Wife E and I -- a so-called mixed couple -- seldom experience racism, yet recently we did, when looking for a new place to stay. One of the biggest property agents in the country refused us almost certainly on racist grounds. The first sign was the agent's obvious displeasure at seeing a Black wife. A second sign was the agent's twisting around possible reasons why we might be refused. One reason is good enough, and usually it is not complicated. A final sign was that, without reason, she dropped our names from further viewings. I observed in silence, and said nothing to E. But the next time we went to look at a place, E said simply, "Don't let them see we're together." OBSERVATION: It seems clear to me by now that this is widespread.
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