Examines the realities of racial separation in American suburbia even after the end of legal discrimination in housing. Looks at Chicago's changing south suburbs, particularly Matteson. Discusses the social and economic consequences of black families moving in to middle-class, predominantly white suburbs and the resulting white flight, which can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Examines white fears of increasing crime, falling property values, decreasing quality of education, and interracial dating and black perspectives on the attitudes of their new neighbors.