What Did Janet Say?: Why “They Said” Only Furthers Misinformation

Janet Jackson has a lot of public goodwill in our community. One of the shining gems of our favorite musical families, Janet is a cultural icon who inspired generations of performers, artists, and singers. She is a legend, beloved and respected.

Now that we got that out of the way, we need to address Janet Jackson’s problematic comments about Vice President Harris’s race. In an interview with The Guardian, in a pivot away from music to discuss the current political climate, as the conversation broached Kamala Harris, Janet said “Well, you know what they supposedly said? She’s not black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian.” After some pushback from the interviewer, Janet continues, “Her father’s white. That’s what I was told. I mean, I haven’t watched the news in a few days. I was told that they discovered her father was white.”

Kamala Harris has an Indian mother and a Jamaican father. She is biracial and identifies with both of her parent’s heritages as it says in her official White House bio that she is the “the first Black American, and the first South Asian American” to occupy the office of Vice President.

Of all the quotes from The Guardian interview, this particular set went viral. While no one is calling to boycott or cancel Janet Jackson, this incident reminds us that while celebrities have always been involved in politics, anyone is susceptible to misinformation and disinformation, regardless of wealth, social capital, or prestige. Let’s dissect it.

First, there is that commonly used phrase, especially in the Black community, “They say.” Janet starts her problematic comments with “Well, you know what they supposedly said?” Our first question whenever we encounter “they say” should always be “they WHO?” Who is this proverbial “they” you speak of? What makes this “they” a respectable, valid source to cite?

As my Nana used to tell me all the time, “Consider the source”. Ask more questions. Get curious. Push back on that “they said”, because who the “they” is matters. If no source can be found or the source where the information is not an accurate, reputable source, then the information may not be factual. In Janet’s case, unfortunately, it is not.

Next, we need to discuss what we consider “news”. Janet, after making her remarks says “I mean, I haven’t watched the news in a few days.” That statement leads us to ask what news Janet is watching. As we just discussed, there are verifiable sources where we can get our news and there are not-so-good sources.

A gossip blog or an unverified podcast is not going to be as reputable as places with journalistic integrity and the responsibility to report accurately. News is not speculative. News is not gossip. News is not based on just opinions alone. News should be backed by facts, by data, and by the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. If a “news source” does not have that, it is not a news source. As responsible consumers of media, it is our responsibility to choose the best sources of our information.

Finally, and this has less to do with misinformation but more to do with distraction, what does Kamala Harris’s race have to do with her capability, expertise, policy, or qualifications for the role of President? Sure, the Vice President herself has talked about her parents and how she identifies. That is her story to tell and she usually does so to create connection. But when people like Former President Trump talk about her identity, not only is it not his story to tell, but it serves as a distraction and to stoke division. Toni Morrison said, “The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being…None of this is necessary. There will always be one more thing.”

The constant and incessant debate surrounding Vice President Harris’s race as a negative is exactly that, a distraction. Nothing about her race makes her more or less qualified to be President of the United States. While her race may give her unique insights into various issues just as her being a woman would, none of her identity is what makes her exclusively prepared to lead this nation. Just as she refuses to address negative or misinformed comments about her identity, whether it be from her political opponents journalists, or even celebrities, we should refuse to entertain or further them.

Let this incident serve as a reminder that facts do matter, sources must be considered, and no amount of fame or wealth protects a person from misinformation. For some additional ways to spot and combat misinformation, check out this Download piece.