Interesting osuche, I had a strong bias against black Americans. I was surprised it was strong, but not surprised I had one. I am ashamed of this, but know that it I am a product of my environments and can only do my best to change that. I was raised in an entirely white community in the midwest and did not really interact with black persons until I was in college. Since then my interaction is somewhat limited. I also find that as I grow older and I really don't feel that old at 30, I'm more timid than I was 10 years ago. In 1998 I walked the streets of lower Manhattan alone at about 10 pm (from South Street Seaport to WTC) with no fear, even when I lost my way and had to wander back to a main street. Now I am fearful just going out to my alley to take out trash after dark and I live in a perfectly safe, low crime neighborhood. I don't know what has happened to me to change so drastically, but it's disturbing.

Thanks for mentioning the book, I think I'll take a look at it next time I find myself at BN.