In my neighborhood people speak that way to different-looking people because they want to ensure two things: 1. That they come across as respectful and non-confrontational (aren’t misinterpreted) and 2. That they have time to think about what they say internally.

This isn’t something exclusive to white people either. Black, Latino, and (usually older) Indian/East Asian people get and give the same treatment, when talking to strangers.

And of course, for maximum rage, it’s reported as “whites think blacks are dumb”!!1!!1!!1!