Tom, its a sad fact that there are people who will play the 'race' card at every opportunity if they think it will get them to the front of the queue first. In fact they'll use it to every person not of their race / gender / whatever "You wouldn't do this if I was white / straight / taller." Sometimes you have to duck when they turn round because these guys don't just have a chip on their shoulder, it's a plank. Know how it feels mate. You're not the only one. Keep going. Regards Bill