As a college graduate, I had to learn the art of not responding to slurs about dykes or niggers without getting threatened with getting fired for getting in their business. "Larry's my friend, and he owns this bar!" Trying to stay out of conversations was even harder. "Hey, come over here and settle something between me and Charlie here!" One of the regulars, a guy who was known as Fargie, recited his address every night on his way out the door. "76 Hill Top Trailer Court. Just knock and come on in. And wear those leather pants!" Good night, Fargie.