It is easy to explain why she did not recognize Gates, he had his back to her. What’s her eyesight?
There had been an earlier break-in attempt. Probably more in the neighborhood.
She’s being a GOOD neighbor!
And she was BRAVE to honor the policeman's request for her to appear at the site of the incident while it was being resolved.
SHE WAS AND IS A GOOD NEIGHBOR.
I think gates needs a bit of mail from me explaining to him why he so desparately needs to take a class in civility and graciousness and perhaps he shouls committ to some community service to make up for his BRUTAL and SICK and CHLIDISH and UNWARRANTED DISPLAY of DISRESPECT and ANIMOSITY towards the police. It was ATROCIOUS and HARVARD should be EMBARRASSED.