There’s been a spate of recent prominent figures who have been recorded during an unguarded moment uttering something one would ever say in polite company. It’s almost always racist.
When the storm over the recording gets to a level where it becomes uncomfortable for the recorded subject, a public statement will be released. It’s always a variation of the following as paraphrased: “I wasn’t raised that way. I didn’t grow up that way. I’m not racist”.
I recall an article or some media where an accused defendant in criminal court stated he didn’t know the law he broke existed. The judge’s retort was that ignorance of the law excuses no one: “Ignorantia juris non excusat”. It is a legal principle that has been around as long as civilization has codified rules and laws enforcing social norms. From this I would infer the something similar would apply to racism. Racism does NOT require one’s INTENT but rather one’s biased words or actions.
You can have a momentary lapse of judgement and still not become the thing you abhor so long as you understand and learn from that moment. Grow from it. Most of all, not repeat it. If not, then you’re just what they say you are.