I find that people who grew up around other cultures tend to be more accepting. I grew up in a 'mixed' ethnic neighborhood, and have had many black friends and associates over the years (many of whom I hold in high regard). I see them as anyone else, people just trying to live their lives in this world (despite the fact that they are frequently 'harassed' by a biased system).
On the flip side, I have many friends and family who didn't grow up around other cultures, and they seem to have a completely different attitude!They frequently see blacks as more suspicious and untrustworthy.I'll make a statement like 'it does seem like many more blacks are incarcerated just because they're black' , and one of my white friends will inevitably say 'that's because they commit more crime'. That's it in a nutshell: a lack of understanding (blacks commit no more rime than anyone else!).
Or, there is the occasion when we'll be stopped at a red light, and one of my white friends will slam down the locks upon seeing a couple black guys walk thru the crosswalk.Really? I'll say why did you do that, and I'll get an answer similar to the above: more suspicious, look like criminal, etc.
Until people start seeing others as human beings, and neighbors, and valued community members, I guess this will persist!There are good and bad in all cultures, and America must come to realize this!If not, we will never be a true democracy, where freedom stands for everyone, not just one ethnic group!