From Tiffany

Title: Marlow, are you racist?
In this passage, Marlow reflects on how useful his helmsman actually was and promptly throws the body overboard to prevent conflict between the pilgrims and the cannibals. At this point Marlow’s racism should be questioned, and his empathy mixes with his racism awkwardly. On one hand Marlow only views the helmsman as a "second rate" tool. He objectifies him as a "help" and an "instrument." However, Marlow also calls their relationship "a partnership" with a "subtle bond" or "distant kinship." These words/phrases connote equality and care for one another and we can see that Marlow no longer adamantly refuses to accept the natives as people.
We can also see his respect for his helmsman in his decision to quickly take throw the body overboard. Marlow’s refusal to allow either side (the pilgrims and cannibals) to take control over the body indicates Marlow’s respect for the native. The Europeans seem to be anything but trustworthy, and the cannibals eat their victims as a sign of their superiority. By distancing himself from both sides, Marlow cannot associate himself with the Europeans nor the natives and thus points to the possibility that he has become less racist.