Are any stereotypes universally true? If not, how do the racists get away with saying fallacious statements?

To discuss this question, one needs to have a succinct definition as to what "racism" means. My son recently observed one of his clmates acting goofy and mentioned to me if I "saw the funny brown kid." One of his other clmates immediately pounced on the comment and said my son was being racist. He is 7, and has a very innocent view of the world. To his eyes, his clmate *is* brown, as he is pink and other kids are tan. There are many whose view of "racism" is just as absurd. This leads one to the possibility that perhaps what is needed is a more rounded perspective about differences of race; what aspects are founded in history and by what external influences. Yes, one can make jokes about Native Americans (or the Irish, for that matter) and alcoholism (for one example of stereotype), but if that is as far as one probes, then what is denied or ignored are the economic, social and cultural injustices that led to some in this particular race to become alcoholics. There are differences in every race, and some are indeed specific to race. We can choose to learn and accept these differences in a kind, humorous, self-deprecating kind of way, or we can continue to have a thin skin and react to every minute or imagined slight. Sadly, this latter seems to be the response for most and the inflammatory and vitriolic shouting matches that follow only serve to obfue, rather than enlighten.