I think your definition of racism is incomplete.

"Racism is treating someone special based upon what is perceived as a racial trait."

I think it is necessary to add 'regardless of the individual's personal traits.' Racism is treating someone only as a member of their race, and not as an individual that makes their own choices, IMHO. This is the actual problem of racism, because it reduces people to members of a class and depersonalizes them completely. Each of us clearly has traits that derive from our race, our economic capacity, our national origin, and etc. None of us is limited to those traits, however, and everyone has specific individual practices that differentiate them from the underlying cliche upon which racism is based.

"The culture you are born into is a starting point. It does not have to define you. You can transcend culture. You can build your own culture."

This is more or less true, however the concept of taboo limits individuals because culture is necessary to humanity, and banishment, firing, and excommunication are potentially fatal.

Thanks!