Why is race and ethnicity such a BIG thing in our society??

because the us was built on racism and injustice, so everywhere that u go u'll see and hear. it is infortunate, but thats how it is

Because we as people like to categorize things, and one of the easiest ways to categorize is by color, people included. I mean what is the first thing people teach children? The teach them how to sort shapes and such, differentiate between colors, when we focus on differences, what do you think people are going to notice?

the answer is simple...

White men stole a land and a people and never apologized. Quite frankly, they see no reason to apologize (Manifest Destiny). How can you create a 'Declaration of Independence' while propagating slavery? Gimme a break... I have yet to see my 40 acres or my mule.... They're just the God Damn Devil!

BTW.. Look up Black and White in the dictionary (READ ALL OF THE DEFINITIONS). See if you don't see a pattern - then ask, why?

Its a holdover from humanity's prehistoric days as tribal beings. Survival back then was very much about an "us" versus "them" mentality. It needn't be that way any more, but it takes logic and reason for people to apply temperance to their instincts, and for too many people, logic and reason are in short supply.

Because Americans are a bunch of blind black hating dip$hits and it will never change. Us Aussie's can see past skin colour.

I have no clue! I guess everyone wants to remember where they came from, what their origins were, their history - we should be more concerned about where we are going instead of where we've been.

Stupidity is one of them. People do stupid stuff to offend others because they are ashame of themselves. Say something offensive back and maybe they will shut up.

because so many immigrants mostly illegal want to feel important.. like the feel they are giving our society so much and they feel a sense of entitlement..

nope...buy to others the amount of pigment i ur skin makes a BIG difference...but to some people like u and i it doesn't!!!!!

i dont know. i think it is stupid. people are people. we should be categorized by personality not looks.