Closet racists [no wardrobe-shaming intended] might be the worst of racists, because they lack the courage to spew their misinformation or vitriol until just the right opportunity presents. They are "moral" vultures & are especially vile and vociferous when the flood gates open.
@EdgeOErin A friend of mine had a couple of dogs. One was very confident and territorial. Sometimes he got into squabbles with other dogs.
The other dog, however, never started a fight.
But if any dog or person got into an altercation, _that_ dog would run over and bite whoever was losing.
@AskTheDevil I agree, and I've also seen that behaviour in dogs.
@EdgeOErin Yes, even among social animals, it occasionally creates an animal that acts like an asshole. ; )
The closet racists remind me of that dog. Cowardly until they think someone else is a victim, then they run and side with the bully.