Michael Jackson said: "it doesn't matter if you're black or white." But did it?

"No need to be sad. We want to celebrate this black man. We gonna go through all of Michael Jackson." - Jamie Foxx

SHOOT: Was Michael Jackson ashamed of being black? I googled this and Yahoo Answers - one of them - is:

I don't think he was ashamed.... I just think he wanted to fit in and be accepted. I think that is part of the story. Jackson's private life would have caused him a great deal of inner conflict. How do you share, honestly, with thousands of adoring fans, some questionable personal preferences? Probably by being very selective in what you share of yourself. Is that true acceptance? Is that fitting in? And this manifested outwardly, in Jackson's effeminate appearance and soft voiced elocution.

Ironically, people who quote Bible verses and some sort of heavenly realm idea, are exactly the sort of people Michael Jackson was most afraid to share his inner turmoil with. Because they would respond with judgemental, biblical prejudices such as 'homosexuality is wrong'. These were the sort of people Jackson was probably the most afraid to offend. Of course, pedophilia would be condemned by virtually everyone, and Michael Jackson knew that better than anyone, hence the bizarre, secretive lifestyle.

clipped from theenvelope.latimes.com Jackson's cultural identity remains a sticky debating point The pop star's massive popularity was shadowed by his evolving physical makeover from dark-skinned boy to lighter-skinned man. Some African Americans were concerned he was trying to deny his heritage. One of Michael Jackson's most famous lyrics proclaims, "It don't matter if you're black or white." But when it comes to the late singer's identification with African Americans, that declaration becomes much cloudier. clipped from www.telegraph.co.uk Janet Jackson paid tribute to brother Michael at her first public appearance since the singer's death as she joined a host of stars honouring the King of Pop. She said: "To you Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family and he will forever live in all of our hearts." Addressing the celebrity guests, Foxx said: "No need to be sad. We want to celebrate this black man. We gonna go through all of Michael Jackson." I would like him to be remembered forever around the world.