Sunday, April 27, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2799: Magic Johnson Comments Regarding L.A. Clippers Owner Donald Sterling Alleged Racist Remarks - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)





In the above video, Magic Johnson comments on the remarks which Donald Sterling allegedly recently made in a conversation with his then girlfriend. Anyone who objectively listens to the recording will reach the conclusion that - if it is in fact authentic - then the L.A. Clippers' owner is clearly racist.

Of course, Magic Johnson was specifically mentioned in the recordings - so many are interested in what he had to say. A body language analysis will also let us know what Magic is feeling. What follows is a partial discussion of the former NBA superstar's nonverbal signals:


At the very beginning of the interview, just before he begins speaking (0:06, 0:11 - 0:12), Magic Johnson displays a partial "Inward Lip Roll" (ILR). The inward lip roll signifies that the subconscious is trying to suppress the outward manifestation as well as the inward crescendo of emotions which are diverging far from baseline. The emotions can be positive such as joy - but typically they are negative emotions (e.g. anger and sadness).

At this instant, Magic's psyche is trying to prevent his anger from growing.



During the 1:46 mark, as he makes the statement, "... he shouldn't own a team anymore ..." - Johnson displays one of several classic signals of incredulity exampled here.

This disbelief is manifested by a unilateral (left sided) raised eyebrow and asymmetrical (same side) dynamic contracted forehead muscle [frontalis (pars lateralis)]. 




During the 2:01 mark, disgust is the primary emotion being felt. This is signaled here primarily by the tightening of Magic's "mustache area" and the flaring of his nostrils.

What other facial configuration displayed in this moment amplifies Johnson's disgust?

What is Magic's secondary emotion in this instant?


See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2798: Donald Sterling, Prejudice and Body Language of Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2404:  Internal Lip Roll and other Body Language  associated with Suppression of Sadness

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2576: Chris Brown's Body Language - a Signal of Psyche's Suppressing Emotions ... and Anger and ....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2673: New Jersey Bridge Closing - Fort Lee, NJ Mayor Mark Sokolich - What His Body Language Says about His Feelings towards Governor Chris Christie

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2129:  Barack Obama's Body Language, Misspeaks "Export More Jobs" Displays Incredulity and .....

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2443:  Kristen Wiig's Disgust & Fear Face -  Graham Norton, Chris O'Dowd and Fly Eating

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2603: Sarah Palin's Body Language - She Feels Disgust toward Pope Francis and ... She Tells a Fib

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2115:  Prince Harry in Afghanistan -  Incredulity & Contempt

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2705: Congressman Michael Grimm Apology - Sincere or Not? Body Language Tells

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