Nevertheless, the incident was a form of racism, or ethnic profiling, or whatever term they use to water-down what has become a less obvious, but far more pervasive force in this (Bay Area) community.

The ‘racism’ debate needs to evolve, just as we liberal, educated, Bay Areans have evolved. We know what to say in public and how to say it. We know how to act as to make the world think ‘equality’ is as internalized as we pretend it to be. I am considerate, aware, compassionate, and yet in many ways, perhaps the most important, I am a racist.

I make associations between socio-economic status/crime/poverty and race. It is unavoidable because it is what we see. But whereas “tall & white” feels we are “making too much of this incident,” I feel we are not making enough of this incident. We should ask ourselves why certain educational, judicial, government policies/institutions favor certain groups over others. We should ask ouselves WHY we see a more black homeless, crime, etc.

Finally, in response to “tall & white” who “does not react to being treated differently in different places,” well, you should. As a man, I don’t think twice about walking out for a stroll at 12 or 2 AM. Do you? Privilege is often taken for granted by definition. We don’t often even know we have it, and therefore cannot empathize with those that do not. No, you shouldn’t be ashamed that you are white, but you should be aware.

If you are a white person that, ignorant as it sounds, feels you are better than a non-white person, just by virtue of being white, you have every right to be ashamed of yourself. If you are not that kind of person, then you have nothing to be ashamed of.