I am ashamed to say that I can't answer your question. I once had a black boyfriend, and I ended many friendships with white people over that one. And I know one of my sister's closest friends is black. But then, we grew up in an anti-racist home, so we were not that influenced by racist attitudes.

When I was younger, I would barge in. I had no fear. These days, I look at the terrible violence, and I'm afraid to intervene. I don't want to get hurt.

So I would totally speak up about nasty remarks. Just spent 5 years in Cape Town doing that. And I won't pretend that what is happening isn't hurtful, but I sure as hell don't know what I'd do if I was caught in the middle of a violent fight between black people and white people. I suspect that I would run a mile and go hide somewhere.

I'm not proud to admit that, but I must be honest.