Racism is not about whites hating every other race. It is about races not liking other races because of their race. The study of 626 "white" students was a racist study. There will always be racism as long as people are allowed to be racist as long as they aren't white. An example of this is when Queen Latifah was speaking at U of H back in 2006, I believe, and responded to an audience member telling her that her speech was racist. She responded with something along the lines of, I can't be a racist since I'm black. We will always have racism, as long as other races believe it is acceptable be racist with whites being the exception.
Treating someone different because of his or her race is racism, even if it is preferential treatment. Giving a helping hand is one thing but giving preference solely on race is morally and ethically wrong. Treat others, as you want to be treated, end of story. Eradication of racism is not just a responsibility of the government. It is a responsibility of society and individuals. We should spend more time on what we have in common as Americans instead of always focusing on our "diversity". We must always remember, "United We Stand, Divided We Fall." We are quickly falling into the unpleasant position of a nation easily divided and conquered.

First just let me say I thought this was a very well written article. My comments here are merely my thoughts on Mr. Feagin's approach to analyzing racism, which I feel are inherently racist:

"Feagin said there are two frames of mind: one of the white racist frame and the other of fairness, liberty and justice."

Is he proposing that only whites are racists (Isn't that racist)? He explains white racism with the following:

"In the white racist frame of mind, to rationalize discriminating against a group of people, you make them into a they or them. They are not like us. We are the good folk and they are the inferior folks. Now we have defined them as inferior, we can discriminate against them," Feagin said.

So following Mr. Feagins three rules for countering racism let me say this:

1. I don't think you have conflicting emotions about this issue, but I'll try to create conflict by pointing out your explanation of the white racist frame of mind coupled with your narrow view of people being either white racists or fair and just is basically the same as saying only white people would think they were better than another group of people. Isn't it possible that other races think they are better than whites? Isn't it possible that all races have the same ability to discriminate against others?

2. In an appeal to your better angels, let me just say I believe you are trying to confront a social injustice, and I hope you succeed. I would merely suggest that perhaps you should reevaluate your view of the issue so that you don't inadvertently perpetuate the problem.

3. Mr. Feagin we are all people, but as long as people discriminate against others because of their race, i.e. attributing all of the racism that has or ever will occur to whites, we will never put racism behind us.

I would suggest instead of just stereotyping people into groups, why don't we try to treat people as people. Let's not make blanket statements which merely perpetuate the problem. Despite the issues I have with your definition of racism, I feel that your three steps to countering the problem are a move in the right direction.

I feel as though the 3 rules to counter racism are ideal, but a little naive. If we look at society as a whole and the structure of the American economy, it forces Americans to think with somewhat racist behaviors. Sure we have our friends who are diverse in other circles, but collectively we still categorize and judge others. We cant help it because of how influential media has become to everyday American citizens. Bottom line is racism is rarely individual but more institutional that keeps individuals from thinking freely about other cultures. Yes we are all people who SHOULD be treated equally, thats what we are taught by society but unfortunately we live in a culture that for the last couple of centuries has failed to lead by example. Thats the point of it all, to counter whats been taught subliminally. Truthfully, its called white racism because of history, not because of what it means to be racist. A minority can only learn what the majority has taught them.

Saying whites are the only racists is like saying blacks are the only ones in prison...it just isn't true.

Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red or Yellow, Black or White.
They are precious in his sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Remember, We are all children in Gods Eyes.

Spread the Peace.