Bozo - You and I can forget that a person is black and see people as people. But it doesn't do anybody any good when so many other idiots out there can't (and won't) do the same.
So at this point racism EXISTS in our society. Us pretending it doesn't will not help anybody - it's like sticking your head in the sand. Affirmative action instead says "Racism is a fact, it's not going away fast enough - so what can we do to try to help those most affected by it"
If you pretend it doesn't exist, thinks will NEVER change.