[quote=mdk]
So do video games, depending on who you ask. Why can't we just have physical assault be illegal?If your answer was, 'well that doesn't completely prevent the problem' -- you're on the right track, good job. Now if a law against violence doesn't prevent violence, what's the purpose of a law against racism? If anything, it seems like that would further isolate and radicalize your local racists. 
[/quote]

Video games are a poor example since they're exactly that, games. Real life is a lot different since real people are actually being harmed instead of virtual people.