racism revisited!

Issues of race still fascinate me. This post comes in the wake of a previous post (two faced BB, see below) and the replies it elicited. Of course, there are the other issues around my life and in the larger society as well. The other day Sean (once again i refer to him. This is primarily because he feeds my curiosity on these matters) and discussed the issues of identity and difference within the ethnic UK population (whatever that is)! He had been accused of being racist as he commented on the Scottish and his incredulity was at the concept of being racist even within one's race. My school of thought is where does one begin and end in the quest of determining race? Surely, if race was based on difference, and difference informed identity; then the Scottish can by all means assume their own identity...and subsequently race. Is it easy enough to describe racial difference solely on genetics? As we take into consideration peculiarities like the Jews and the Sikhs, the matter becomes even more complicated. I remember recently reading half of a yellow sun by Orange prize winner Chimamanda Adichie, and the subtle references to the Igbo people as a racial identity cannot be ignored. How far are we willing to go in determining identity and difference?
British Comedian Bernard Manning died recently to much debate. In my opinion, an entirely inconsequential event. However, it does re-awaken the earlier question on my blog. Which is better, subtle/hidden racism or blatant racism? Manning was racist/homophobic/sexist without apologies. That was his reality and i assume the vast majority of the straight white males of this society, regardless of age. The fact that a group of people alive today laughed at his jokes informs this. Gavin Esler's pussyfooting interview with one of Manning's on newsnight was also suspect, so why pretend?
A friend of mine (a brash Nigerian girl, know to voice opinions rather loudly) was told me that the fault of society was the incorrect assumption that racism was/is a one way street. The white man being racist to everyone else. Does this not put unfair power in his hands? Is this not misleading to other ethnicity's who share the same animosity? Other ethnicity's who are therefore perceived powerless under their assumed roles as the conquered? Your thoughts please!