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Race and Ethnicity      See also: Criminal justice | Immigration | Politics | Sports | Supreme Court


 
 

Suffolk University/USA Today Poll. June 12-15, 2022. N=1,000 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Some legal scholars say a Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade would open the door to overturning other decisions that recognized personal rights. Would you support or oppose a Supreme Court decision that overturned the right of interracial couples to marry?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/12-15/22

10 85 5    

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. April 8-12, 2021. N=1,237 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.8.

             

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way the police in the United States are doing their job?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

ALL

55 34 11    
 

Republicans

86 8 6    
 

Democrats

31 56 14    
 

Independents

61 30 9    
 

Whites

65 27 8    
 

Blacks

28 63 9    
 

Hispanics

46 40 14    
             

"Do you think the police in the United States are generally tougher on white people than on Black people, tougher on Black people than on white people, or do the police treat them both the same?"

 
    Tougher on
white people
Tougher on
Black people
Treat both
the same
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

1 50 41 7  
 

Republicans

1 19 73 7  
 

Democrats

1 86 9 4  
 

Independents

2 43 46 8  
 

Whites

2 46 46 6  
 

Blacks

- 79 10 11  
 

Hispanics

- 55 42 3  

 

CNN Poll conducted by SSRS. Aug. 28-Sept. 1, 2020. N=1,106 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.8.

             

"We'd like to get your overall opinion of some people in the news. As I read each name, please say if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of these people - or if you have never heard of them. ... The Black Lives Matter movement."

 
    Favorable Unfavorable Never
heard of
No
opinion
 
    % % % %  
 

8/28 - 9/1/20

51 38 4 7  
             

"How big a problem is racism in our society today? Is it a big problem, somewhat of a problem, a small problem, or not a problem at all?"

 
    A big
problem
Somewhat
of a problem
A small
problem
Not a
problem
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

8/28 - 9/1/20

55 29 9 6 1
 

White, non-Hispanic

51 33 10 5 1
 

Black, non-Hispanic

78 13 4 4 -
 
 

6/2-5/20

67 22 6 5 1
 

White, non-Hispanic

60 27 7 4 1
 

Black, non-Hispanic

88 9 2 1 0
             

"Thinking about the protests that have occurred recently after incidents where African Americans have been harmed or killed by police:

"In general, do you think the peaceful protests that have occurred in response to those situations have been justified or unjustified?"

 
    Justified Unjustified Unsure    
    % % %    
 

8/28 - 9/1/20

72 24 5    
 

White, non-Hispanic

74 21 5    
 

Black, non-Hispanic

79 21 -    
 
 

6/2-5/20

84 12 4    
 

White, non-Hispanic

88 9 3    
 

Black, non-Hispanic

80 17 3    
             

"In general, do you think the violent protests that have occurred in response to those situations have been justified or unjustified?"

 
    Justified Unjustified Unsure    
    % % %    
 

8/28 - 9/1/20

24 71 5    
 

White, non-Hispanic

24 72 4    
 

Black, non-Hispanic

37 57 6    
 
 

6/2-5/20

27 69 4    
 

White, non-Hispanic

23 73 4    
 

Black, non-Hispanic

39 58 3    
             

"Do you support or oppose federal government intervention in cities where protests over police brutality have turned violent?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

8/28 - 9/1/20

48 47 4    
             

"Do you think Donald Trump's response to recent protests has been more helpful or more harmful?" Options rotated

 
    More
helpful
More
harmful
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

8/28 - 9/1/20

33 58 9    
 

6/2-5/20

26 65 9    
             

"How likely do you think it is that there will be real changes in the way Blacks and other racial and ethnic minorities are treated in American society because of the protests that have happened this summer: very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, or not at all likely?"

 
    Very
likely
Somewhat
likely
Not too
likely
Not at all
likely
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

8/28 - 9/1/20

14 47 22 15 3

 

New York Times/Siena College Poll. June 17-22, 2020. N=1,337 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"I'm going to read a few names of people or groups in public life and I'd like you to tell me whether you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable impression of each. ... The Black Lives Matter movement."

 
    Very
favorable
Somewhat
favorable
Somewhat
unfavorable
Very
unfavorable
Don't know/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

6/17-22/20

44 22 11 14 9

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. June 11-15, 2020. N=1,332 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.7.

             

"Do you support or oppose the protests held around the country responding to the death of George Floyd at the hands of police?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

6/11-15/20

67 28 5    
             

"Do you think that discrimination against black people in the United States today is a serious problem, or don't you think so?"

 
    Think it is
a serious
problem
Don't
think so
Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

6/11-15/20

68 27 5    
             

"Do you think the protests around the country calling to end racial inequality in the United States will lead to meaningful reforms, or don't you think so?"

 
    Think
they will
Don't
think so
Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

6/11-15/20

55 38 7    
             

"Do you support or oppose removing Confederate statues from public spaces around the country?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

6/11-15/20

52 44 5    
 

8/17-22/17

39

50

10

   
             

"Do you support or oppose renaming military bases that were named after Confederate generals?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

6/11-15/20

47 47 5    
             

"Is your opinion of the Black Lives Matter movement favorable, unfavorable, or haven't you heard enough about it?"

 
    Favorable Unfavorable Haven't
heard enough
Refused  
    % % % %  
 

6/11-15/20

57 30 10 4  

 

Washington Post-Schar School Poll. June 2-7, 2020. N=1,006 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"As you may have heard, a black man named George Floyd was killed in police custody in Minnesota after three white police officers kneeled on his neck and body. Four officers were fired and have been charged in Floyd's death, including one who was charged with murder. ..." [Interviews conducted June 2 ended with: "Four officers were fired and one was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter."]

