ordinary Bermudians and expatriates really think about racism? In order to find out, RG Magazine organised a series of focus groups to let people have their say about the issue that still divides Bermuda.

Group members were randomly selected by phone from a cross-section of Bermudian society and then spent up to two hours in frank and open discussion with up to ten others.

You can read their comments on everything from politics and power to education and the media tomorrow in Talking About Race, this month's RG Magazine cover story.

RG editor Mr. Chris Gibbons, who along with writer Mrs. Robin Zuill sat in on most of the taped meetings, said: "It is not meant to be a comprehensive or scientific survey about race. We just wanted everyday people to talk about everyday situations and that's what they did. I think it is an article than a lot of readers will relate to.

"We were surprised by people's honesty and their concern in trying to make things better, although most felt real change would only come through future generations.

"For many of the group members, it was an emotional experience. We got the feeling many of them had wanted to talk about this for a long time but had been reluctant to do so in the past. Also, for many of them it was the first time they had ever sat down and discussed race with people from other cultures.

"Without exception, they all agreed the exercise was worthwhile and something that should be repeated on a regular basis. If Talking About Race does exactly that -- get people talking about race -- then it can only help ease racial tensions. As one of our group members commented, segregation still exists mentally for many Bermudians.'' Tomorrow's 68-page colour magazine also includes Mr. Lorin Smith's interviews with two music legends, the Godfather of Soul James Brown and Berry Gordy Jr., the man who made Motown. There is also analysis of the recent General Election by Mid-Ocean News editor Mr. Tim Hodgson; a look at Tourism's off season plans; and a sneak preview of three new Bermuda books, while Travel takes readers to Victoria, B.C., the site of next summer's Commonwealth Games.

It's all in November's RG Magazine. Pick up your free copy, only with The Royal Gazette tomorrow.