How Do I Write a Racist Character in a Christian Novel - How Far is Too far?

The publication of Johnny Came Home has been delayed due to a few slight revisions, but I'm hoping to have it published by Christmas.

One of the things I'm working on is this [and I'm hoping you can help me out here]: My protagonist is African American and my story takes place in a rural setting. As an Appalachian American [I love that term!], I can tell you that not all of us hicks are racists, but, alas!, some of us definitely are. It seems unrealistic to exclude racism from the novel, but how do I write a racist character without being overly vile or offensive?

Other elements to consider are that the protagonist was adopted by a Caucasian family and, well, he has a white girlfriend.

I'd appreciate any advice you can give me.

Rev Tony Breeden

Founder, DefGen.org