"Do you think the killing of George Floyd was an isolated incident or a sign of broader problems in treatment of black Americans by police?"
Options rotated

 
    Isolated
incident
Broader
problems
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/2-7/20

29 69 2    
             

"Do you support or oppose protests following Floyd's killing that have taken place in cities across the country?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/2-7/20

74 25 1    
             

"Do you think protests have been mostly peaceful or mostly violent?" Options rotated

 
    Mostly
peaceful
Mostly
violent
Both
equally
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

6/2-7/20

43 43 13 1  
             

"When violence has occurred, who do you think is most to blame: police, protesters, or other people acting irresponsibly?"

 
    Police Protesters Other
people
Mix
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

6/2-7/20

14 10 66 9 1
             

"Do you think police are using too much force when dealing with protesters in cities across the country, are not using enough force, or are they handling this about right?"

 
    Too
much
Not
enough
About
right
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

6/2-7/20

45 15 38 3  
             

"Do you think police are using too much force when dealing with peaceful protesters, are not using enough force, or are they handling this about right?"

 
    Too
much
Not
enough
About
right
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

6/2-7/20

44 4 50 2  
             

"Do you think police are using too much force when dealing with people vandalizing or looting businesses, are not using enough force, or are they handling this about right?"

 
    Too
much
Not
enough
About
right
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

6/2-7/20

16 47 34 3  
             

"Which comes closer to your view, even if neither is exactly right? Police in America have made the changes needed to treat blacks equally to whites. OR, Police in America need to continue making changes to treat blacks equally to whites." Options rotated

 
    Have made
changes
needed
Need to
continue
making
changes
Both
(vol.)
Neither
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

6/2-7/20

13 81 3 1 2

 

CNN Poll conducted by SSRS. June 2-5, 2020. N=1,259 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.4.

             

"In general, do you think that the country's criminal justice system treats whites and blacks equally, or does it favor whites over blacks?"

 
    Treats
equally
Favors
whites
Favors
blacks (vol.)
Depends
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

ALL

24 67 1 3 5
 

White, non-Hispanic

29 63 1 2 6
 

Black, non-Hispanic

6 88 1 2 3

 

CBS News Poll. May 29-June 2, 2020. N=1,309 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Do you think race relations in the United States are generally good or generally bad?"

 
    Generally
good
Generally
bad
Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

5/29 - 6/2/20

35

61

4

   
 

7/8-12/16

26

69

5

   
 

12/6-9/14

45

43

13

   
 

8/19-20/14

47

44

10

   
 

4/30 - 5/1/14

55

33

12

   
 

3/26-30/14

59

34

7

   
 

8/7-11/13

57

32

11

   
             

"Do you think race relations in the United States are getting better, getting worse, or staying about the same?"

 
    Getting
better
Getting
worse
Staying
the same
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

5/29 - 6/2/20

17

42

39

2

 
 

7/8-12/16

9

59

30

1

 
 

12/6-9/14

22

36

40

2

 
             

"In general, who do you think has a better chance of getting ahead in today's society: white people, black people, or do white people and black people have about an equal chance of getting ahead?"

 
    White
people
Black
people
About
equal
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

5/29 - 6/2/20

52

3

42

3

 
 

6/18-22/14

30

5

61

4

 
 

3/26-30/14

34

5

59

3

 
 

8/7-11/13

32

6

56

6

 
             

"Some people say that since the 1960s there has been a lot of real progress in getting rid of racial discrimination against blacks. Others say that there hasn't been much real progress for blacks over that time. Which do you agree with more? Would you say there's been a lot of real progress getting rid of racial discrimination, or hasn't there been much real progress?"

 
    A lot
of real
progress
Hasn't been
much real
progress
Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

5/29 - 6/2/20

56

41

3

   
 

6/18-22/14

78

19

2

   
 

3/26-30/14

79

20

2

   
 

8/7-11/13

73

20

7

   
             

"How much discrimination do you think there is against each of these groups in society today: a lot, some, only a little, or none at all? ..."

 
    A lot Some Only
a little
None at
all (vol.)
Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

"African Americans"

 

5/29 - 6/2/20

50 31 12 5 1
             
 

"Whites"

 

5/29 - 6/2/20

9 25 27 38 1
             
 

"Hispanics"

 

5/29 - 6/2/20

36 39 18 7 1
             

"In general, do you think the police in most communities are more likely to use deadly force against a black person, more likely to use it against a white person, or don't you think race affects police use of deadly force?"

 
    More likely
against a
black person
More likely
against a
white person
Race doesn't
affect use
of force
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

5/29 - 6/2/20

57 3 36 5  
 

7/8-12/16

43

1

49

7

 
 

12/6-9/14

40

2

51

7

 
 

8/19-20/14

37

1

50

11

 
             

"How much have you heard or read about the events in Minneapolis where George Floyd died after being taken into police custody and the protests that followed: a lot, some, or not much?"

 
    A lot Some Not much Nothing at
all (vol.)
Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

5/29 - 6/2/20

70 21 8 1 1
             

"From what you know, do you think the use of force by Minneapolis police officers when detaining George Floyd was justified, or not justified, or don't you know enough to say?"

 
    Justified Not
justified
Don't know
enough
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

5/29 - 6/2/20

2 81 16 1  

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by Hart Research Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R). May 29-June 2, 2020. N=745 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.6.

             

"As you may know, an African American man died in Minneapolis after a police officer pinned the man to the ground and put his knee on his throat for about eight minutes. There have now been a number of protests, some of which have turned violent. Although both may be of concern to you, which one concerns you more: the actions of the police and the death of an African American man, or protests that have turned violent?" Options rotated

 
    Actions of
police, death
Protests that
turned violent
Both
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

ALL

59 27 13 1  
 

Whites

54 30 15 1  
 

Blacks

78 15 6 1  
 

Hispanics

65 27 6 2  

 

Monmouth University Poll. May 29-June 1, 2020. N=759 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.6.

