I just read an internet comment denying that a southern strategy existed at all. Was Nixon the first to use racial grievances to gain support in the south? And when the strategy came out, we're people (particularly existing Republicans) offended, did they deny it? Or maybe it was not surprising/just another political strategy?
More can be written, but you might like to start with the FAQ section "Changing role of Republicans and Democrats" by Various. Political uses of racism is covered in several discussions. Methods and euphemism for Nixon was mentioned in "I've heard that the American South used to vote solidly Democratic. What happened, when did this change?" by /u/speculativereply.
This is not to discourage discussion. More questions, data and debate are welcome.