Despite humans generally and Americans specifically having gone through mass hysteria events in Salem and with McCarthism and with the child molestation scandals of the early 90s that we would be able to recognize when we are in the grips of one. This is clearly an episode of mass hysteria where spectral evidence is being used to decide guilt; after all, how can you PROVE you're not a racist? You can't. You are accused and that is all that matters. It's like that white teenager from SF who decided to launch a massive campaign against Trader Joe's. It was bogus. And TJ's shut it down. The only way to manage a scenario like this is to shut it down, side with the person you know and trust and weather the storm. It is horrifying that the Times caved this time and every other time. I am embarassed for them and I hope they get a grip soon.