The New York Times Presents (TV Series) Malfunction: The Dressing Down of Janet Jackson (2021) User Reviews

Embarrasing for America

[Bridgelight · 8/10 · 3 December 2021]

Every now and then we get a thorough reminder of the fact that the people who settled modern American were religious zealots, and this is one of those times. This documentary shows how Janet Jackson was effectively taken down by grade A American double standard. While a lot of us Europeans found it amusing at the time how a breast could enrage so many people over there, most of us probably missed the deep dysfunction of American society the situation presented. The story told is a depressing one, and you'd be pretty cold hearted not to feel for Janet Jacksons fate from something so innocent. At the time the United States were producing about 94% of the worlds porn, yet they needed to have a governmental hearing about this. Oh, the irony. This documentary fits nicely in to a greater mosaic of films that should be seen to understand the American condition and why we hear so much about race and color from there and how the imperative to be morally superior on the outside rules many peoples actions. This film is a fair but superficial reflection on the absurdity of what happened during that fateful Superbowl half-time show, that offers a glimpse into the mind of America, not ground breaking in any way, but the content is important and the story is one that most likely will shine in very different lights as time goes by. If you're at all interested in any of these things I'd say give this one a go.

Racism and sexism at its worst

[ferg732000 · 7/10 · 30 September 2022]

I love how some people think that this incident had nothing to do with race. Those individuals are clearly white. Let me take you guys to school for a quick second. You have a black woman and a white man involved here, but who got the blame? Whose career suffered... the black woman. This is America folks. This country is built on years and years of racism... and sexism. We can't forget that. I mean, do you not know our history? Do you not see what's going on today? Open your eyes. Read a book. Janet Jackson is one of the best selling artists of all time. She deserved much better than what was handed to her.

Didn't learn much new; And Clear Channel lie Goes Unchallenged

[willwatch · 4/10 · 17 December 2021]

Very disappointing. Like the NYT Britney docs, we expected some new info. Nope. Not a bad round-up and timeline of what happened and the aftermath, but little new reporting. And 1 lie from a Clear Channel exec, goes unchallenged. CC claims they don't ban songs in their network (that it's left up to individual stations/ markets.) Wrong. After 9/11 CC circulated memos to all their stations with hundreds of banned songs they deemed "unpatriotic." Likely they did w/ Janet after 2004 as well. C'mon NYT, dig deeper/ do better.

Disrespectful

[w-bogdan · 1/10 · 24 February 2022]

This is really disrespectful.

It was made without the participation or consent of Janet Jackson.

Some people talk about other people talking about Janet Jackson. Don't waste your time, watch Janet Jackson. 2022.

Really reaching.

[piercedtat · 1/10 · 22 November 2021]

I remember when this happened. They're trying to make it about race and it absolutely wasn't. Especially no "race war". Comparing this to the tragedy of 9/11 is disrespectful to the highest degree. These people should be ashamed of themselves.

What an embarrassment

[zmos99 · 1/10 · 25 November 2021]

What an embarrassment... for the New York Times, I mean. Over and over again, this special beats us over the head with supposed racism, where none actually existed. This show could've been a good chance to look back with amusement at the overreaction that many people had. But instead , Justin Timberlake is portrayed as the evil white oppressor while Janet Jackson is the victim. Absolutely pathetic.