I probably ought to clarify my earlier post. These are sensitive issues, and hurried typing can leave holes.

Since Azizi mentioned my comment about how people react, I should note that I was NOT singling her out...my point about "chip on the shoulder" really referred to everyday life and the many cases where folks of various ethnicities seem to interpret every discussion as if racial concerns were the main issue. There is, of course, no one "...who determines when a point is being overemphasized"...there are just people who have differing opinions. Sometimes hearing a differing opinion can help one clarify, modify and communicate. I KNOW it has happened to me...and a lot since I found Mudcat!