Race, Culture, and "The Box".

Something, with all the hate and race talk these days, I wanted to mention/share my viewpoint on, and ask what your view of these things are. I know this is a touchy subject, so please no attacking anyone:

 What is a racist?
 Recently a friend gave me a definition of what a racist is that was very different from my own. That friend's view was (correct me if I get this wrong) that we are all a bit "racist" when it comes to those races that we are ignorant of their culture; which is any culture that is not of your raising. My definition of racism is prejudging the character or abilities of an individual based on the the perceived origins of their ancestors. Does this make ignorance and racism synonyms?

When is it cultural appropriation?
I saw a meme last night that said something about "white people" were practicing culture appropriation when they wore cornrows. The person in the picture was mixed Latino. (A fairly famous actress.) It got me wondering, if we're going to be so sensitive about it, at what % blood is something no longer considered "cultural appropriation"? Does a person of mixed ancestry need a pie chart to determine what hair style, clothing, or music they are "supposed" to enjoy? I understand not doing mockeries of cultural traditions that you don't understand, but it seems like folks take this to extremes. I'm personally quite interested in genetic genealogy. I'm learning more that many of us have ancestors from all over the world, with all sorts of phenotypes and cultural traditions. I find each unique aspect, as well as those characteristics shared across races and cultures, to be fascinating. Is it racist to love an aspect of a race that is not your "own"?

If I am absolutely enamored by a skin tone or eye color or tradition that is not my own, is it wrong of me? One of my favorite artists goes by "Black Violin", and in one of his performances he says that he is trying to push the boundaries of what "a black man can do musically"... but in the sense that I keep seeing pasted about the internet wouldn't this be, "cultural appropriation"? (BTW if you like good music and standing on top of boxes rather than fitting into them, highly recommend his work.)

It is my own belief that at the end of the day, the human race will survive on mutual respect and love. Those who cannot learn this will destroy themselves and each other.