the subliminal subduction of Michael Jackson’s armbands
we’re fascinated with the staple armband that Michael Jackson has worn every day to court since his trial began, and his never-ending supply of a new armband fashions. but after a couple weeks of watching this obvious symbolic statement, one has to ask… what the fuck is going on here? what message is he trying to send the jurors?…

a peak at basic armband symbolism yields some interesting answers:
1) most online dictionaries define an armband as: A band worn around the upper arm, often as identification or as a symbol of mourning or protest. a subset of this symbolism is often an element of memorializing innocent victims.

2) armbands are recognized around the world as a sign of safety and help. they’re commonly worn by medical personnel in the field, the most well known being the Red Cross armband. The Red Cross notes: “The familiar arm band symbol and Red Cross name tag signify someone you can trust, someone you can turn to.”

3) the 3rd most common use of the armband is to show prominence, leadership, achievement or honor – from Nazi and military/militia usages throughout history, to parade marshals, to the armbands worn by Thai boxers

Michael Jackson doesn’t wear armbands because he’s having fun with fashion. he’s wears this specific item of clothing every day of his trail because it carries strong psychological and cultural associations, and he’s trying to subliminally convey to the jurors a message: protest of his victimization, and that he is a prominent person of honor that can be trusted.

(footnote: it feels good getting that out. it was starting to feel like we were part of some mass hypnosis that no one would say anything about those crazy armbands.)

UPDATE: in the news today: “Claiming an unnamed conspiracy against him, Michael Jackson said he is ‘completely innocent’”. also, a friend just phoned us that the free paper NY Metro also reflected today on MJ’s armband wearing.

(photo credit: Yahoo Photos/AP/Reuters)