glyphs with my own eyes as pictured here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Egypt.KV62.01.jpg)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Luxor,_Tal_der_K%C3%B6nige,_Grab_von_Ramesses_III._(1,_1995,_800×570).jpg
I must admit what most of us white people hate to admit, that the Egyptians were in fact Black skinned and thus MJ’s video is correct.
Sorry Dude you off on this one.
Jason