I believe that a big reason why racism is still around are the people who hold onto the past and believe they are owed something. As an example I will use a small percentage of the black community, who continue to use the N word, and feel offended or feel the need to be violent when used towards them. If the thing we are striving for is racial equality, than words used should have an equal response from all races. If I, being a white male, was called the N word. It wouldn't bother me, nor should it bother anyone else.