Why do people insist on talking about race?

I see a lot of people on this board asking why people get upset about race questions, or why people are pc. Frequently it appears to me that those most interested in talking about race are people who want to provoke others. Very infrequently do I see a question asked in a serious tone that is answered with real information as opposed to some rant. So why do people insist on talking about it? Is it JUST THAT, another avenue for rants and gripes?