Uncovering white middle class racism: a Jewish gay man's perspective

The poisonous effects of racism are often obscured by "nice" White American middle class values. The author, a gay Jewish White American, explores the psychodynamics of his own breed of racism through interviewing the African American woman who worked for his family throughout his childhood, and through reflecting on his relationship with her and her relationship with his family. These relationships serve as lenses through which the process and psychological impact of acquiring racist values is viewed. In this article, connections are drawn between the author's personal racism, the historical and cultural realities of the "Black Mammy" stereotype, and the history of African American women domestic workers' experience in America.