I’ll invoke the dear departed Askia here. There are degrees of racial bias, ranging from making assumptions and stereotyping to lynching. Just as you’ve no doubt dealt with people who might make assumptions about you and your behavior because they know you’re gay - and those people can be generally wonderful - and people who think you should be eliminated from the face of the Earth. You can live with the former but should probably avoid the latter.
How one answers a simple question about the role of race in an interaction speaks volumes about their comfort dealing with race. Unlike a lot of cops, Crowley actually has a good answer to give on this topic. Why he chose not to give it on that day, I have no idea. I’m certain he gave it at the beer summit.
You’ve cited Powell. I think we can agree that Powell is a very patient, extremely disciplined man. But to say that the Colin Powell approach is a little insulting. This line of reasoning isn’t 100 miles from telling a gay person they should model their behavior like, say, Anderson Cooper rather than Dan Savage. In the 21st century, you shouldn’t have to have the mindset of a soldier to avoid being arrested in your own home. As a taxpaying citizen that has broken no laws, you’re entitled to ask questions to the police, and they should answer them.
I have a friend who works with a program that helps college women avoid sexual assault. One scenario he gives is one in which you (supposing you’re a woman) are driving alone and a suspicious car is following you, and the lights come on. You can’t tell if it’s a police car. Here’s what my friend (a policeman with over 20 years of experience) says you should do: DO NOT pull over. Drive at a legal speed to the nearest well-lighted area (preferably a police or fire station), roll your window down, and ask the officer for his badge number, ID, etc. The same advice is given when an officer comes to the house - you’re supposed to ask for badge number and ID, then call the station and verify who he is. Well-trained cops will understand your concerns.
The point is not that Gates thought Crowley was a fake cop. The point is we have a class of citizen that have experienced enough negative experiences that there is a procedure that well-trained police understand and do not take umbrage to, that ensures that both the citizen and police officer can engage in a safe manner. I think Gates was doing exactly this. Was he doing a little “do you know who I am?” stuff along with this? Probably. But that’s what highly placed people do, and there’s nothing inappropriate IMO when it’s happening in your house and you’ve committed no crime.
No, but it might be more appropriate to hear from folks in his line of work. At least one Harvard educated professor feels he acted well within the bounds of propriety. 
Several other prominent Black professors have opined as well - Jerlando Jackson, Michael Eric Dyson, Lani Guinier, and every colleague I’ve spoken with on this matter regardless of race. Of course others disagree, but unless we were to sample all Black professors this isn’t that meaningful.
Back to the Powell piece again. As the son of a career military man, I have the utmost respect for his service and demeanor. But I think it’s a sad commentary on the state of race relations where the demeanor of a 4-star general is required to have a safe interaction with the police.
But, regardless of what you say, that quote is not the same as “you’re a racist cop.” My belief is completely consistent with Crowley’s report and Gates’ word. Crowley tellingly did not use the exact words that Gates allegedly said, but it seems he took the same leap you did. I see them as quite different. You can say, “No sir, I’m responding to a call, and I’m checking to see if you’re okay” which might defuse the situation. I guess you’re insinuating that Gingrich and Savage have Ph.Ds… okay.
As far as Gates’ question… I’m an academic. So I ask a lot of questions. Being as the man is engaged in this as a research topic, I actually think he’s quite interested in Crowley’s response. Again, what gets me here is that Crowley does have a response. He could say, “Sir, I can assure you that my actions here are not motivated by race. You can call Cambridge Dispatch to learn why I’m here if my answer doesn’t satisfy you.” If they’re actually continuing the dialogue he could even tell him about his work training other officers. As Crowley states, he was certain that he was dealing with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. in his residence. If he was concerned for his safety he should have made this point (or better yet, wait for backup before continuing).
There is way too much deference given to the police as they go about their jobs, and it’s perpetuated by citizens and the police. Gates can take umbrage with the officer’s presence, and there’s nothing illegal, suspicious, or wrong about that.
You’ve cited a lot of experience with Black folks, and your knowledge that Black cops too can racially profile. So you can see why I’m not impressed or accepting that simply because two other officers of color support their partner, that they somehow absolve Crowley of any bias. They weren’t there in the house during the interaction with Gates. I would similarly support any of my colleagues if they were accused of dealing with a student inappropriately, based on their past behavior and their account.
To me, this is at the core of White privilege. Why do you walk on eggshells? Why not state, “I don’t understand this,” or “My opinion is,” and let others challenge, attack, agree, question, etc.? Not all people of color are in lockstep agreement about what is racism, what is appropriate use of police power, etc. But we have to deal with race in a very immediate way almost every day of our lives. White folks can ignore the issue (especially in America). But I would like more White folks, especially men, engaged in dialogues about race, instead of dismissing its relevance and pertinence by using glib phrases like “race card” and invoking Sharpton and Jackson. Because that’s how we will understand each other better.
Again, I’m going to make an analogy. I consider myself a feminist, but I live and was acculturated in a sexist society. Male privilege is something that I hold, and at times I can do or say things that oppress others (mainly women). So I work at it. If someone said I was behaving in a sexist manner, or questioned me, I of course would be immediately defensive, but it’s my job to get over that and examine the comment closely. More often than not I find a kernel of credibility in that comment. I try to learn from it and move on.
I don’t beat myself up, I don’t create fictive feminist boogeywomen (or men for that matter) trying to silence my speech. And I have a community of friends and colleagues from varied political and societal perspectives that can serve as a sounding board. So yes, I’ve said things, and behaved in sexist ways. I’ve also been questioned or accused of sexism and I find those questions and accusations problematic. But given the privilege I have, it’s a pretty minor price to pay and it keeps me conscious of it.
Getting called out as a sexist, especially with a career of anti-sexist behavior, doesn’t bother me, because I know there is likely some truth to privilege and bias that I hold, and I’m working on it. I know a frothing, spit-flecked rant directed at me is likely overblown and perhaps the accuser’s problem more than mine (not that I am characterizing Gates’ words in this way). But I wouldn’t abuse my power (what little I have) to “teach” an accuser or questioner a lesson.
