My Cockamamie Plan

I have decided to go through with what I discussed in my previous post Odd Fascinations.
My plan (rough draft)
Step 1-Discuss race relations with both blacks and whites (as well as people representing various races) and ask both moderates, liberals, and those considered 'radical' by the mainstream why they believe racism exists.
Step 2-Try to locate people who could be classified as 'racist' and ask why they feel this way and how they have been able to hold on to their feelings during a time when racism is such a huge taboo.
Step 3- Try to determine the deciding factors of racism in America.

The Challenges
1) My skin color = HUGE problem
2) the fact that I'm an immigrant may or may not go over so well
3) People who are opposed to a certain race may not find it in their best interests to talk to a curious college sophomore, just because "I feel like finding out."
4) My mom. She already thinks I'm nuts. I'm sure after she finds out about this she'll have me committed, straitjacket and all. That's what I get for having a nurse for a mother.

The Disclaimer
This isn't a study or an experiment. I am just so damn curious and I feel like I can't rely on the mainstream media to tell me on its own. This is purely for the heck of it, as well as to finally and absolutely extinguish the curiosity within me. I will in no way put myself in harm's way. I'm a scaredy-cat to begin with (The other night as I was walking home by myself, I jumped when I saw my shadow. Seriously, I did!) so I won't be going to extreme lengths like reporters in Afghanistan...or in Alabama in the 1960s. I haven't fully lost it...yet.