Thanks for your reply. You raise a few different issues here, all worthy of consideration.

The OP of this article made a social gaffe. I agree -- In today's climate, talking to kids you don't know is problematic. Like you say, this would be a faux pas no matter what skin colors are involved.

We all have problems and we all make mistakes. The thing about racism is, it makes whatever problem is going on a lot worse. The OP of this article recognized that his mistake -- talking to kids he doesn't know -- was made a lot worse by the undercurrent of racism that pervades this society. In recognzing this, he showed himself to be a decent and compassionate human being, willing to see others' pont of view and learn from his mistakes.

The other issues you bring up are more examples of how racism makes problems worse. These problems can be better addressed by more awareness -- not less. For example, which customer to address first? That's pretty simple -- usually, whoever comes in first. But sometimes there's a triage involved, as noted below.

Who to promote? That's more complicated. Maybe consult with a diversity expert on this one. In larger companies, HR usually has one.

If you're running a small business and doing everything on your own, I can't tell you what to do. I know what I'd do -- I'd go with my gut. That is, I'd use my power to rectify the injustices of the past and present in the small area of the world where I am and where I can make a difference. I probably wouldn't say this if anyone asks why I made that promotion decision. I'd just say, I went with my gut. Just like for centuries of nepotism, racism, and good-ole-boy networks people went with their guts. But that's just what I'd do. I can't tell you what to do.

Life is full of problems for everyone, and racism makes these problems worse. Addressing these problems is a triage, where more serious problems are prioritized. Ignoring race does a disservice to this triage and to the human beings involved.

Pretending that race is is not a factor when considering how to solve a problem discounts the fact that whatever problems a person may have, these problems are made worse if the person is Black. If you don't believe this, listen to Black people with an open mind and heart. Dont be so quick to say, but maybe it wasn't racism maybe it was ..... That's gaslighting. Just listen, and put yourself in the other guy's shoes.

Thanks for reading this and listening.