Racism's trajectory is such that it is quickly disappearing. That is the case even in the deep south where I'm from (this is fairly profound considering our civil war defeat is still a big deal in the minds of many), but rather the racism you do encounter is in response to perceived injustices such as those I listed. Thus the hyper-vigilance perpetuated by the media does more to harm racism's disappearance than to hasten it's natural death.
Edit: Also, because racism is illogical. Irrational ideas tend to be replaced by good ones in the "free market" of ideas. There is no reason to beat tolerance into people, simply show show them the compassion and unity that equality leads to, and contrast that with the ridiculous KKK guys in goofy white cone hats and piss-stained bed sheets and let them make up their own mind.
I would laugh if this wasn't such dangerous, self-serving sophistry. I guess it's easy for a certain type of person to say racism is over, let's not worry about it, while all through Europe, and even here in the UK, far right-wing, racist anti-immigration parties gather even more support.
Racism isn't close to being over. Maybe go talk to some people who aren't white and see what they think?
I don't believe you are giving nearly enough credit to the civil rights movement or its ongoing efforts. Racism existed in various forms for hundreds (thousands, if we go back to Aristotle) of years. It is a human institution, like slavery or marriage, both of which have taken concerted effort and time to end or change.
The "free market of ideas" only works if you assume everyone is a rational actor judging ideas on their direct merits. That simply is not the case.
Also, because racism is illogical. Irrational ideas tend to be replaced by good ones in the "free market" of ideas.
This is a rather optimistic statement. It's actually quite hard to get people thinking critically, and to push rationalist and scientific points of view in the public mind.
Edit: Also, because racism is illogical. Irrational ideas tend to be replaced by good ones in the "free market" of ideas. There is no reason to beat tolerance into people, simply show show them the compassion and unity that equality leads to, and contrast that with the ridiculous KKK guys in goofy white cone hats and piss-stained bed sheets and let them make up their own mind.