Why is race so important to some people? sociology?

I personally believe race is so important to some people because that is what feels most comfortable. For instance. If you're Mexican or Columbian. Would you want to be stuck in a room full of Gringos?(White people) I believe that some people think the caucasian race gets off easily. If your native language was Spanish and the school systems were making you learn English just so you could talk to a few people doesn't that seem unfair? Why can't white people learn your native language if they want to talk to you? 

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