It's not racism, it prejudice.
Was at a practice session for a Christmas Ball at my children’s homeschool co-op last night. Many ultra-helicopter type soccer moms in attendance as one would assume at an social event like this where 50+ teenagers are gathered in an informal setting. One black kid stood out because of the way he was dressed but that was it, he stood out from the crowd. Not one parent cringed or whined or even made a face when he walked up to their lily white little princess and asked her to dance. Why? Because of the setting they knew who they were dealing with - a well-educated kid from a stable home with values and morals compatible with their own.
Walking down the street in a bad area the same kid would be assumed to have a much different agenda if he walked up to them to speak to their little girl and for good reason. We can only make decisions based on the knowledge we have at that time. Given the portrayal of black youth in the media and the content of the news reinforcing it, one can only assume the worst. Change that kid into his suit and tie for church on Sunday and you would look at him quite differently walking down the same street. Same kid just different clothes so the racism doesn’t fit, only prejudice does.
Now you may say that I am mincing words and you may be right. However, prejudice is not inherently wrong. Prejudice that does not evolve into reasoned thinking as new facts arise is wrong but that is another subject.
Just because racism does exist does not mean every situation where race is involved is racism.