Mick brings up the notion that blacks cannot "escape" their distinct (from the "white" majority) appearance -- though whites found successful means of escaping class and ethnic distinction (that may have held them down) by merely changing their names.

Curious thing, that notion. Curious, because the oriental is at least as distinct from "white" in their appearence, and yet they are not constantly begging for racial understanding. In fact, statistically they are more successful at raising themselves up out of poverty than are whites.

And don't tell me they weren't downtrodden here. They were terribly downtrodden in the 18th century, with the bonus "downtrod" of internment in WWII.

The only "Institutional" racism is in the perceptions and policies demanded of the USA by the American left. They are the only ones who still think blacks incapable of achieving on their own, and, instead require government aid to be successful.

I wouldn't dream of talking down to Azizi as so many on the left here patronize her. She doesn't NEED my patronizing support, and I expect of her EXACTLY the same strength of reason and character and ability to tolerate my disagreeing with her as anyone else here with whom I disagree.