We shoot pool for a bit longer and then head out to grab something to eat. Our conversation turns to our families and I describe my mom’s side of the family as southern. My date then asks if my family ever owned slaves. (This is probably a good time to mention my date was a black African American.) I’m a bit taken back and say I don’t believe they owned slaves, but it could be possible. He then asks if I feel guilty about slavery. (Really??? Did you just ask me that?) I reply that I have never owned a slave and therefore don’t feel guilty about it. I do say I think slavery is a travesty, but many nations have to go through such tragedies in order to determine their “foundations†and moral boundaries. I believe these historic event, regardless of how inhume and unjust, do help nations find their humanity; however, I don’t feel guilty. My date replies that he is still waiting for his reparation check. For me, the date essentially ended with that conversation. It’s not first date appropriate. Either you are okay dating different races and ethnicities or not.