I'm especially sensitive to racism because of my life experiences. My grandfather was an unapologetic racist who lived in a mobile home in the Carolina mountains (so I'm entitled to say Redneck

). Some of the things my grandfather said were just awful, but I overlooked them because he was my grandfather and I still loved him. There was no way I was going to change his mind.
We lived in High Point during the 60's when Black waiters were only allowed to carry our trays and were not allowed to eat in the cafeterias. I remember going to dinner one night and there were Black people laying in the streets in protest. I was a kid and I had no idea what this was about, but I knew it wasn't right. My mother had postpartum depression when I was born so I was raised during my first couple of years by a Black nanny. She was so sweet and caring, and I think I honestly bonded with her more than my mother.
I was fortunate that my father chose to get out and move us to Central Florida when I was 8 years old so I was able to gain a broader perspective on life. Who knows where I would be right now if he hadn't? My father was a very intelligent man, and I don't remember him ever making any racist remarks. My mother, however, remained a racist (although not as overt as her father) until the day she died. I'm sure it wasn't easy for her when I introduced two Brown partners (a Cuban for 6 years and my current Filipino partner) but I think it actually taught her tolerance and the ability to experience other cultures. She loved both of them as much as she loved me. That is what is so needed in today's society.