The only time the wife and I have ever encountered any hostility towards us, has been from young black men, seemingly outraged that a black woman has chosen to enter into a relationship with a white guy.

It hasn't happened often, I add, but it has happened.

Racism is far more nuanced than the snarling, EDL yob some would have you believe is the only source of racism in this country. Deep and long standing hatred simmers below the surface.

Just like extremism, the only way to challenge it is to question it and prove it is wrong.

"That was fun and to round off the day, I am off to steal a charity collection box and then desecrate a place of worship.” - Smokey, The Selhurst Arms, 26/02/02

Very true, when I had an Indian-British girlfriend we'd get similar nonsense from small minded t***s as well. One thing I do know is true, is that racism isn't just a white thing, and that plenty of prejudice exists across communities - and that, like statements like this, are inexcusable. The truth is that people who are racist tend to blame everyone else for their spite, rather than deal with the a reality where they have to accept some of the responsibility for their own shortcomings lies within themselves.

Whether its a snarling mob, or someone at a university making stupid statements, whenever we generalise idea to simple concepts like race, we enter a realm of prejudice.

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
[Link]

Have you got any research on this or is your Gospel just what you reckon?

He's correct, there was a survey a few years back, and it confirmed the majority liked to live among people that look and act like themselves. It explains Bradford/Luton/Rochdale and the whole white flight scenario. We shouldn't demonise people for wanting to live in areas they feel most comfortable. I live in East Sussex, previously I lived in Croydon/Hackney/Forest Hill (to name a few). There are loads of ex Londoners down here... they're polite, hard working and respectful... but they like living amongst people that look like them and act like them... I don't get offended when they tell me.. I appreciate their honesty... my black friends live in mainly black areas for the same reasons.

As a Southerner living in the West Midlands and previously living on Tyneside I can confirm that they also prefer living amongst people that sound like them too

As a bus driver in London, what I would like to know is why every black male under the age 40 has a child bus pass..