             

"Do you think that racial and ethnic discrimination in the United States is a problem or not a problem?" If a problem: "Is it a big problem or a small problem?"

 
    A big
problem
A small
problem
A problem/
Not sure if
big or small
Not a
problem
 
    % % % %  
 

5/29 - 6/1/20

76 12 4 7  
             

"Have race relations in the United States become better or worse since Donald Trump became president, or has there been no change?"

 
    Better Worse No change Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

5/29 - 6/1/20

10 53 33 4  
             

"When faced with a difficult or dangerous situation, are police officers more likely to use excessive force if the culprit is black, or are they just as likely to use excessive force against black and white culprits given the same type of situation?"

 
    More
likely
Just as
likely
Police
do not use
excessive
force (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

5/29 - 6/1/20

57 33 1 9  
             

"Have you heard about the protests across the country, including the burning of a police precinct in Minneapolis, in reaction to a recent incident where a black man died when a police officer kneeled on his neck, or have you not heard about this?"

 
    Have
heard
Have not
heard
     
    % %      
 

5/29 - 6/1/20

97 3      
             

If have heard about the protests: "Given what happened, do you think the actions of the protestors were fully justified, partially justified, or not at all justified?" Results based on total sample

 
    Fully
justified
Partially
justified
Not at all
justified
Depends
(vol.)/Unsure
Not aware
of protests
    % % % % %
 

5/29 - 6/1/20

17 37 38 5 3
             

If have heard about the protests: "Regardless of the actual actions taken, do you think the anger that led to these protests was fully justified, partially justified, or not at all justified?" Results based on total sample

 
    Fully
justified
Partially
justified
Not at all
justified
Depends
(vol.)
Not aware
of protests
    % % % % %
 

ALL

57 21 18 1 3
 

Republicans

37 20 40 1 1
 

Independents

60 25 11 0 3
 

Democrats

71 18 8 0 4

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by Hart Research Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R). Aug. 10-14, 2019. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Since Donald Trump has been president, do you believe that race relations in the country have gotten better, gotten worse, or stayed about the same?"

 
    Gotten
better
Gotten
worse
Stayed
the same
Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

10 56 33 1  
 

Whites

11 47 41 1  
 

Blacks

5 86 9 -  
 

Hispanics

7 74 19 -  
             

"How worried are you that the United States will experience another mass shooting or attack by white nationalists, targeting people based on their color or country of origin: very worried, fairly worried, only slightly worried, or not really worried at all?"

 
    Very
worried
Fairly
worried
Only
slightly
worried
Not really
worried
at all
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

8/10-14/19

55 13 15 15 2

 

NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll. July 15-17, 2019. N=1,346 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Do you think providing reparations for slavery is a good idea or a bad idea?"

 
    A good
idea
A bad
idea
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/15-17/19

27 62 11    

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. March 21-25, 2019. N=1,358 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.3.

             

"Do you think that white supremacist groups pose a threat to the United States, or not?"

 
    Think
they do
Do not Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

3/21-25/19

65

29

6

 

 

 

11/14-19/18

61

36

4

 

 

 

8/17-22/17

64

34

2

 

 


 

Quinnipiac University. Jan. 19-23, 2018. N=1,245 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.3.

             

"How serious a problem do you think that prejudice against minority groups is in the United States today: a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, a not so serious problem, or not a problem at all?"

 
    Very
serious
Somewhat
serious
Not so
serious
Not a
problem
Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

1/19-23/18

48

33

11

6

2

 

1/5-9/17

47

32

13

6

3


 

Quinnipiac University. Aug. 17-22, 2017. N=1,514 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"As you may know, there were two major groups involved in the situation in Charlottesville, the white supremacist protesters, and the people who were there to protest against them, known as the counter-protesters. Who do you believe is more to blame for the violence in Charlottesville: the white supremacist protesters or the counter-protesters?"

 
    White supremacists Counter-
protesters
Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

8/17-22/17

63

16

21

 

 


 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Aug. 16-20, 2017. N=1,014 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"As far as you know, do you think the alt-right does or does not hold neo-Nazi or white supremacist views?"

 
    Does Does not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

8/16-20/17

39

21

39

 

 

             

"Do you yourself think it's acceptable or unacceptable to hold neo-Nazi or white supremacist views?"

 
    Acceptable Unacceptable Unsure    
    % % %    
 

8/16-20/17

9

83

8

 

 


 

NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll. Aug. 14-15, 2017. N=1,125 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.9.

             

"What is your opinion with regard to race relations in the United States today? Would you say things are better, about the same, or are worse than they were a year ago?"

 
    Better About
the same
Worse Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

8/14-15/17

9

33

52

6

 

             

"Do you think statues honoring leaders of the Confederacy should remain as a historical symbol, or be removed because they are offensive to some people?"

 
    Remain Be removed Unsure    
    % % %    
 

8/14-15/17

62

27

11

 

 

             

"From what you have heard or seen about each of the following, do you mostly agree or mostly disagree with their beliefs? ..."

 
    Mostly
agree
Mostly
disagree
No opinion
either way
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 
 

"The white supremacy movement"

 

8/14-15/17

4

86

4

6

 

 
 

"White nationalists"

 

8/14-15/17

4

73

7

15

 

 
 

"Black Lives Matter"

 

8/14-15/17

50

33

7

9

 

 
 

"Ku Klux Klan"

 

8/14-15/17

2

94

2

2

 


 

Quinnipiac University. Jan. 5-9, 2017. N=899 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.3.

             

"How serious a problem do you think that prejudice against minority groups is in the United States today: a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, a not so serious problem, or not a problem at all?"

