Translation of racism in Spanish

On the drive into the city center we were a little shocked by the amount of motorcycles, by the pollution and stress in that city. After only two days in a small village we forgot how it was.
I understand that you use the article 'die' when talking about a feminine object, das when the subject is neutral, and der when talking about a masculine object. But how can you remember all these?
We spent a few hours around Plaza de Armas, the main square of the town, eating, shopping and sightseeing. A hassling boy tried to sell us some Peruvian chocolate for one Peso.