Uh Oh Oreo

Is it more racist to have a television show with no black people at all or to have one with a "token" black character. I'm talking about the black guy who acts as the buddy or the funny guy.  He has a respectable job (one that some might consider a "white" job) and doesn't have much conflict in his life.  Are we really so afraid of seeing a black person who has something serious going on in their life?  Why can't a black person be the main character and a white person be the "sidekick"?  Are viewers not ready?  Will people feel awkward watching a show about a black person going through a divorce instead of a white person? Will they be inclined to cover their eyes when an episode airs a black person getting fired from their job instead of a white person?  Sadly, yes.  Viewers feel more comfortable watching a white person go through troubles than a black person.  Is this trend ever going to change?