“I Italicized too much, in #70 above, and noticed too late. I hope president Obama grovels and the professor “I’m sorry’s” his behind off. That is how it should be, but I am certain they will try to have it the other way.”

I’m starting to get the impression that the professor and the president have both broken an unspoken cardinal sin — these two would not “stay in their place”, so to speak. It’s a bit arduous to explain without being charged with racism, but the crux of the term comes from a non-verbalized understanding that our most prominent minority group from the end of the Civil War onward were to remain in a secondary position, in deference to the majority. I leave fellow Belmonters to figure out who’s who. For a group of people who are subconsciously regarded as “naturally inferior” by the majority, gaining parity (not in the superficial sense i.e. “affirmative action”, but as no longer being seen as collectively and inherently “bad”) seems to be an uphill battle, as stereotypes and the self-serving actions of some constantly prevent any improvement of the subconscious view.

As for the attitude of the professor and that of the LEO, I’m giving both the benefit of a doubt. The professor, for having to deal with explaining to the LEO that this was, in fact, his residence while dealing with a broken front door after a long flight and an ailment to boot. The LEO, for presumably arresting Mr. Gates for having a “big mouth” on him, justified or no. I believe both saw each other’s exchange through the prism of bad stereotypes, misperceptions and for Mr. Gates, mental footage of how unfavorably most Black interactions went in regards to largely White LEOs.

As many wish to not want to talk about the Race issue anymore, this will hopefully be the last time I’ll have to speak of it.