Why have we come such a short distance in regard to Racism?

Why is it still so very vital in our society today? Its 2011 and its more alive now than i certainly ever knew.ive never known racism in my family or even the white people ive known my whole life.I lived almost everywhere and white people always liked me even loved me so ive never seen it like this,Why? To be honest...yes one of my white friends did sort of turn away from me when the POTUS was elected.Only i didn't understand at the time.Was i in denial or just plain down right naive?