Race and Ethnicity

Nov 17, 2014

Background

Conventional racial/ethnic classification Numbers and trends

Black Migration: South to North Urban to rural

Segregation/white supremacy Legal/political changes

Racial attitudes

“Traditional” prejudice Decline of traditional prejudice

Extent today Who is prejudiced

Black/white opinion today

Public Opinion, 1939

Do you think...A. There should be laws compelling Negroes to

live in certain districts 41%

B. There should be no laws, but there should be an unwritten understanding, backed up by social

pressure, to keep Negroes out of the neighborhoods where white people live 42%

C. Negroes should be allowed to live wherever

they want to live, and there should be no laws nor social pressure to keep them from it? 13%

Public Opinion, 1944 and 1999

1944 In general, do you think Negroes are as intelligent as white people--that is, can they learn just as well if they are given the same

education? Yes: 44%; No 47%; DK 8% (whites only)

1999: In general, do you think black people are more intelligent than whites, less intelligent than

whites, or about the same?

More 3%; Less 1%; About the same 92%; DK 4%

Beliefs about Discrimination

For each of the following groups, please tell me if you feel they are receiving too many special advantages, receiving fair treatment, or being discriminated against. How about... blacks... --are they receiving special advantages, receiving fair treatment, or being discriminated against?

White Black

Special Advantages 19% 1%

Fair Treatment 40% 20%

Discriminated Against 35% 72%

Beliefs about Discrimination (2)

For each of the following groups, please tell me if you feel they are receiving too many special advantages, receiving fair treatment, or being discriminated against. How about... whites... --are they receiving special advantages, receiving fair treatment, or being discriminated against?

White Black

Special Advantages 11% 35%

Fair Treatment 63% 46%

Discriminated Against 21% 12%

How serious a problem do you think racial discrimination against blacks

is in this country? (2010)

White Black Hisp

Very Serious 12% 38% 23%

Somewhat serious 39% 43% 51%

Not too serious 35% 18% 21%

Not at all serious 14% 1% 6%