 
    Very
serious
Somewhat
serious
Not so
serious
Not a
problem
Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

ALL

47

32

13

6

3

 

Republicans

27

39

24

9

1

 

Democrats

70

23

1

4

1

 

Independents

45

35

15

4

1

             

"Now that Donald Trump has been elected president, are you more concerned about discrimination and violence against minorities, less concerned, or concerned about the same amount?"

 
    More
concerned
Less
concerned
About
the same
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

48

15

35

2

 
 

Republicans

12

35

52

1

 
 

Democrats

83

1

15

1

 
 

Independents

49

11

37

3

 

 

CNN/ORC Poll. Sept. 28-Oct. 2, 2016. N=1,501 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.5.

             

"We'd like to get your overall opinion of some people in the news. As I read each name, please say if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of these people -- or if you have never heard of them. The Black Lives Matter movement."

 
    Favorable Unfavorable Never
heard of
No opinion/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

9/28 - 10/2/16

44

40

5

11

 
 
 

8/13-16/15

37

30

24

9

 
 

Democrats

59

12

22

6

 
 

Independents

34

33

24

9

 
 

Republicans

20

46

25

10

 

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. July 8-12, 2016. N=1,600 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.
For 12/14 survey (per CBS News): "Additional interviews were conducted with African Americans, who had previously completed a survey as part of a random sample, to yield a sample size of 287 African Americans. 698 whites were interviewed. The combined African American and non-African American samples were weighted separately to match their group’s population characteristics such as gender, age, education, region, marital status and phone use based on recent U.S. Census estimates. The samples were then combined and weighted to the total U.S. adult population."

             

"Do you think race relations in the United States are generally good or generally bad?"

 
    Generally
good
Generally
bad
Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

7/8-12/16

26

69

5

   
 

Whites

25

71

4

   
 

Blacks

24

72

3

   
 
 

12/6-9/14

45

43

13

   
 

Whites

47

42

11

   
 

Blacks

34

54

12

   
 
 

8/19-20/14

47

44

10

   
 

Whites

49

41

10

   
 

Blacks

44

48

9

   
 
 

4/30 - 5/1/14

55

33

12

   
 

Whites

60

27

13

   
 

Blacks

46

46

8

   
 
 

3/26-30/14

59

34

7

   
 

Whites

60

33

8

   
 

Blacks

55

40

5

   
 
 

8/7-11/13

57

32

11

   
 

Whites

58

31

10

   
 

Blacks

46

41

13

   
             

"Do you think race relations in the United States are getting better, getting worse or staying about the same?"

 
    Getting
better
Getting
worse
Staying
the same
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

7/8-12/16

9

59

30

1

 
 

Whites

9

62

28

1

 
 

Blacks

11

53

36

-

 
 
 

12/6-9/14

22

36

40

2

 
 

Whites

22

36

40

2

 
 

Blacks

11

46

41

2

 
             

"How would you describe your feelings about the police in your community? Would you say they make you feel mostly safe or mostly anxious?" Options rotated

 
    Mostly
safe
Mostly
anxious
Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

7/8-12/16

80

18

2

   
 

Whites

85

14

2

   
 

Blacks

53

45

2

   
             

"In general, do you think the police in most communities are more likely to use deadly force against a black person, or more likely to use it against a white person, or don't you think race affects police use of deadly force?"

 
    Against a
black person
Against a
white person
Race doesn't
affect use
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

7/8-12/16

43

1

49

7

 
 

Whites

36

1

56

6

 
 

Blacks

75

1

18

7

 
 
 

12/6-9/14

40

2

51

7

 
 

Whites

33

2

57

8

 
 

Blacks

84

-

10

6

 
 
 

8/19-20/14

37

1

50

11

 
 

Whites

31

1

58

10

 
 

Blacks

71

-

20

9

 
             

"How would you rate the job your local police are doing in your community: excellent, good, fair, or poor?"

 
    Excellent Good Fair Poor Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

7/8-12/16

38

37

17

7

1

 

Whites

45

36

15

3

1

 

Blacks

13

30

34

23

1

             

"From what you have heard or seen about Black Lives Matter, do you mostly agree or mostly disagree with Black Lives Matter, or don't you have an opinion either way?"

 
    Mostly
agree
Mostly
disagree
No opinion Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

7/8-12/16

41

25

29

4

 
 

Whites

37

31

28

4

 
 

Blacks

70

7

22

2

 

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. July 14-19, 2015. N=1,205 adults nationwide (margin of error ± 3), including 751 whites (± 4), and, with an oversample, 312 blacks (± 8).

             

"Do you, yourself, see the Confederate flag more as a symbol of Southern pride or more as a symbol of racism?" Options rotated

 
    Southern
pride
Racism Both
equally (vol.)
Neither
(vol.)
Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

ALL

51

35

3

5

6

 

Whites

57

30

2

5

6

 

Blacks

21

68

4

2

4

             

"As you may know, South Carolina has removed the Confederate flag from the grounds of the State Capitol. Do you approve or disapprove of this decision?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

ALL

55

35

10

   
 

Whites

52

39

10

   
 

Blacks

81

12

7

   

 

CNN/ORC Poll. June 26-28, 2015. N=1,017 adults nationwide (margin of error ± 3), including, with an oversample, 303 blacks (± 5.5).

             

"Do you, yourself, see the Confederate flag more as a symbol of Southern pride or more as a symbol of racism?"

 
    Southern
pride
Racism Both
equally (vol.)
Neither
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

ALL

57

33

5

5

1

 

Whites

66

25

3

6

1

 

Blacks

17

72

7

4

1

 

Democrats

34

58

4

3

-

 

Independents

60

27

6

6

1

 

Republicans

77

14

1

8

-


 

CNN/ORC Poll. Feb. 12-15, 2015. N=1,027 adults nationwide (margin of error ± 3), including 733 non-Hispanic whites (± 3.5), and, with an oversample, 309 blacks (± 5.5).

