Bill, those southerners (and many northerners) at that time probably believed that Blacks were "basically 'inferior' and incapable of voting, self-government and higher functionality". Such beliefs were very common among the White population at the time, not just in the USA, but elsewhere too, and there is a strong residue of such belief (toned down some) that is STILL very common among the White population, in my opinion. Also...I've met East Asians who think that way about Black people!

If people with such beliefs encounter a Black person who is smart, articulate, well-educated, and clearly as capable as they are...if not moreso...well, then they just say to themselves, "That one's an exception to the rule. Probably has some White blood in him (or her)!"

I'm not advocating or in any way supporting such a twisted form of prejudice...I'm merely pointing out that it is still fairly common.

Then too, minorities with a chip on their shoulder about being minorities is fairly common too. Either way, it doesn't make for good human relations, does it?