Implicit bias from society. I see a black man and my first reaction is fear. No other reason than "he looks scary". Everyone has such things about some race. It's simply due to society implanting these ideas in our heads.
Please see the definition of racism. If you literally think you're superior to a black person simply because of their skin, then yes, you're racist.
If you're scared of a skulking black dude in a hoodie on an urban street in the middle of the night - then you're just protecting yourself. I'd be scared of a white dude in the same situation.
If you're literally scared of every black person you encounter then that might be a you thing and not an everybody thing.
No, I mean, why them and not someone else. Let's say you can help one person. What makes them so special? Just because they live next to you? If that's the case then it's out of your own self interest, isn't it? By being good/nice/helping to them, they either accept you in some social circle or help/be good to you back.
You're taking "neighbor" too literally.
Anyone that you personally know you can help. For most people, that's gonna be someone who lives near you geographically because you actually interact with them and would know when/if they need help. It could be your coworkers, someone you see having car troubles on the side of the road, or a woman at the grocery store (ie the people around you).
Which is why I've repeatedly backed this up by saying if you are able to help out people across the world then go for it.
I can't even fathom why you're arguing against doing small acts of kindness and treating people with respect on a daily basis. I'm not arguing against doing grand things, I'm simply saying that you should
at least strive to be a good person to the people around you.
I dunno. Same reason I might go to Alabama?
You do know the Smoky Mountains are fucking gorgeous right? And there's a ton of historical and just plain beautiful landmarks in the South, plus the food here is bomb af. We have New Orleans, Savannah GA, Gatlinburg TN, Disney World, the Appalachian Trail, etc. People come from all over the world to see the South. Not to mention, people from out of town honestly do say how nice everyone is here. But none of these things will ever take you to government housing.