The question may not be facetious, but it seems a little disingenuous in context. What caught my attention was the juxtaposition of race (and geography) with the word "chiseler". Particularly as it seems unlikely that an eBay seller will need to be "picked out" by physical appearance by anybody in the thread.
Woody's Workshop has apologized and explained. My family includes members of various asian ethnicities, as well as a few residents of Massachusetts, which -- of course -- means that I have the authority to accept that apology and close the matter (also, s
ome of my best friends are descendants of african slaves ^_^)
Woody -- BTW and sincerely -- thanks for using the word "chiseler." Keeping words like that in use enriches the english language. It is a useful and, apparently, apt description
As for whether it is okay to mention a person's race or ethnicity for purposes of identification, of course. Up to the point where you say "He's a middle aged white man of Sottish descent ... surprisingly, he might not be drunk, shouting angrily, or swinging wildly with two closed fists when you meet him."