So? Millions of white Americans can't afford to go to Rome, Italy, or even Rome, New York for their holidays. But, if and when they get there, they will be better treated than Gay. If no one knows Gay's face or stature, then she is just another average-looking black woman who most white people presume is less competent merely because of her skin color. Yes. She is disadvantaged. She will still get followed in stores. She will be looked at suspiciously in venues that whites consider "theirs." She has been the obvious victim of a takedown precisely because a bunch of peeved white males feel that she's taking something that "belongs" to them the way Barack Obama was disrespected by angry, white men who couldn't fathom a black man with more power than they possessed.

We will continue to have our disagreements, Hazlit. I know what it is like to live as a black person in the U.S., and, in the world. I also know what white privilege looks like, because if I'm dissatisfied or feel disrespected in any way, then I can call on my big, white husband (BWH) who clears the way for me. A physician is ignoring my pain? BWH handles it, and I get what I need. Not getting respect at the checkout counter? BWH shows up and everything is hunky dory. Yes. I'm privileged, but, I'm also, most definitely NOT. Not when there is always some white person who wants me to know that they believe they're "more" than me. I don't know how many friends you have who are of people of color, but try to have a serious talk to them about what life is still like on "the other side of the color line." Now, peace be unto you.