It is surprising how deep this goes. I have student who is into debate and forensics. In fact he goes to regional competitions. I overheard him one day saying that he has a tactic where he implied, says, or asks if his opponent is a racist. Throws them off their game. Later, I asked him whether or not that tactic was underhanded as you could sucessfully brand someone a racist outside the debate? He didn't care so I asked him what would he do if his opponent doesn't not even care or reacts to the smear. He said that had never happened.
That is from a college educated young black man who wears a suit. Who knows where he will go in the future;