Racism can be unconscious. Attention must be paid to it so that it can be shown for what it is. Well-meaning anglo folks can be racist without being aware that they are.
They show cultural conditioning in their racism. Sexism is another similar problem.

I don't think there are many black people on Mudcat and that's really a shame. Folk music shouldn't be a "white" thing only.

Biden obviously meant well but betrayed his unwitting conditioning in his remark.
I think it's fine for him to have been made aware of it without calling him names such as "bigot" or "racist".

The problem is that African-American or Black people have suffered inordinately at the hands of caucasians and so I think they deserve a special sensitivity in treatment.

Racism is about power and the persecution of those of a different color.. Those persecuted don't have the power that is in the hands of the persecutor.

Black people have not persecuted white people historically.

In my experience from the Fifties I was always welcomed into Black people's homes and made to feel comfortable. The reverse was never done in Caucasian homes in those days.

Who has the power is the racist.