Does anyone believe that there is a real problem with OPEN racism in the United States?

Yes racism is rampant in this country, I had thought that we were beyond it or at least moving in that direction.

The election of President Obama seems to have brought that racism out into the open once again, the number of hate crimes has grown in number according to the SPLC and the Klan and other hate groups membership has increased.

The changing demographics of this country are causing fear and reaction. Certain elements fear that they are losing "their country".

We need to respect each other's differences. This country's motto is "E pluribus Unum" which means "out of many, one". This country thrived because of its differences, not its similarities.

The race hatred and bigotry can only lead to more discord which is tearing this country apart. Take the hatred out of your heart.

We can only hope that the younger generation and its acceptance of difference will turn this trend around.

Stay on the tank!

Racism exists in America, and it always will. Distrust of people who are different than we are is embedded in our DNA from prehistoric times. Racism is something education and the virtues of tolerance, understanding and compassion overcome. As Americans we have made enormous progress in overcoming the history of racism in the United States. Suddenly, perhaps not so suddenly, according to the Left, white and institutional racism are the nation’s greatest problems. Unlike the congregation of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church who have shown uncommon grace in their reaction to the shooting in Charleston, the Left is true to its nature—let no crisis go to waste.

Those of us serving or who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces have our own experiences with race. Here’s mine. http://ewross.com/Five_Days_in_April_1968.htm Do we want to continue to make progress on race in America or do want to further divide and aggravate the races?

Yes there is a real problem with racism. It is bigger than many would like to believe and unfortunately it is now become socially accepted that racism is a 1 direction street. This is allowing racism to flow one way and stirring up more issues going back. Racism is racism no matter the race of the person who is against someone simply because of their race. I have seen whites racist against all other races, as well as blacks, hispanics and asians racist against all other races, I have seen blacks racist against all other blacks, and whites racist against certain groups of whites. These are the categories that I personally have witnessed and experienced. Every concealable scenario exists. Until we as a nation collectively can admit the truth, the issue will grow.

I have been in an interracial marriage for 20 years come August and I have seen my share of racism toward the both of us. Speaking honestly, I have seen more from the black community than the white. I personally do not fault most as they are taught that it is not racist and it is acceptable for them to act that way because they are protecting their heritage. That does not change the fact that racism exists.

I do want to say open racism to a white guy such as myself has a much different affect than open racism to someone whose parents/grandparents experienced extreme racism openly where they lived in fear for their lives. I have been in fear, but I have never had to experience living in fear day in and day out. The effect of that level of racism has a profound effect, and that trust has to be earned back. As a country we have done a disservice to the black community in how we tried to do that.

Racism is an outlook and can be changed through teaching our children acceptance and not seeing the color of a man or woman but just seeing the man and woman.

Just look around you, there is virtually racist every where in one for or another. I do my very best to teach my little girl to look at everyone the same. I just can not and will not accept it when someone says I owe them something because of where they came from, color of skin or anything else. The world is what WE make it and only we can change it. I don't think any one of us doesn't feel discriminated against in some way or another.

I grew up in a small town in Arkansas. Even though I am 1/4 Chinese, it is obvious I am not all white which as been a problem every now and then growing up. I used to get into lots of fights with white and black kids growing up. Honestly, I am not proud of it but I beat their asses up and down the street. I am stationed at Fort Bliss, TX. Much of the population is Hispanic. I get asked all the time by the locals if I am Mexican which is funny I suppose.

That depends on the personal experience to be honest. Places I was stationed at, racism wasn't much of the problem, but then against racism goes hand in hand of how fairly you are being treated by both command and civilians. Ft. Sam Huston and Baumholder, Germany wasn't very racist places to be stationed at. In my troop, there was one black guy (he had really hot white German girlfriend and hung out with everyone just like any person, since our group was pretty tight) in it and he was treated just like any white guy on the team. Our Troop leader was black (leading 25 people of HHC 1-35AR Recon Element where all except for one of his subordinates where white, one half Asian, one Russian, 2 Mexicans), and everyone followed not because of his race, but because he was excellent leader.

So I guess maybe at the other places (like I hear on the media, in Alaska) there is racism going on in the open, but I every person of any race in the units I've been too, working with someone of the different race was the least of the worries when you had to get your shit done. Bullets and problems do not discriminate black, white, red, or Asian.

Yes there is still a problem with open racism. I do not want to sound like a foolish person but its goes to all races having issues with each other. Some people are brought up to think less of someone who is not their race, as a child you don't know, your only learning from your parents and other older relatives.
Some people, Skinheads for example, just try to show contempt for other races and in the case of Skinheads they even think less of white people who don't think like them.
People can grow and change their attitudes.
I grew up outside of Detroit but I spent summers in downtown Detroit as a kid with my grandparents who owned a corner market in a neighborhood. My parents never told me that black people were lazy or criminals, the only thing my parents stressed to me is that everyone is equal and you respect that person until they do something that make you lose your respect for them.
Its not easy but if people can just sit back and accept the differences we can move forward.

I would say yes there is racism in the U.S.

Sad but very true... Unfortunate, there are those who use the narrative to advance their agenda. I grew up being taught we are all the same in Gods eyes.

Of course it exists and its a shame. I don't pretend to have a solution but I believe there are a few possible solutions. First I would get rid of any laws/programs based on race as a deciding factor, i.e. Affirmative Action. Most qualified individuals get accepted/job etc.

Secondly, people of all races need to speak up when they notice their race perpetuate stereotypes. 'Silence is consent' and only feeds the fire.

Thirdly, identify and prosecute all instances of violent racism with harsh penalties. Equality in justice for same crimes regardless of color.

Lastly and on a personal level, get rid of 'everyone gets a trophy' mentality. If you want something bad enough you either gain knowledge or get better physically to achieve that reward. Work hard for what you deserve.

Of course racism exists and it is a shame. I for one don't tolerate it. I don't visit know racist establishments, I am not friends with racist people, and I certainly will not judge people based on the color of their skin. Remember, 'SILENCE IS CONSENT.'