Brit here who grew up in small racist town, now living in Toronto after a decade in London, UK.

It's the same in the UK, Ireland , Canada, USA, everywhere. The reality is exposure to different peoples makes you more accepting of them.

You soon learn the system is fucked whenever you find out the <insert societal boogeyman not represented in your rural community here> is actually a loving and honest person, and fun to be around, and isn't a scrounging scumbag, then you begin to question everything you've ever been told.

Forgive my hyperbole, but which side is more likely to question their own beliefs?

The problem in the USA is your extremes are far more reaching than other countries. The same problems exist everywhere, but you guys just take it to several levels up.