DEAR ABBY: The world is a vastly different place than it once was, although the vestiges of our past remain. The only way to end racism in our society is for each individual to take responsibility for his or her own emotions and actions, and to act in a way that is fair to all concerned. You can find hate in a lot of places -- sometimes without looking very hard. But you can also find friends. -- MICHELLE IN GALVESTON, TEXAS
DEAR MICHELLE: I agree. Regardless of skin color or ethnicity, our aspirations are very similar. We want to be liked and respected as individuals; we want our children to do as well or better than we have. It's the American Dream.
We live in an increasingly diverse society, and if we can value each other and live in harmony it will greatly enrich us. If we cannot, then greed and suspicion will drive us apart. The choice is ours.