See also: Von Daniken Symdrome
This is a sensitive subject for me, so I'll just dip my toes into the water with a few quick statements and see where things go from there. I know a few racists. At their core, they're still good people who want good things in life, but somewhere along the lines of their lives they messed up in regards to race. It breaks my heart like no other when I think about that. Every last one of them is male. Every last one of them believes in any combination of ancient aliens, cryptozoology, government conspiracies, and/or secret societies. In college, the best class discussion I was ever a part of was about how malleable the minds of young men are and that the information they expose themselves to from the ages of about 15-25 will probably forever shape who they will become. Because of that conversation when I was not so ironically in that age range and easily impressionable, I make a very conscious effort when I'm around younger men to be as open, positive, loving, and patient as possible.