Most conservative White people would prefer an equally qualified Black person over an equally qualified White person. Liberals just prefer the minority regardless of if they're the best person for the job, but when both options are equal, even so-called "racist" White people seem to support a minor form of affirmative action.
Even the very few White people who generally hold negative feelings towards minorities seem to love being proven wrong with individual examples. They'll always give extra support to the minority who bucks what they see as the norm.
So I'm reluctant to believe that racism as taught in schools even exists. The most racist people I've known irl just hold negative stereotypes and are more than happy to recognize people who don't adhere to them.
I grew up in a city that celebrates the various races and nationalities. Walking in the Italian neighborhood you'd smell mom cooking tomato sauce or in the slavic neighborhoods you'd smell the fried onions that go on perogies. There were big festivals where every race/nationality showcased their culture. I never even heard of racism until I was older.
But just last night a thought came to me: what happened to professional black women. Like James, Willis, Congress women, the various black female mayors? If I were in their shoes, I would want to leave a meaningful legacy, to make a good difference in my city for all people, Instead I see only hatred and greed.
Instead of taking down confederate statues, these very people should take down the MLK memorial because his vision is completely opposite theirs.