Reference: Leonard Pitts column, Tribune Media Services, July 26, 2009

Mr. Pitts,

It's funny (in a ludicrous way) that you should be bemoaning the old racist mantra in your recent column referencing the Professor Gates incident. You see, after 50+ years of advocacy for "coloreds" "Negroes" "Afro-Americans" "blacks" and "African-Americans" I'm feeling the effects of something that "doesn't exist." It seems that as a middle-aged "white" guy, many blacks treat me as though "we all look alike." Now, since we all know that there is no black racism in operation, why would black folks be treating me this way?

My mother raised me to be color blind and not categorize people. She taught me to look at the individual and see beyond accidentals of nature. It's ironic that after years of honoring her memory by behaving honorably, that I should be the object of prejudice for the way I look. I'm three-quarters Polish, the second generation descendant of immigrants who never owned slaves. I'm also one-sixteenth (enough to be on the rolls of many tribes) Native American. Now, if you know history, the Poles are an historically persecuted people. It goes without saying that indigenous people of the United States also got somewhat of a raw deal, even as compared to the atrocity of slavery. That said, it's very ironic after both my personal and family background that I should be treated with disdain. However, I assure you that it is so.

What? Still not feeling sorry for me?

Well, get a clue. The statute of limitations has expired on me feeling sorry for you as well.

Your bro,
Carl