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I grew up in a suburb north of Chicago with parents who were racially prejudice for whatever reason. I learned racism from them.
I also grew up learning about the civil rights movement. I learned tolerance from that.
As I grew older I actively challenged my parents' views on many things including race which helped me to sort out my own confusion. I ended up not liking my folks for a while. I lost respect for them in some way, but eventually realized that they were also products of their environments. Another thing that I think helped enlighten me were the few moments when I have been and felt like a minority. It was an eerie and guarded feeling, and one that I tried to remember if needed.
I consciously raised my children with my views which are different from most of my family, even though sometimes I had to fight my own upbringing. Part of the success of that, as well as my own success in regards to eradicating or at least understanding my own racism has been travel and exposure to many people - not just those of other races, but anyone. A world view is the way to go.
It is rare that I feel or recognize racism in myself today. If I do, sometimes I acknowledge it as an old feeling and move on, sometimes i just feel it while using my noodle to think rationally, or maybe I think about setting an example, or whatever. It was never too problematic in my world other than sparring within my own family, and a rare occurrence these days.
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As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons...be cheerful; strive for happiness - Desiderata
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