Is having a racial preference like having a sexual preference?

I have heard it said that homosexuals and lesbians can not help their sexual preference, it is just a part of who they are and there is no control over it. My question is Could it be that a persons racial preference be chalked up to genetics as well? For example I have a friend who is Asian but refuses to date an Asian guy. She just doesn't find them attractive, simple as that. Is it self hate or could it be more?