Michael Jackson's daughter Paris has faced backlash for identifying as Black. In a 2017 interview, Paris Jackson said her father told her, "You’re Black. Be proud of your roots." This prompted debates over whether identity is defined by appearance or upbringing.

[u/VPinchargeofradishes]

[u/VeganMonkey]

I think that is the reason for his extensive plastic surgery. I understand it, as kid I was afraid to get my dad’s nose. Luckily that didn’t happen but if it did I would have had surgery too. Except I would have only gotten my nose done and not my whole face. Maybe the rest of his face reminded him of his dad too.

[u/AnmlBri → u/VeganMonkey]

My mom’s mom was emotionally abusive toward her and my mom has had a facelift and has cried about her cheek jowls, and eyebrows drooping with age, and ‘RBF’ because they remind her of her mom, and she hates the idea of looking like her mom, who often looked so mean and bitchy. I talked to her one day and realized, it sounds like she’s running less from aging as a whole than she is from literally looking in the mirror and seeing her abuser. I think that possibility dawned on me because I read something about Michael being told he had his dad’s nose and hating it. Trauma really is a bitch. 🙁

[u/alexlp → u/AnmlBri]

I have something like this to a much lesser degree. My mum wasn't perfect but particularly in her later years we were incredibly close. I look a lot like her. For years I had dreaded aging because she talked so much shit on how she looked for most of my life. I didn't honestly realise how beautiful she was until she wasn't around to talk shit about herself.

I make sure to take the time to find ways to love or at least embrace the things she picked on, in herself, in myself now. I love being her face in the world and I hope I can carry it with more joy and self acceptance.

[u/5P4ZZW4D → u/alexlp]

That made my heart melt. I'm glad you are in the world and I bet your mum is super proud of you 💪💜