1. When engaging someone in a discussion, it is helpful to not begin by calling their perspective “ridiculous.”

2. I am unsure of whether Republicans or anyone else would be outraged, had the President been portrayed as George Bush, or as a member of another race. Other races certainly have made a “fuss” when they have been depicted in an unflattering and/or stereotypical manner. Jews have protested at the Sligo motif that was at one time popular in media, the Italians have protested over their persistent Mafioso stereotype, Arabs have objected to the terrorist stereotype, Native Americans have objected to being stereotyped as Tonto, and Latinos have decried their characterization as lazy and overly emotional, Asians have protested being painted as Mr. McGoo, or as a glorified sidekick. In fact, the movie, Avatar, The Last Airbender, opened to great protest, because the only Asian characters in a film that was based in Southeast Asia were evil. All major characters on the side of good had been replaced by Caucasians. Need I go on?

3. No, everything is not about skin color, but many things are. Satan began to be depicted as black to make black into something sinister and evil. You used the words “dark and scary.” This belief is not consistent with its historic use, as in many cultures, white was considered to be the color of mourning, death and evil. To my knowledge, only eastern cultures such as Japan, China and India retain this practice today, but it was once widespread. White was never the color of purity. Blue was the color of purity, hence the phrase “true blue,” and that color belongs to no one.

4. So what? If Satan, the very face of evil, is consistently depicted as being of a darker hue, then is black not the color of evil, just as you stated?

5. By the way, “you people?” That is a loaded phrase, to say the least, and often found denigrating by minorities. That phrase has often been utilized to separate minorities from “the majority,” and used at the beginning of sentences designed to instruct us on how to better assimilate ourselves into a culture that is not our own.

6. To protest to a perceived injustice is hardly “meant to stir up trouble.” It is the American way, and is meant to exercise our right to free speech.

7. To “move on” is difficult when you are so often confronted with intolerance and indignity that is a direct result of racial bias.

8. It is not your place to decide whether or not an issue is of importance to me, or to anyone else. Each individual is the best judge of that.

9. It is good that you respect the Office of The President, even when you disagree with his politics. On that, we are of one mind.

I do find it quite curious that “fundamentalist Christians,” would spend centuries gazing upon these paintings and statues that allege to be the image of Christ as he existed upon the earth that are based upon the image of Cesare Borgia, an incestuous serial killer. They even bow down and kiss the feet of such statues. Lucifer’s sense of humor, I suppose.

You are correct. The black Madonna and child are quite beautiful. One that is found in France shows such a complexity in the face of Mary that I can never quite decide which emotion is most paramount: Sorrow, determination, concern, protectiveness, defiance, quiet assurance. The masterful artist displayed each emotion simultaneously.

As for dinner, my sister-in law’s great-aunt offers a similar selection every Sunday after church. That is certainly why she continues to have a house filled with people each week.

Incidentally, how do I go about submitting a question to “Ask The White Guy?” The solution is probably right in front of my face, but I have yet to discover it.