To the original point(sorta):

Traditional Folklore and music are occasionally used by cynical people to "rally" others to their cause. It's a way to appeal to the nationalist spirit, supposed 'racial consciousness' and other varied heartstrings. Hitler appealed to the ideal that the Germans were the source of the "Master Race". China brought their culture in to use as an excuse to beat people over the head. The KKK (and other American White Power groups) tend to use "American Pride" as a way to rally others to their cause.

There's almost always a tendency to view the old with misty eyed reverence, and there's almost always a streak of iron in most people that "their" traditions be preserved. Combine this with the fact that racism, bigotry and hatred exist in all social classes and climes and you will nearly always be able to find someone willing to espouse some sort of belief that in a rational light would have them medicated and wearing the ol' canvas huggy jacket in seconds flat.

On the whole, don't get too cranked up over it. In a face to face situation, I'd advise just moving to the other side of the party or just telling them that you don't agree with their views and walking away. Prejudice is a hard fight to beat, and sometimes it just can't be beaten on an individual level. But on the 'net, and perhaps moreso on message boards like the 'cat, just ignore it. We get a healthy share of sewage suckers with nothing better to do than try to hurt other people via their idiocy, and feeding them with attention just makes it worse.

M