By Tom Ryan, Kansas City Star Reader Advisory Panel

We can discuss the subject of racism from various perspectives, for we know this is not a black and white issue. There are many tints, sounds, and textures to the arguments that bombard our senses via the media and at a dramatic personal level in our daily lives.

Consider the business perspective, not just the socio-economic aspects of the issue, but the possibility that racism is big business.

Where would business be without the issues related to race? How would politicians raise money if this was no longer an issue? More important, how does it affect our economy now? Visit a restaurant and watch the colors darken as you walk from the maître d' to the back of the kitchen. Many people’s jobs depend upon the racial divide: from dishwashers to university professors…add your own examples. Think about it.

It’s a very uncomfortable subject, certainly. But sometimes “doing the numbers” contributes a bit of objectivity to the issue, at least adds a new dimension to place upon the discussion table. Try to stay focused upon the numbers, however. Try to contain your emotional fervor until this perspective makes sense to you. We see how hard it is, though. Maybe this is something we cannot quantify, or is it?