George,

In response to Joseph Cheek. And ... like Joseph I am using some generalizations that I'm sure a sociologist might refine.

Is racism in America more loosely based on socioeconomic factors than the color of skin? In other words, is a well to do white person more comfortable with a well to do black person? Is a blue collar black man more comfortable with a blue collar white? Does the socioeconomic similarity create a greater level of comfort among both the black and white person? Furthermore is the disdain among whites and blacks of different socioeconomic backgrounds for each partly based on fear, ignorance and distrust.

I put this question to a black friend. A few years ago while walking down the street I saw a group of young black men with backwards caps, chain wallets and a general "hip hop" look. (For the record I'm a fairly preppy white guy who, at the time, was wearing a suit.) I chose to cross the street. Does this make me a racist?

Well ... judging these men by their clothing does not make me the most honorable guy. But ... my friend asked me if they were white would you have crossed the street? The answer is yes because I fear what the young men's judgment of me might be. Say ... do they have an axe to grind with people they view as rich suits or rich white guys? Are they gang members? Why risk a confrontation, just cross the street. However, if I saw a well groomed black man in a tie walking down the street I would pay him little mind and keep on going. I might even nod and say hi. So I'm guilty of judging people by what they wear. In fact, the judgment is based in fear of what I believe their judgment to be.

How about that?

Tyler Sewell (electronic mail, November 26, 2003)