As a one time wealthy, educated black person, I take offence at this characterization.

I live in mostly white neighborhoods because that's where I and my family wanted to live.

It was not to show that we had "made" it or to give the neighbors the opportunity to demonstrate their lack of racism. I think, far too often, people focus on race and don't realize that class distinctions are frequently better indicators.

On that basis, it seems quite reasonable to choose to live amongst people who are similar to me and not amongst those who aren't.

As it turns out, I'm now in South Africa and it's easier to see my point. Most of my neighbors are black or "colored" but I live near them because it's a nice neighborhood and not becuase of their race.

I don't get the romanticization of the under class. In poor neighborhoods, there are lots of noise, litter, and crime and few good role models. Why would you want that in your neighborhood? To prove how open-minded you are?