Rafterman, this forum can actually be quite surprising at times with the average level of intelligence found here. This may actually end up quite the interesting thread.
Racism will never go away in my opinion. Just like sexism it will always be around. People like to make broad generalisations, and in the long run, it's commenting or acting based on those generalisations that is racism... and every other negative -ism out there.
So how do we stop racism? We teach everyone understanding, compassion and equality.
I personally don't think I know anyone who isn't atleast a little racist, ageist and/or sexist.
One question though, and I'm not meaning to be racist, it's something I have wondered often. When someone says 'white/Caucasian' there is very little want/ need/ requirement to clarify any further. But, black isn't just black. If I try and refer to an Aboriginal as a black fella (which they are) when talking to anyone who isn't Aussie, I am asked for further clarification and have actually been told by a black American before it is wrong to refer to the aboriginals as black.
Can someone please explain this to me? Why are all white people white regardless of where they come from, yet if you want to refer to anyone else you have to be more specific? Another example, my mum is dating a woman from Laos. I can't say Asian in front of her because she will ask me specifics and unless I happen to be discussing something or someone from a small handful of appropriate countries she will say "that's not Asian" and completely mean it. Is this not racism also?
'People are never perfect but love can be. People waste time looking for the perfect lover rather than creating the perfect love' - Princess Leigh-Cheri from Still Life With Woodpecker.