i used to live down south and now live in nyc. i have heard a lot of people up north say very disparaging things about racism in the south. when i point out how there is a lot of racism/ prejudice up north (to immigrants as well as native minorities), they say "well, at least people are open about it".

But is it better? I personally believe that if people want to be bigots in their personal life, that's their prerogative. The issue is when they let it bubble over into public policy or when they are interacting with others in public- e.g. serving customers. I'd rather someone be polite to me, southern style, and then talk about me later if they want than to treat me like crap in public. of course, many bigots would probably have a hard time keeping their bigotry to themselves. or are in denial of how much it affects their thinking and how since it's a personal belief, it shouldn't change their thinking on public policy. Much as people don't seem to be able to keep their religious beliefs out of their thinking on public policy.