I went to college in the 80’s. I had a history teacher explain to me how the Civil War and Jim Crow were not about gaining economic advantage from subjugation of free labor, but rather white men keeping white women in their place by demonizing black men.

I needed an A, and I got one. I told her what she wanted to hear. Not proud of that, but not ashamed either.

That crap was allowed to fester because it was only a few crazy people. Then it grew enough to spawn the likes of Trump.

I recommend this excellent book, “Jesus and John Wayne” by Kristin Du Mez who brings receipts for the argument that disaffected people were looking for a Trump to show up. (She is an evangelical who is not a fan of autocracy)

All this to say, you are correct.