I want Mr. Metta to know that I think I get it. Probably not completely — how could I? But way more than I used to. I don’t want to come across to you as some bleeding heart who wants to disown the white race for our past (and present) behavior, because I frankly think that is offensive to everyone. But more and more I find myself feeling sickened by the unfairness of the system. By the worry and fear black parents must feel every time they send their young sons out in the world. By the implicit suggestion that black people just aren’t as — what? smart? moral?Pretty? Pick an adjective and go with it. By the way black people are just invisible. All of these stereotypes are just so much bullshit and it should be pointed out that they are bullshit every time they appear.

And I am frankly in awe of how tolerant and forgiving so many black people are of white people. We hear on the news about how angry black protesters are. I’m shocked more black people aren’t angry. And I am concerned that the reason that they are not angry is because they haven’t realized yet that they have a right to be angry, because the system is utterly unfair. I wish I could find a way to make it all change. I haven’t, but I’m open to all good ideas, as I hope more and more of us are. For what it’s worth, I regret very much that it just seems impossible to become good friends with black people. No opportunities. And when we do talk, there are these enormous barriers that just seem like they can’t be overcome. Talk about the elephant in the room . . .

Anyway, thank you for your article. I thought you might like knowing that someone read it and was enlightened. I thought you might like to know that I am truly sorry. It shouldn’t be like this. I will try to not let it be like this in my own life.