((I posted this in discussion thread for part I, and since those threads seem to have different groups of people talking, I'll post it here as well.))

Racism is just a projection of our previous experiences into our future behavior. That's as valid self-preservation mechanism as any other.

If I touch a hot stove, I'll remember the stove is hot and I won't be touching it again unless really really needed to.

If I get repeatedly assaulted by various groups of orcs, I'll remember that orcs can be dangerous and I'll do my best to avoid them. I probably won't be hating them as a whole, but I'll avoid them as a whole, having in mind that ANY of them can be a brutish, treacherous bastard. Unless they prove me otherwise, thus earning my respect.

Yes, it's a bit unfair towards those hypothetical decent orcs. But then again, respect isn't something to be given away for free. If your race has a violent history, or if it is reputed to have more than average ratio of criminals, treacherous bastards and no-goods, you'll just have to work harder in order to certify your own decency in eyes of others. It has been always like that. People were never born equal, and if somebody told you that, they lied. Only way people can become equal is by their own deeds. And that's something everyone should be allowed to do.

"I won't tolerate your kind, orc... but I'm willing to respect you as a person *regardless* of your orcishness, if you prove yourself first. You don't want to prove yourself? Well then, the Dark Portal is open again, feel free to grab your bag and return home." Like that.

Racism is justified, but only towards unknown people. Once they prove their worth, racism becomes redundant- just like wearing a plate armor in bathtub because you fear of crocolisks. And that's what's Wrynn's major fault. Not his racism towards orcs as a whole, but his unability to overcome his racism towards Thrall and other honorable members of orcish race.

((And to add - I play my chars on RP-PVP exactly like that. I never attacked anybody first, trying to get a reputation of decent orc / dwarf / whatever else I play at the moment. Funnily enough, it really works for most of people I meet. Some still attack on sight, just like Wrynn, but majority will wait for my action, and after my /greet and /truce, they /greet me back and go on with their matters. Our racism makes us cautious towards each other, but our basic decency prevents us from ruining each others' day and gives us a chance to show each other we are honorable persons. And thus far, nobody ever betrayed my trust by attacking me after we agreed on /truce.))