: No. What I said was that Black = Evil, White = Good is an invalid identification for THE LORD OF THE RINGS. Black is used by both good and evil, white is used by both good and evil.

: If some people wish to rephrase this as an "imperfect symbolism", that will be acceptable, although still not correct. The point is that one cannot be sure of what is and isn't evil simply because black is associated with it. The uncertainties abound in Tolkien's world. Evil is identified by action, not by color.

: We shall know the tree by the fruit it bears.

We of the Tribe of Some People say:

"Know the lion by its claw."

In the internal cosmology of Tolkien black could have two distinct symbolic meanings.

For Sauron and his ilk:

Black, the colour of the outer void, of "un-creation" of that which is untouched by Eru's creative force.

For the Elves and Edain etc :

Black, the colour of the sky wherein Elbereth wrought her sparklers.