[TonyB06]

I'd never set aside my blackness because it's all-encompassing --the cultural vibrancy, style, and ability to persevere, it's all in there. But it might be ok to spend a week w/out having to (or watch others you know have to) navigate racism, or its attendant biases/effects. And this isn't to suggest that the dominant culture doesn't have issues to deal with also.

As a boy I was taught, "Prepare yourself because you have to be twice as good to get half the chance. There will be people who don't like you because of who you are. Let that always be their problem, not yours."

The statement has been true, but I've been blessed so it's all good.

...and I do think we could spend some real time in each others' shoes, some of this foolishness would cease.