Also, I've never experienced as blatant racism as in Tennessee.

Texan here: I've never seen or heard the kind of blatant racism that I found everywhere north and east of Tennessee's southwest corner.

I have a hypothesis on this, though. I think that the more pervasive that anti-racist beliefs are, that the more overt a racist needs to be so that they can make sure everyone knows they're a racist. Inversely, in a place like Texas where racism is more ingrained in society, you can be quieter and assume that you're talking to someone with racist beliefs. Then, a sort of perverse set of manners are formed where you don't blatantly say racist things—in fact, you gasp at bald-faced racism, clutch your pearls, and call that person uncouth.

But when you pass a series of miniature racist tests, or blow just the right dog-whistle, then you get the Southern racist's cry of approval: "this guy gets it!"

It's kinda like how moderately wealthy people like to flaunt their money, and make little comments around poor people to prove just how disconnected they are from reality. But then, when they're surrounded by other rich people, it's suddenly impolite to discuss wealth.