At first I simply created Stan 'N' Isaac as a strip for commercial reasons, but then it became more personal. I'm not one to get too sentimental, though as I look over this collection I know that without realizing it I've created a comic strip I would have enjoyed reading as a kid. My intention also was not to focus on the fact that Stan was white and Isaac was black. Rather I wanted readers to be aware of it at first and then allow the racial borders to blur as they began to know the boys for their personalities. I have, however, found it necessary to mention race here and there, usually without being too serious, because of incidents I've read on the news or come across in my daily life. Where I live, racism still exists but it is usually subtle and I believe or at least hope that it is dying. Fortunately, where I live is very liberal in its attitudes towards diversity and I count myself lucky since I know other areas of the country are not so tolerant and racial lines can be sharply drawn. I am also fortunate to be involved with a very, lovely Hispanic woman and the last five years with her have been terrific. The more interracial relationships that spring up I'm betting that racial lines will become even more blurred helping to end our fear of what we perceive to be threatening. So if you're a young student still in Junior High or High School who is responsibly dating consider asking out others who are different from you in skin color and even in personality. That's not to say you shouldn't date your own race--love is love no matter who it is--but you shouldn't let the idea of interracial relationships intimidate you and you definitely shouldn't let your peers tell you to stick to your own race. The same goes for friendships. Don't be superficial about it or politically correct, simply be open to it and when the opportunity does come along you'll be ready on an emotional level. I tend to be a very private person but I can't say enough about being willing to see the beauty in others and what they have to offer. If you can take time to look outside yourself and learn the definition of "empathy" you will be a better person.