The difference between Southern and Northern racism [View all]
In my view, the historical difference between Southern and Northern racism can be summarized as thus:
In the South, white people were very much invested in keeping the black population as a whole alive - provided, of course, that they didn't get "uppity" and that they always "knew their place" as subhuman slaves who were permanently yoked to their white owners. It was an extreme form of paternalistic dominance and total social control; "Trust us, n---ers. We will take care of you." Of course, who ever said that extremely cruel, abusive, even sadistic people didn't harbor severe delusions as to how "benevolent" they were in treating others? 
In the North, on the other hand, white people had no such investment, and consequently, couldn't care less whether black people lived or died (for the most part). The entire black race could be wiped off the face of the Earth and most Northern whites wouldn't even bat an eyelid; in fact, many would welcome such a development, as it would permanently solve the "Race Problem" that stirred in the hearts of many Northern whites feelings of guilt and anguish. Otherwise, black people were a useful, yet readily disposable source of cheap labor for Northern employers.
Pick your poison.
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