The Racist Psyche

"Black people, in cultures subordinated by imperialism assist to create a sort of social stability in a double sense. As a minority and therefore vulnerable they can be at the bottom of the line to soak up anger and aggression generated in other situations where white people dare not challenge the real sources of their frustrations. (Racist attacks and harrassment). On a day to day level white people can survive with a sense that, whatever else they may be, at least they are white and English (British, Dutch, French etc). In the power relations of society, in order to survive, people need the reassurance that they are 'superior' to others. "

Quote from The Psychology of Racism.