             

"Do you think relations between blacks and whites in the U.S. have gotten better, gotten worse, or stayed the same since Barack Obama became president?"

 
    Gotten
better
Gotten
worse
Stayed
the same
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

2/12-15/15

15

39

45

1

 

 

Whites

11

45

44

-

 

 

Blacks

25

26

47

2

 

 
 

5/16-18/09

32

6

59

2

 

 

Whites

30

6

61

3

 

 

Blacks

37

2

60

1

 

             

"In general, do you think that the country's criminal justice system treats whites and blacks equally, or does it favor whites over blacks?"

 
    Treats
equally
Favors
whites
Favors
blacks (vol.)
Depends
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

2/12-15/15

42

50

4

2

2

 

Whites

49

42

6

1

2

 

Blacks

19

76

-

3

2

 
 

12/18-21/14

41

51

1

6

1

 

Whites

50

42

1

5

2

 

Non-whites

21

69

1

8

-

 

Democrats

19

76

1

3

1

 

Independents

42

47

2

8

1

 

Republicans

65

28

1

4

2

             

"As you may know, the Voting Rights Act was passed in the 1960s to prevent state and local governments from using rules and procedures which prevented many blacks from voting. Do you think the Voting Rights Act is necessary today to make sure that blacks are allowed to vote, or do you think the Voting Rights Act is no longer necessary?"

 
    Is
necessary
No longer
necessary
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/12-15/15

51

47

1

 

 

 

Whites

48

50

2

 

 

 

Blacks

76

23

-

 

 

 

Democrats

62

38

-

 

 

 

Independents

52

47

1

 

 

 

Republicans

37

61

2

 

 

 
 

6/11-13/13

48

50

2

 

 

 

1/12-15/09

52

47

1

 

 

             

"In general, do you think blacks have as good a chance as white people in your community to get any kind of job for which they are qualified, or don't you think they have as good a chance?"

 
    As good
a chance
Not as good
a chance
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

2/12-15/15

72

28

1

 

 

 

Whites

81

19

1

 

 

 

Blacks

45

54

1

 

 

 
 

12/16-20/09

72

26

2

 

 

 

Whites

76

22

2

 

 

 

Blacks

45

54

1

 

 


 

CNN/ORC Poll. Dec. 18-21, 2014. N=1,011 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Do you think that relations between blacks and whites will always be a problem for the United States, or that a solution will eventually be worked out?"

 
    Always be
a problem
Eventually
worked out
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

46

52

2

 

 

 

Whites

46

53

2

 

 

 

Non-whites

48

50

3

 

 

 
 

7/16-21/10

48

51

1

 

 

 

5/16-18/09

43

54

3

 

 

 

1/12-15/09

45

55

1

 

 

 

11/6-9/08

43

56

1

 

 

 

3/26 - 4/2/08

42

56

2

 

 

 

1/14-17/08

44

55

1

 

 

             

"In general, how many police officers in the area where you live do you feel are prejudiced against blacks: most of them, some of them, only a few of them, or almost none of them?"

 
    ALL Whites Non-whites    
    % % %    
  12/18-21/14:
 

Most

10 5 22

 

 

 

Some

15 12 20

 

 

 

Only a few

22 21 26

 

 

 

Almost none

40 48 21

 

 

 

All (vol.)

1 1 2

 

 

 

None (vol.)

8 9 4

 

 

 

Unsure

4 4 5

 

 

             
  11/21-23/14:
 

Most

8 7 10

 

 

 

Some

16 12 23

 

 

 

Only a few

24 22 29

 

 

 

Almost none

37 40 32

 

 

 

All (vol.)

- - 1

 

 

 

None (vol.)

8 10 3

 

 

 

Unsure

6 7 2

 

 


 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Dec. 11-14, 2014. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5. Note: An additional 12 interviews with blacks conducted Dec. 15, 2014.

             

"Do you think blacks and other minorities receive equal treatment as whites in the criminal justice system or not?"

 
    Receive equal
treatment
Do not
receive equal
treatment
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

43

54

4

 

 

 

Whites

52

44

4

 

 

 

Blacks

10

89

1

 

 

 

Hispanics

35

60

5

 

 

             

"How confident are you that the police in this country treat whites and blacks equally: very confident, somewhat confident, not so confident or not confident at all?"

 
    Very
confident
Somewhat
confident
Not so
confident
Not confident
at all
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

ALL

21

32

22

24

2

 

Whites

26

37

19

17

1

 

Blacks

3

18

20

57

1

 

Hispanics

15

25

29

29

3

             

"How confident are you that the police in this country try hard enough to maintain good relations with different groups in the community: very confident, somewhat confident, not so confident or not confident at all?"

 
    Very
confident
Somewhat
confident
Not so
confident
Not confident
at all
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

ALL

25

41

19

14

1

 

Whites

31

43

15

10

1

 

Blacks

4

32

38

26

1

 

Hispanics

21

37

18

21

3

             

"How confident are you that the police in this country are adequately trained to avoid the use of excessive force: very confident, somewhat confident, not so confident or not confident at all?"

 
    Very
confident
Somewhat
confident
Not so
confident
Not confident
at all
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

ALL

20

34

23

21

2

 

Whites

23

39

20

16

2

 

Blacks

4

25

30

41

0

 

Hispanics

22

22

25

27

4

             

"How confident are you that the police in this country are held accountable for any misconduct: very confident, somewhat confident, not so confident or not confident at all?"

