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If you’re ever in need of material to show a class in which you happen to be learning about cultural diversity in popular culture, you can perhaps look no further than Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” (1991), his first single off the album “Dangerous”. World history informs us of the discrimination that people of colour face, but largely because they do not fit the ideal colour of purity. Therefore, it’s unsurprising social constructs like White supremacy (that many have been trying to dismantle or break away from) still exist today. In conjunction with World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development every 21 May, it would be a good idea to revisit “Black or White”, pretend that it’s 1991, but also sit with the fact that its accompanying music video and the audio is still fresh, like it was produced for the audience of 2026. Now, that’s the beauty of Michael Jackson’s music and most of his music videos. Well, in the first place, in the ‘80s, MTV, didn’t want to play Jackson’s music video(s) because of his skin colour. Fortunately, he fought for what is right, just, and fair.

The music video is a bold step forward and a reference point for many for those who have been speaking and/or researching about/on cultural diversity. After all, remember that World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development wasn’t celebrated until 2002. Jackson and his team combined education and entertainment to drive the point home that the world is actually much more vibrant, especially when you begin to look outside what you’re used to. In short, one has to go beyond your comfort zone to experience difference in cultures and opinions, and embrace the very elements that bring about a healthy dose of diversity. Better yet, if you can take yourself out of monoculture, especially if you’ve access to multiculturalism.

Of course, through the 11-minute official music video available to me on YouTube, I realised that I’ve learnt about the variety of dances, cultures and costumes of the Russians, Thais, and Native Americans. While it’s surely impossible to have every culture captured on video, the fact that Jackson laid out this concept is monumental, especially for the early ‘90s.

Beyond that, Jackson actively participated in the face-morphing sequence (if you take your time to go through and dissect the video). The face-morphing sequence in itself is an effort worth applauding, even if it’s computer-generated because who would have thought of using such a technology and technique with such accuracy?

Using both Macaulay Culkin and a cast member from Cheers is meant to emphasise the comic effect, to attract viewers to watch.

Being the King of Pop, it’s only natural that Michael Jackson’s music is evergreen and cannot be replicated completely by any other music artist. Bear in mind, Jackson does not play the piano or any other instrument, and also does not have the skills to read sheet music, unlike other musicians or artists. However, because of his perfect pitch, this plus point had helped him quicken the process of writing songs. The task of transcribing his melodies/humming/songs into sheet music would then fall on the keyboardist/guitarist/pianist, in consultation with Jackson (You can see some of his discussions with the crew in rehearsal footage of ‘This Is It”, what would have been his comeback tour in London, had he not passed away in 2009, midway through rehearsing).

The guitar riffs, in the opening of the audio song, should be enough to make you dance, if not, jolt you awake. In fact, the same guitar riffs are used throughout, and they somehow fit into the song nicely, without ever boring the audience/listener. The song’s catchiness and melodies can be attributed to the fact that Jackson is the King of Pop – helped by collaborators who are themselves big names in music producing and music making.

The use and placing of Jackson’s well-known exclamation “hee-hee” provides a much-needed relief and a lighter contrast to the hard rock-heavy song, making it easier for most ears.

The fact that Jackson used a Tamil Sri Lankan to dance the Odissi, then to have Jackson imitate her dance moves while beside her is just simply smart yet respectful, not meant to belittle one culture over another. The King of Pop learning and enjoying the Odissi, how neat?  

First-timers catching the video, especially the ending might find it a little startling and bizarre as to why Jackson is seen smashing a car windscreen and its windows, to the extent that the inside of the car is entirely destroyed. While Jackson apologised, he went ahead to release another video (with an alternate ending) where slurs and hurtful words are written on the car windows, hence justifying his actions.

The truth is – if you’ve been a victim of discrimination and derogatory remarks, it would almost always be fair to expect anger and frustration, which had been what Jackson was all trying to show through his actions in the video, no matter the violence. In those days, and sometimes even today, some would resort to violence, just because they feel more powerful and they like seeing others different from them, suffer (to an extreme extent). We need to be asking ourselves, if it’s fair to discriminate against each other, hurl hurtful remarks at another, punch one another, especially when he or she doesn’t attack you first, just because he or she is of a different natural skin colour.

While the lyrics to the iconic, pivotal song aren’t entirely grammatically accurate, Jackson’s message remains clear – it doesn’t matter whether you’re black or white. You and I can still be friends. I’ll sit with you, no matter the situation.