I saw a story recently about a cop (who was white) being filmed by a security camera in a McDonald's interacting with a little black kid (10-12 years old).There was no sound but it was clear that it was a peaceful,ordinary interaction.Turns out the cop was murdered in his patrol car about 15 minutes later.
The kid was interviewed and explained that he wanted to buy something and was short of money and the cop,seeing this,offered to pay for the kid.The kid said that the cop was being friendly and,at one point,asked him what he wanted to do when he grew up."I want to play basketball" was his reply.He said that the cop responded "well,you've gotta work hard and study hard in school too".The kid said he was moved by the cops words and his friendliness.
He did seem like a good kid...one that one would hope,and expect,would do well in his life.
Whenever I'm asked on a survey or any standard form for "race", I just put American.