People just care too much about labels. Clearly they've figured out what they're comfortable with and just are uncomfortable with the black and white labels
Yes, but the thing is, there can be very real consequences that affect job opportunities, etc. I was railroaded out of a job in a small rural southern town because I became friends with a member of a another race. I was never called a N-Lover, but it was blatantly obvious what was happening. I wouldn't have done anything different. I'm not one of those sister fucking inbreeds.
But the thing is... who gives a shit, and if they do, why? Social ostracization. Being banished from your society, and the chance of violent consequences. That's why people distance themselves from what the consensus thinks is deviant behavior.