 
    Very
confident
Somewhat
confident
Not so
confident
Not confident
at all
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

ALL

19

33

22

24

2

 

Whites

23

37

21

17

2

 

Blacks

5

20

17

57

0

 

Hispanics

20

15

33

28

3

             

"As you may know, a grand jury has decided not to bring criminal charges against a white police officer in New York City over the choking death of an unarmed black man last summer. Do you approve or disapprove of the grand jury's decision not to charge the police officer?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

31

57

12

 

 

 

Whites

38

49

14

 

 

 

Blacks

6

91

3

 

 

 

Hispanics

25

60

15

 

 

             

"Do you think the recent killings of unarmed African American men by police in Ferguson, Missouri, and New York City are isolated incidents, or a sign of broader problems in treatment of African Americans by police?" Options rotated

 
    Isolated
incidents
Broader
problems
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

51

43

6

 

 

 

Whites

60

35

5

 

 

 

Blacks

18

74

8

 

 

 

Hispanics

45

51

4

 

 


 

CBS News Poll. Dec. 6-9, 2014. N=1,122 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.
Per CBS News: "Additional interviews were conducted with African Americans, who had previously completed a survey as part of a random sample, to yield a sample size of 287 African Americans. 698 whites were interviewed. The combined African American and non-African American samples were weighted separately to match their group’s population characteristics such as gender, age, education, region, marital status and phone use based on recent U.S. Census estimates. The samples were then combined and weighted to the total U.S. adult population."

             

"Do you think race relations in YOUR COMMUNITY are generally good or generally bad?"

 
    Good Bad Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

12/6-9/14

78

17

5

   
 

Whites

80

14

6

   
 

Blacks

66

28

5

   
 
 

8/19-20/14

78

18

4

   
 

Whites

82

15

3

   
 

Blacks

73

23

4

   
 
 

3/26-30/14

78

18

3

   
 

Whites

81

16

3

   
 

Blacks

70

26

4

   
 
 

8/7-11/13

79

15

5

   
 

Whites

80

14

5

   
 

Blacks

78

18

4

   
             

"In general, do you think police officers stop people of certain racial or ethnic groups because they believe that these groups are more likely than others to commit certain types of crimes, or don't you think this happens?"

 
    Stop certain
people
Don't think
this happens
Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

12/6-9/14

65

28

7

   
 

Whites

61

33

6

   
 

Blacks

88

8

4

   
             

"Was there ever a specific instance when you felt discriminated against by the police because of your race or ethnic background?"

 
    Yes No Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

12/6-9/14

18

81

-

   
 

Whites

10

90

-

   
 

Blacks

54

46

-

   
 
 

8/19-20/14

16

83

1

   
 

Whites

7

93

1

   
 

Blacks

45

55

-

   
 
 

7/24-28/09

18

82

0

   
             

"Do you think the racial makeup of a community's police department should be similar to the racial makeup of that community as a whole, or don't you think that's necessary?"

 
    Should
be similar
Not
necessary
Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

12/6-9/14

51

44

5

   
 

Whites

48

46

5

   
 

Blacks

63

34

3

   
 
 

8/19-20/14

46

50

4

   
 

Whites

46

50

4

   
 

Blacks

56

41

3

   
             

"How much have you heard or read about a grand jury's decision not to indict police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri: a lot, some or not much?"

 
    A lot Some Not much Nothing at
all (vol.)
Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

ALL

62

20

16

2

1

 

Whites

61

20

16

2

1

 

Blacks

72

17

10

1

-

             

"From what you know, do you think the shooting of Michael Brown by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson was justified, or not justified, or don't you know enough to say?"
Aug. 2014: "From what you know, do you think the shooting of Michael Brown by police in Ferguson was justified, or not justified, or don't you know enough to say?"

 
    Justified Not
justified
Don't know
enough
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

12/6-9/14

36

25

36

2

 
 

Whites

43

20

35

2

 
 

Blacks

6

64

29

-

 
 
 

8/19-20/14

9

25

64

2

 
 

Whites

12

18

68

2

 
 

Blacks

2

57

39

2

 
             

"How do you feel about a grand jury's decision to not indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown -- are you pleased, satisfied but not pleased, disappointed but not angry, or angry?"

 
    Pleased Satisfied Disappointed Angry Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

ALL

19

26

28

13

14

 

Whites

22

29

22

11

15

 

Blacks

4

9

55

27

5

             

"Do you think race was a major factor, a minor factor or not a factor in the death of Michael Brown?"

 
    Major
factor
Minor
factor
Not a
factor
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

29

20

41

10

 
 

Whites

22

20

48

10

 
 

Blacks

75

13

9

3

 
             

"How much have you heard or read about a grand jury's decision not to indict police officer Daniel Pantaleo in the death of Eric Garner in Staten island, New York: a lot, some or not much?"

 
    A lot Some Not much Nothing at
all (vol.)
Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

ALL

39

26

29

4

2

 

Whites

37

28

28

4

2

 

Blacks

57

21

20

2

1

             

"From what you know, do you think the use of force by New York City police officers in the arrest of Eric Garner was justified, or not justified, or don't you know enough to say?"

 
    Justified Not
justified
Don't know
enough
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

12/6-9/14

12

41

45

2

 
 

Whites

14

38

46

1

 
 

Blacks

3

68

29

1

 
             

"How do you feel about a grand jury's decision to not indict New York City police officer Daniel Pantaleo in the death of Eric Garner -- are you pleased, satisfied but not pleased, disappointed but not angry, or angry?"

 
    Pleased Satisfied Disappointed Angry Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

ALL

7

17

35

19

23

 

Whites

8

19

32

17

23

 

Blacks

1

8

51

36

5

             

"Do you think race was a major factor, a minor factor or not a factor in the death of Eric Garner?"

 
    Major
factor
Minor
factor
Not a
factor
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

29

16

36

19

 
 

Whites

23

15

41

21

 
 

Blacks

66

17

13

4

 

 

Pew Research Center/USA Today. Dec. 3-7, 2014. N=1,507 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.9.

