My idea of heaven is relaxing in a coffee shop with a newspaper and a mocha. If I have my tablet with me, I can make use of the free wi-fi. Total bliss! Living in London, I take it for granted that I can chill out this way. No hassle from rude staff.

I want to visit the States next year, but I will admit I have concerns. I have noticed the change in mood recently. Some people,by that I mean White people, are far too quick to call the Police if they see a person of colour in their neighbourhood or place of business. I recall the recent incident in Starbucks when two black men were arrested when they were waiting for a business associate to arrive. All of a sudden, White America is using the Police to control or harass, the Other. One woman has been nicknamed BBQ Becky as she called the Police when she saw people starting a barbecue!This is irrational fear of people of colour.

What has happened to America? Is this the same country that elected Barack Obama twice as President? Was Donald Trump's election a direct response to that? White Supremacists now have a man in the White House who look like them and speaks for them. If Trump isn't a racist, he does a damn good impersonation of one. His method is not to unite or heal, but to divide. Dr King must be weeping in his grave.

Don't get me wrong, there is racism here in Britain. People still harbour prejudiced attitudes, but they are much better at hiding it. However, I can still go about my business without fear that a cop may confront me for doing routine stuff like buying groceries or standing in the street. Could I chill out in Starbucks in New York or will I be subject to rude staff who may decide to call the Police. Racism is so embedded in the DNA of the nation that it will take a hurricane to remove it.

Where is the political leader who is challenging this trend? There does not seem to be anyone to lead the charge. The Ugly America is the one that we see from this side of the Atlantic.