How the World Sees American Racism

In researching the post below, I came across a very interesting article from India’s Central Chronicle. This editorial argues for the protection of the rights of untouchables. The writer begins with an explanation of the special rights dalits receive in India’s Constitution under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes sections. The article continues to tell the tale of upper-caste Hindus in Chhatarpur pulling a dalit bridegroom from his wedding horse, an extremely insulting action in Indian culture.
The section that interests me, however, is a short two sentances made as a passing comment. “In America,” the author reports, “President Abraham Lincoln had abolished the slavery rule and later, President Kenedy gave the black people equal rights by passing Civil Rights Act. But, racism still prevails there.”
The author simply states this, not as an argument or thesis, but as an accepted fact. Is this one author simply ignorant? Does most of the world believe that racism prevails in America? I adamantly disagree with the author’s statement, but am infuriated with its factual connotation. America today may have some problems with discrimination, but they are isolated and certainly do not prevail.