[oldhasbeen]

>>I'm sure you are not so naive as to not know that Alabama is one of the most racist states in the world<<

I have no idea where you got your statistical information on this subject, but I have a news flash for you - racism is EVERYWHERE. It most probably even exists in your enlightened Chicago, IL.
I am an Alabama native, and YES, racism exists here, but I have also travelled extensively, and Neicy, racism exists in every part of the world, and it isn't only limited to black vs. white. For you to make snap assumptions about a part of the country to which you have never been is fairly small-minded and bigotted of you, don't you think?