             

"How much, if anything, have you read or heard about the decision by a grand jury not to charge Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Ferguson, Missouri, teen Michael Brown? Have you heard a lot, a little, or nothing at all?"

 
    A lot A little Nothing
at all
   
    % % %    
 

12/3-7/14

75 19

6

   
             

"All things considered, do you think the grand jury made the right decision or the wrong decision not to charge Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown?"

 
    Right
decision
Wrong
decision
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

ALL

50

37

13    
 

Whites

64

23

13    
 

Blacks

10

80

10    
             

"Do you think that race was a major factor, a minor factor or not a factor at all in the decision not to charge Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown?"

 
    Major
factor
Minor
factor
Not a
factor
Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

27

16

48 9  
 

Whites

16

17

60 7  
 

Blacks

64

17

9 10  
             

"How much, if anything, have you read or heard about the decision by a grand jury not to charge a police officer in the choking death of New York City man Eric Garner? Have you heard a lot, a little, or nothing at all?" Asked Dec. 4-7, 2014, N=1,114.

 
    A lot A little Nothing
at all
Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

12/4-7/14

52 33

15

1  
             

"All things considered, do you think the grand jury made the right decision or the wrong decision not to charge a police officer in the death of Eric Garner?" Asked Dec. 4-7, 2014, N=1,114.

 
    Right
decision
Wrong
decision
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

ALL

22

57

20    
 

Whites

28

47

25    
 

Blacks

2

90

8    
             

"Do you think that race was a major factor, a minor factor or not a factor at all in the decision not to charge a police officer in the death of Eric Garner?" Asked Dec. 4-7, 2014, N=1,114.

 
    Major
factor
Minor
factor
Not a
factor
Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

28

16

39 17  
 

Whites

18

16

48 18  
 

Blacks

62

18

11 9  
             

"Over the course of the next year, do you think relations between local police forces and minorities in communities around the country will get better, get worse, or stay about the same?"

 
    Get
better
Get
worse
Stay about
the same
Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

21

35

42 2  
 

Whites

21

34

43 1  
 

Blacks

16

52

31 1  
 

Hispanics

27

23

48 3  

 

NBC News/Marist Poll. Dec. 4-5, 2014. N=1,018 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"How much confidence do you have in police officers in your community to treat blacks and whites equally: a great deal, a fair amount, just some, or very little confidence?"

 
    A great
deal
A fair
amount
Just
some
Very
little
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

ALL

44

25

11

16

4

 

Whites

52

26

9

10

3

 

Blacks

12

21

20

43

5

 

Latinos

29

28

18

20

6

             

"Have you heard a lot, quite a bit, some, or nothing at all about the recent grand jury decisions in Ferguson, Missouri, and Staten Island, New York, not to indict police officers in the killing of unarmed men?"

 
    A lot Quite
a bit
Some Nothing
at all
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

62

14

16

7

 
 

Whites

65

15

15

5

 
 

Blacks

59

19

12

10

 
 

Latinos

47

10

27

16

 
             

"Have those decisions increased or decreased your confidence in the legal system?"

 
    Increased Decreased Made no
difference
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

ALL

17

43

32

8

 
 

Whites

21

35

36

8

 
 

Blacks

9

70

14

7

 
 

Latinos

8

57

28

7

 
             

"Do you agree or disagree that law enforcement applies different standards to whites and blacks? ... And, do you feel that way strongly or not so strongly?"

 
    Strongly
agree
Not so
strongly
agree
Not so
strongly
disagree
Strongly
disagree
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

ALL

36

11

8

36

9

 

Whites

28

11

9

42

10

 

Blacks

80

2

4

10

5

 

Latinos

34

19

5

33

8

             

"Do you approve or disapprove of President Obama's handling of these grand jury decisions?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

30

46

24    
 

Whites

27

49

24    
 

Blacks

35

46

19    
 

Latinos

36

38

26    

 

Bloomberg Politics Poll conducted by Selzer & Co. Dec. 3-5, 2014. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Do you think race relations have gotten better, gotten worse, or stayed about the same under the first black president?"

 
    Better Worse About
the same
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

ALL

9 53

36

2

 
 

Whites

7 56

35

2

 
 

Blacks

15 45

36

4

 
             

"A grand jury in Ferguson, Missouri, decided not to bring criminal charges against a white police officer in the shooting of an unarmed black teenager last summer. Do you agree or disagree with that decision?"

 
    Agree Disagree Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

52

36

12    
 

Whites

64

25

11    
 

Blacks

4

89

7    
             

"A grand jury in New York City decided not to bring criminal charges against a white police officer in the choke-hold death of an unarmed black man last summer. The man was being arrested for selling cigarettes illegally and began arguing with police. Do you agree or disagree with that decision?" Per Selzer & Co.: "Question inserted shortly after interviewing had begun; n=911."

 
    Agree Disagree Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

25

60

15    
 

Whites

32

52

16    
 

Blacks

6

90

4    

 

Public Religion Research Institute. Nov. 25-30, 2014. N=1,011 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.6.

             

"Please tell me if you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly DISagree or completely disagree with the following statement: Blacks and other minorities receive equal treatment as whites in the criminal justice system."

