Peter, that is an awful analogy. This is not about being embarrased to be seen with someone, it is about finding their views abhorrent.

Actually, the very first post asked "...do I...avoid them...?"

If you're talking about someone started with an open mind, considered the matter carefully, and made a rational decision to be racist, you're right, it is an awful analogy. If you're talking about someone who was brought up in an atmosphere where racist attitudes were a given, and soaked them up at an early age, before he was ready to question them, I think it's a fairly apt analogy.

And I think most racists belong to the second group. Granted, they're wrong. But that doesn't make them necessarily evil. Ideas and beliefs are never good or evil, only right or wrong. Actions are good or evil.

Your enemy is never a villain in his own eyes. Keep this in mind; it may offer a way to make him your friend. If not, you can kill him without hate - and quickly.

- "Lazarus Long" (R. A. Heinlein)