I can give you a little insight from my own experience.

My own racist views were formed during the late 1960's when I was but a child. We lived in the midwest USA, inner city, poor, white, in a mixed neighborhood. If you don't recall, there were race riots in the late 60's, forced school busing, and generally alot of people were quite open about there racist views. We formed white "gangs" to combat the black gangs, etc. etc. etc.

So my point here is we are all products of our environment and our attitudes are generally "locked-in" by about 10 years of age.

So later in life I tried to lose the racist attitudes, which was very hard to do. My wife helped as she would not tolerate any comments, jokes, etc.

I find though that even though I do not make racist statements, the feelings are still there. So to dispel my attitudes formed through "bad" experiences I have tried to find "good" experiences. Further, and more important, if you want to end racism on a local level, then you cannot tolerate the comments and jokes (as per my wife's actions).

For a person who is in high School or college, you are sure to be tested by the "crowd". It is your duty to influence your peers while there is still a chance.

The other day as my friend (a rather skinny guy) helped me unload and install some heavy sliding glass door panels, I commented that at the store they sent me out a real skinny guy to help and so I asked the skinny guy at the store if he thought he could lift the glass doors into the truck, he said he was not sure, so I asked for better help. My skinney friend did not tolerate such characterizations (ie skinny = weak).

You just never know when your comments are out of line.