I think the subject of racism is multi layered. At one end it’s a philosophical position and at the other is more practical. It could be that the reason we still have racism and racist comments is that it’s not one problem but many that society has to deal with and the mechanisms are not robust or fit for purpose.
It’s also about how comments are heard or perceived. The Prime Minister seems to think it’s ok to be casually racist in his comments as do other Tory politician’s and supporters. So others take it as a lead.
Where I live Im referred to by local citizens as ‘the foreigner’. My in laws refer to me as ‘the foreigner’. My father in law also refers to me as ‘the foreign devil’ when he’s had a beer.
When talking about westerners I also refer to them as foreigners so that the people I’m talking to understand to whom I’m referring. But. When new staff or visitors come and are also called foreigner it comes as quite a shock to their sensitive natures. They can be quite affronted by it.
I’m not saying it’s right but in any society it’s seems too easy to slip into other peoples madnesses despite good intentions.