I think what it comes back to is that perception is in the eye (and heart) of the beholder.

I remember many years ago, when I went to a local Black Gospel Quartet anniversary concert and was so overwhelmed by how welcomed I was. It was a new experience for me, and I realize now that it changed me in subtle ways I wasn't aware of at the time. It certainly never occurred to me that someday I would be leading a black quartet. When I talked about what a beautiful experience it was with a friend of mine I said, "It's too bad that someone who is prejudiced couldn't have that experience." My friend wisely said, "It wouldn't effect them at all... they would see what you see as a loving, warm welcome as something that they were due, because they are superior to blacks."

Someone who is racist or deeply prejudiced might see the Uncle Remus character as a validation of their belief that blacks are inferior and should be subservient, while someone else might see Uncle Remus as a delightful, warm, loving man who happens to be black. Often, it's not what we see, it's who we are that determines how we see it.

Jerry