Racism and Tolkien.

[Galadriel55]

I think that "racist" refers to using racial differences to assert that one race is worse than another. Tolkien does not do that. Saying that the Haradrim had black skin is like saying that I have brown hair. SO WHAT. Having them as the villains to me just means than in Middle Earth, the Haradrim, who happened to have dark skin, chose to (or were forced to) follow Sauron.

Eomer making fun of Dwarves' height is a bit racist, but he quickly learns to respect Gimli son of Gloin.

I would think that the Druedain were regarded as inferior by their neighbours, but that was fixed up rather nicely as well once the races came into closer contact with each other.

The Numenorians in their last years regarded themselves as superior to all nations, and look where that got them.

And, coming back to the Haradrim and the Easterlings, they are always portrayed as men, same as other men - mistaken, enemies, but still men. You get a sense of respect for them. Consider:

But the Men of Rhun and of Harad, Easterling and Southron, saw the ruin of their war and the great majesty and glory of the Captains of the West. And those that were deepest and longest in evil servitude, hating the West, and yet were men proud and bold, in their own turn now gathered themselves for a last stand of desperate battle. ~The Field of Cormallen

[Sam] wondered what his name was and where he came from; and if he was really evil of heart, or what lies or threats had led him on the long march from his home; and if he would not really rather have stayed there in peace... ~Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit

So, as I said before, I do not think that a mere physical description of a "so what?" nature merits an accusation of racism. Are there more specific instances of "racism" in the legendarium?