I think I read too much into the discussion.

How whole cultures (Germany being a prime example) give rise to and institutionalise racism is clearly still a current topic in cultures everywhere from Africa to our own backyard. Wish it weren't so.

On a bit of a tangent, increasing tourism, Internet friendships, and climbing global emigration all share one virtue; they make the Other more accessible. I'd like to think they offer a bulwark to strengthen understanding and reduce racism going forward, but I fear that xenophobia is strengthened as well.