Maybe the threshold for what I would call "irrational hatred" is higher than yours?
Also, there are two sides to the equation: hatred (or whatever) on one side and fear that people can't get past trivial differences on the other. I have taken the path of not hiding who I am, and things have worked out well enough. I suspect others try much harder to fit in and ingratiate themselves with the locals. That may be the smart way to go under their circumstances.