I agree, but if we cannot even put an effort into changing the views of our friends, then how will we ever change the opinions of strangers?

My own experience with racist "friends" and collegues has been that it almost always comes from very clear ignorance. Thus there is usually a lot of potential to influence them if only you can get them to listen.

I know my personal problem is tryting to knock people down with facts, when often the heart of the problem is emotional. You got to empatize with people to get them to listen to you.