<p>I think MJ deserves all possible credit for his musical and performance achievements. For those things, he deserves honor. </p>
<p>But he is not a great humanitarian in my book, nor is he the African-American icon of civil rights that Al Sharpton implied at the memorial. Yes, he broke color barriers in music and to some degree this had an effect on people’s perceptions and acceptance of African-Americans. Yes, he gave scholarships, etc- but I doubt his charitable contributions were more significant than those of any other celebrity of his stature. What % did Elvis or the Beatles or Sinatra give to charity as compared to MJ? </p>
<p>Excessive plastic surgery, general weirdness, drug abuse and turning white are not exactly the finest examples of the African American spirit in the US. And inviting sick children to your home under the guise of granting their last wishes just rings hollow in the humanitarian dept. in the light of accusations against him.</p>