They Couldn't Find Any Black Kids to Model Michael Jackson Costumes on the Internet

It’s October, which means it’s costume-shopping season. Perusing through online party-supply stores and costume shops, it’s immediately apparent that Michael Jackson—in his various style iterations—is a really popular children’s costume. It’s kind of weird, considering that it’s not 1984. What’s weirder though, is that out of the over 20 ready-made MJ costumes we happened upon, none of them were modeled by black children. That’s not to say that white kids can’t dress up as their favorite pop idol for Halloween, but it’s odd that none of these companies could find a black child to model a costume of one of the most famous black artists in entertainment history. Maybe all the young black models were busy that day?

Thriller era: Michael Jackson Child Thriller Jacket Child, I Love Sexy; 80s Michael Jackson Thriller Childs Fancy Dress Costume, Amazon; and Child’s Toddler Michael Jackson Thriller Jacket, Amazon.

More Thriller: Michael Jackson Headset Mic, Amazon; Kids Michael Jackson Thriller Costume, Costume Kingdom; and Boys Michael Jackson Moonwalker Chiller Jacket, Party City.

Beat It era: Rubies Kids Michael Jackson Costume Beat It Red Zipper Jacket, Amazon; Michael Jackson Beat It Baby Costume, Amazon; and Michael Jackson Costume, Child’s Deluxe Beat It Red Zipper Jacket Costume, Amazon.

Jheri curl and aviator glasses era: Rubies Costumes 9733 Michael Jackson Silver Glove Child, Display Size: One-Size, Open Tip; and Child Michael Jackson Wig, Party City.

Baby MJs: Rubie’s Costume Co Michael Jackson Baby Beat-It Jacket Onesie Costume, Amazon; Baby Michael Jackson Costume Military Romper, Halloween Costumes 4 U; and Baby Deluxe Michael Jackson Costume, Amazon.

MJ through the years from Billie Jean to Smooth Criminal: Michael Jackson 4pc Childs Fancy Dress Costume, Amazon; Deluxe Kids MIchael Jackson BAD Costume Jackets, Halloween Costumes 4 U; Kids Michael Jackson Billie Jean Costume, Costume Kingdom; and Michael Jackson Costume, Child’s Deluxe Billie Jean Sequin Jacket Costume, Amazon.

Military jacket era: Michael Jackson Costume, Child’s Deluxe Military Jacket, Amazon; Michael Jackson Costume, Child’s Deluxe Military Jacket, Amazon; and Child’s Michael Jackson Costume Black Military, Halloween Costumes 4 U.