The author explores the racist stereotypes and assumptions he learned growing up in the rural South, and chronicles his transition to a greater awareness about the harmful affects of racism on society, particularly unrecognized racist attitudes. He also questions how far America has come in ending racism.

Bias. Freedom of choice/black bitch ; An awkward fight ; Tiger beat, Teen, Ebony, and Jet ; Black and proud ; The sign on the wheelchair ; The kiss -- Origins. The hierarchy of place ; The learning ; The fight in the yard ; White nigger ; Divinely white ; Good old boy ; Johnny Shiloh ; The shoe man ; The uncomfortable dark ; The maid in the weeds -- Change. Integration ; The J.W. Willie School/bag lunch ; The drowning ; Robert ; No longer separate, not really equal ; Cheap ; The mighty Trojans ; Some of us dancing ; The human relations committee ; Protests ; God gave me a song ; The smoking patio ; Horizons ; Mercy ; Commencement ; Reunion.