Earth Song by Micheal Jackson was released in 1982, in the height of a global climate shift. This song was used as a social stand against societies disregard of pollution during the 80's. Jackson was previously known for his socially conscious songs, although this was his first song that overtly tackled the issues with the environment and animal welfare.
The establishing shot shows us a thriving rainforest. The diegetic sounds of birds tweeting emphasises the liveliness of the environment, along with the non-diegetic tranquil instrumental in the background. This emphasises, the beautiful scenery that Jackson is preaching to protect. The scene quickly pans to a post-apocalyptic vision of the same environment, now engulfed in a collision of flames. Within the mise-en-scene we see a collage of imagery displaying the poaching of elephants. The producer uses stereotypical African natives standing in solum at the sight of the dead animal to represent how the audience should be feeling toward the matter. To simplify a group into singular characteristics that are recognisable reduces the processing time needed for an audience to understand the context.
Jackson, is shown singing in a field of dead stumps and ashes. He is presented as a preacher or prophet figure talking directly to God to seek help for the whole of humanity. The artist must be presented in a pragmatic light so that their audience keeps a positive perspective on him. Although the song is portrayed as a protest for better climate change and animal welfare relief. In reality, the artist's use of a music video is to promote their artist's music to drive sales. This is further emphasised when we are presented with 4 different geographical groups from across the world looking up towards the sky. It is implied that the sky is also a representation of God. The song is a form of prayer led by Jackson to reverse the effects of humanities pollution.
Towards the end of the music video we see a wide-shot of Jackson holding two branches in a similar reference to Jesus on the cross. The religious symbolism is a constant presence within not only the music video but the lyrics too. We see the the world being consumed in a supernatural wind that reverses the of the effects of the worlds misdeeds. This concludes the idea that Jackson was a messianic figure that was able to reverse world pollution with the pretence of God's help. This representation of the artist has been criticised for comparing himself to religious prophets, however some fans truly believe that Jackson was an angel sent by God. It could be argued due to all of the religious themes in Jackson's songs, some of his listeners may have created a subconscious link with him and christianity.
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