on Bigotry

Is there something specific to the american psyche that makes the kind of casual bigotry that we see here so easy? I come originally from canada and while it is no paradise I do not see the kind of everyday sexism, racism and homophobia that i see here. There are bigots but everyone KNOWS they are bigots, including the bigots. It isn't just a "well you are in the South" thing either. i saw much the same in the three years that i spend in New England. I just don't get it. Someone explain please?