Personally yes I think it's time we got a grip... However, I read through my company policy on Harrassment (we got given "Company Handbooks" you see...)... And it is written that it is down to the perception of the reciever of the harrassment. Therefore, if the Police officers interpretted it to be racist as they were Scottish, then yes, the accused can be done for racially attacking them.
But yes, it is time we got a grip!! I have lost count of the number of times I have refused some kid a child fare on the bus for not having their photocard on them and they've instantly jumped to the "It's cos I'm Black/Asian/Chinese init" excuse.
"No, I don't care if you are blue with pink stripes, you haven't got a photocard, and THAT is the issue." Jeez.... Makes me sick cos one of our drivers actually got suspended pending the investigation to something like this. (The lady had an expired ticket then tried to pay an 85p fare with a �20 note and the driver didn't have change. She said "It's cost I'm Black!" When he told her another bus would be along in 5 minutes, giving her time to go to a shop and get change. She reported him and he got suspended pending the investigation. Though luckily nothing came of it. FOOLS!!!
Yes, we should get a grip. I couldn't give a monkies about anyone's skin colour, sexual orientation, age, religion etc... I've got better things to do with my time than wish "everyone was like me"......