Wow. Well written, until we get to the end. Adam, Compton didn't expose some latent racism, elitism, or whatever you think you have. You're not racist for seeing a culture you want no part of. Am I racist for wanting no part of how Islam treats women as second-class citizens? No. Seeing back culture, homelessness, or whatever and wanting no part of it doesn't make you a racist. These people want out too. Many of them are trapped in it but just don't know how to get out of it. But certain political establishments don't want these people out either. THAT is where the real racism is.

I've known of many black folks who left the 'hood because being raised within it, they wanted nothing to do with it. Is that racist on the part of these black folks? But some black folks would call them "racist" for leaving that culture.

Interesting read. I don't agree with your conclusions about yourself, but I loved reading about your experiences. Great article!