to wonder why genuinely racist people rarely just admit it?

[YourPerkyGreySnake]

This is something I’ve been thinking about for a while. You’ll meet people—or read posts/comments—where it’s very obvious what they’re getting at. They’ll make sweeping generalisations, complain about “certain communities,” rant about immigration “changing the country,” or talk about “not being allowed to say anything anymore”… but then they act offended if anyone suggests they’re being racist.
If you really believe what you're implying, why not own it? Why constantly dance around the point with dog whistles and coded language instead of saying it outright?
Is it because they know it's morally indefensible? Or do they genuinely not see themselves as racist despite the things they say?
I’m not looking to start a bunfight—genuinely curious about the psychology behind it.

Depends on the company you keep. It's not something you are going to say at work. Similarly coming out with homophobic or misogynist comments. It's not a great look. But get with your own people the racists, homophobes etc and then you can say what you want. Look in dark corners and those people are there.

I think some people genuinely don’t think they’re being racist when they come out with this ignorant crap.

I challenged a poster on here who said that she didn't want African men in the country because they're all letches. Her post wasn't deleted so presumably blatant racism is now 'free speech'.

Some anti immigration agitators are just caught up in the rhetoric online and probably don't think they're racist. Others are blatantly racist and loving the current climate. They think being called out is 'shutting down the discussion' or shutting them up, so they don't like it.

Apparently the Epping Facebook page, organising protests outside the Bell Hotel is run by a far right organisation. Robbinson announced he was going to join them and 'bring some true patriots' but he's run away. People don't realise they're being manipulated.

Because racism is horrible and there's no justification for it. They know this but think their racism is justified and therefore not racism.