The real problem, I believe, are the special interest organizations that purport to represent "minority groups." For these organizations to stay in business, there needs to be a perceived injustice or, more powerfully: "racism." All it seems to take, is a repeated allegation (often blared through the media and the halls of institutions of "higher learning") of one or more of the above, and businesses and institutions quake in their boots. Sadly, what is lacking is, as you allude, some good, old fashioned backbone, especially when it is believed you are on the side of right and reason.