Because if the shoe was on the other foot, that's exactly what people would say.
So because someone else would make a similar claim, whether it's true or not, you feel that you have to make the same claim, whether it's true or not? That doesn't make much sense, does it?
Any time a white person does anything that can be perceived as non-white, they get slammed for "stealing my cultural identity." There was a case not too long ago where a white teenager was slammed because of the way she braided her hair. A lot of African American people were up in arms about how white people are stealing their culture away from them, etc. as if they owned a patent on freaking braids. It doesn't stop at hair. It spans into other areas as well, such as fashion, music, etc.
There was actually a lot more to that braid incident you are referring to than just some White teen braiding her hair. You've either ignored it, or you aren't aware of it.
However, if you take something established as white, then it is expected to be given freely to others without saying a word.
"Establishing something as white, and someone being white are two different things. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books, and the creator of the Hermione character, has said that her race was never really established. A white actor may have been chosen for the movies, but that does not "establish" Hermione's race. The movies are an adaptation of the books. They could have easily gone with a Black, Asian, or mixed race actor. They decided on Emma Watson, who happens to be White.
Let me ask you this; does Hermione's race actually make a difference in the Harry Potter stories?
The truth of the matter is that reverse racism is a bigger problem than the perceived presence of racism from whites.
That's arguable. You've forgotten to take into account the effect that "reverse racism" has compared to "racism from whites."
I'm to be held accountable for the actions of some white people from hundreds of years ago, that I have no connection to.
Who makes you feel this way?
I'm supposed to feel some kind of "white guilt" because people claim they're still "second class" citizens.
Just curious, do you believe that there is any racism, or that these people that claim they are second class citizens are telling the truth or lying?
Tons of minorities immigrated here and have been hugely successful. My wifes family came here from Mexico and have been successful.
So they've never encountered any form of racism? Does being successful and a minority imply that that person hasn't encountered racism in their life? Does it imply that racism doesn't exist?
We have a black president.
Eh... kind of. His mother was White. More like a a mixed race President. Also, and I'm not sure if you've chosen to ignore it, or just missed it, but Obama has had to deal with a lot of racism.
We have people of color making a hell of a lot more money than I do in multiple industries.
And that somehow changes or negates the existence of racism? These people may have a higher education than you. They may be more capable than you at doing the things they get paid to do. They may be in an industry with a higher average pay than the industry you are in. Does any of that negate or change the fact that they may still encounter racism? Does money somehow make it so racism can't affect you?