Utterly and Completely. "Racism" is now nothing more, really, than Bad Manners or Rudeness. Only 12% of the US population can be classified as African American, and President Obama won by a much larger majority than that. That means that ALL races of Americans voted for him. If an African American man can be freely elected President in our society, that is de facto proof that "racism" such as is defined by the repression of a person who's heritage includes that of a minority race by a member of the majority race, is done, finished, finito. Even full blown racists have now been marginalized, making them more buffoons than anything anyone should take seriously.

But we live in a society where nearly everyone wants to feel like they are somehow hard-done-by. Dawn Steel was the President of Paramount Studios years ago, yet many women subscribe to the idea that somehow there is a "glass ceiling" which prevents them from achievement. Indeed, now many white Americans (whatever that terms means) feel that THEY are losing out on opportunities due to their not being Black/Mexican/Insert-your-definition-here.

We have got our kids into the act, too - labeling some "lactose intolerant" or with "peanut allergies" (did kids just DIE when I was in elementary school and they ate peanuts? I can't remember a single one, and neither can the 10 grown-ups I polled unscientifically), with the resultant "special treatment" - peanut butter banned from school, special seating in the lunchroom, etc.

But I digress... The mere fact that our President is literally 1/2 African is an amazing testament to the hard work, sacrifice, and devotion many people (of all races) in this country have taken to ensure that REAL racism (think fire-department water hosing peaceful protesters, or cops setting German Shepherds after people) is a thing of the past.

Any African American who says they can't get ahead "because the White Man" is holding him down needs to look at the shining example we have living in the White House. A man who rose to the most important, powerful position on this earth by the power of his own imagination, will and mind.