Kindred State of Mind

One of our discussion questions had to do with the race of the characters in Kindred, and I was wondering how the novel would have been different if Dana were white and Kevin were black.  Obviously there would have been differences with the lineage, but barring that, it is an interesting question.  I automatically thought of the issue of her character. Would Dana have stood up for Kevin if Rufus called him a nigger? Does Dana really love Kevin?  She was unwilling to be his scribe for his upcoming literary work. She is unwilling to give an explanation for his injury and lets him be accused of abuse.  It is almost like Kevin is actually Dana's slave in the story, in that she does not treat him well, and does not see him as equal. Perhaps I read into this way to much or completely the wrong way, but that was how I felt. Furthermore, would Dana have protected Kevin like he did for her when they went back in time? We she have put her life on the line by saying Kevin was her slave? I really think that Alice and Dana's loves were similar, sincere yet reserved. Both were in situations were they HAD to put on a facade for their lover. How then is love different when we are cornered into it? Can it end up being the same, or will we always have these unfair reservations?