Why are Americans obsessed with race?

Question

I've never met a nationality who obsesses over race so much. I've noticed that many Americans will get extremely offended If you mistake them for a different race. Where as in other countries people would just say "don't worry, I get it all the time".Many will also deny their racist beliefs in public but then be completely open to it at home. I was with a family in Kansas. They were almost paranoid about it. They'd invite black people and latinos to a party but them b*tch about them when the party was over, they'd be polite as a priest in public but then say "there at it again" when they saw a news story about criminals of certain races.
Whys it such a big deal? In the Uk or Canada most people couldn't care less. Yes you'll get the odd right wing nut, but most don't care.

I just don't get it. It's like one minute your ashamed of your history and the next your going on a rant about blacks being criminals or asians being "too smart". This isn't only white people either, African Americans and Latinos seem equally obsessed with the subject. It's incredible.
Can somebody please explain this to me?

Qwerty™ · Accepted Answer

So much of our country's history involves race, racial status, and racial rights, it only makes sense that race is still a big deal to us. Not saying it's right, just saying it's totally understandable.

Star245 · Answer

I live in America and honestly I think it's because since we are such a diverse country people want to mAke sure that their specific race is represented. Almost every group in America today had to fight to become equal and some are still fighting for equality( ie Latinos and blacks). People are just proud of who they are and want it to be recognized. It's also considered very rude to just ask someone what race they are. Like at my school there was this new girl and we didn't find out what race she was until like half the year was over because no one wanted to offend her

Anonymous · Answer

I agree with you 100% 
The term African American is funny cause most black Americans don't consider themselves as Africans

? · Answer

We do? Well I don't, I got mistaken for being Swedish once and I'm not even blonde and I think it's hilarious.

. · Answer

White is like the flavor, vanilla.
People are propagandized to like vanilla and vanilla is the top-selling one.
It's a unipolar world.

Angelina Love · Answer

you pretty much described my family
in public we're silent but then at home, you would probably be amazed how racist the conversation can get
I believe we're like this because where we live, there are very few whites and we fell like strangers in our own country so that makes us angry

Get_Smart!! · Answer

trust me, it isnt an american phenomenon. It is rampant in developing nations, and europeans only hide it to act like they didnt pillage the world through colonialism or cause both world wars

blah · Answer

I know. The United States is quite bass ackward.

Anonymous · Answer

Thankyou all for your replies and opinions!

? · Answer

i know, they call black people 'african americans' lmao but white people are just white 

also italians are not white apparently

jews control everything

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Why are Americans obsessed with race?

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