 
    Completely
agree
Mostly
agree
Mostly
disagree
Completely
disagree
Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

11/25-30/14

17

29

30

23

2


 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Nov. 25-26 & 28-30, 2014. N=1,011 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"As you may know, a grand jury has decided not to bring criminal charges against a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, over the shooting of an unarmed black teenager last summer. Do you approve or disapprove of the grand jury's decision not to charge the police officer?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

48

45

7

 

 

 

Whites

58

35

7

 

 

 

Blacks

9

85

6

 

 

 

Hispanics

32

61

7

 

 

             

"Would you approve or disapprove of the federal government bringing civil rights charges against the police officer?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

48

47

5

 

 

 

Whites

38

57

6

 

 

 

Blacks

85

12

3

 

 

 

Hispanics

67

29

4

 

 

             

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way the police and other local authorities have handled the protests in Ferguson?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

39

52

9

 

 

 

Whites

41

48

10

 

 

 

Blacks

25

70

5

 

 

 

Hispanics

39

55

6

 

 

             

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama has handled this issue?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

39

52

9

 

 

 

Whites

34

58

8

 

 

 

Blacks

63

30

7

 

 

 

Hispanics

41

47

12

 

 


 

CNN/ORC Poll. Nov. 21-23, 2014. N=1,045 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Now here are a few questions about recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, where a grand jury is deciding whether a police officer named Darren Wilson should be indicted for shooting a black teenager named Michael Brown in August. As you may know, grand juries only decide whether someone should be charged with a crime and put on trial, not whether that person is guilty or not guilty.

"Based on what you have read or heard, do you think the grand jury should charge the police officer, Darren Wilson, with murder, or do you think the grand jury should charge him with a lesser crime, or do you think the grand jury should not charge him with any crime at all?"

 
    Murder Lesser
crime
No crime
at all
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

ALL

32

25

31

12

 

 

Whites

23

26

38

14

 

 

Non-whites

54

24

15

7

 

             

"If the grand jury does not charge Darren Wilson with murder, do you think peaceful protests in Ferguson would be justified or unjustified?"

 
    Justified Unjustified Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

63

33

3

 

 

 

Whites

64

32

4

 

 

 

Non-whites

63

35

2

 

 

             

"And if the grand jury does not charge Darren Wilson with murder, do you think violent protests in Ferguson would be justified or unjustified?"

 
    Justified Unjustified Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

14

85

2

 

 

 

Whites

10

88

2

 

 

 

Non-whites

22

77

2

 

 


 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Aug. 19-20, 2014. N=1,025 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

             

"How much have you heard or read about the police shooting of Michael Brown and the subsequent unrest in Ferguson, Missouri: a lot, some or not much?"

 
    A lot Some Not much Nothing at
all (vol.)
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

54

27

17

2

 
 

Whites

53

28

18

1

 
 

Blacks

65

19

15

-

 
             

"From what you know, in the aftermath of the shooting in Ferguson, do you think the protesters' actions have mostly gone too far, not gone far enough, or been about right?"

 
    Too far Not far
enough
About right Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

59

7

20

14

 
 

Whites

67

4

15

14

 
 

Blacks

43

11

38

8

 
             

"From what you know, in the aftermath of the shooting in Ferguson, do you think the police response to the protests has mostly gone too far, not gone far enough, or been about right?"

 
    Too far Not far
enough
About right Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

32

15

33

20

 
 

Whites

27

16

36

21

 
 

Blacks

50

14

26

10

 
             

"Do you think stationing National Guard troops in Ferguson, Missouri, is making the situation in Ferguson better, making it worse, or not having much effect?"

 
    Better Worse Not having
much effect
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

26

20

35

19

 
 

Whites

29

17

35

20

 
 

Blacks

20

38

34

8

 
             

"How much confidence do you have that the investigation by local authorities into the shooting of Michael Brown will be conducted fairly: a lot, some, not much or none at all?"

 
    A lot Some Not much None at all Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

ALL

27

29

23

11

11

 

Whites

31

31

21

7

10

 

Blacks

11

24

32

27

6

             

"Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way Barack Obama has responded to the situation in Ferguson?"

 
    Satisfied Dissatisfied Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

ALL

41

34

25

   
 

Whites

35

39

25

   
 

Blacks

60

20

21

   
             

"Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has responded to the situation in Ferguson?"

 
    Satisfied Dissatisfied Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

ALL

32

34

34

   
 

Whites

34

33

33

   
 

Blacks

24

49

27

   

 

Pew Research Center. Aug. 14-17, 2014. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.6.

             

"As I read a list of some stories covered by news organizations this past week, please tell me if you happened to follow each news story very closely, fairly closely, not too closely, or not at all closely. ... The police shooting of an African American teen and protests in Ferguson, Missouri."

 
    Very
closely
Fairly
closely
Not too
closely
Not at all
closely
Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

8/14-17/14

27

30

18

23

2

             

"Thinking about the police shooting of an African American teen in Ferguson, Missouri, overall, do you think that this case raises important issues about race that need to be discussed, or do you think the issue of race is getting more attention in this case than it deserves?" Options rotated

 
    Raises
important
issues
about race
Race getting
too much
attention
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

ALL

44

40

15

 

 

 

Whites

37

47

16

 

 

 

Blacks

80

18

2

 

 

 

Hispanics

50

25

24

 

 

 

Republicans

22

61

17

 

 

 

Independents

40

46

14

 

 

 

Democrats

68

21

11

 

 

             

"In the aftermath of the police shooting in Ferguson, Missouri, do you think that the police response has gone too far, or do you think the police response has been about right?" Options rotated

 
    Has gone
too far
Has been
about right
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

ALL

40

28

31

 

 

 

Whites

33

32

35

 

 

 

Blacks

65

20

15

 

 

             

"How much confidence do you have in the investigations of the police shooting in Ferguson, Missouri: a great deal of confidence, a fair amount of confidence, not too much confidence, or no confidence at all?"

 
    A great
deal
A fair
amount
Not too
much
None
at all
Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

8/14-17/14

12

33

24

17

14


 

CBS News Poll. June 18-22, 2014. N=1,009 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"In general, who do you think has a better chance of getting ahead in today's society -- white people, black people, or do white people and black people have about an equal chance of getting ahead?"

 
    White
people
Black
people
About
equal
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

6/18-22/14

30

5

61

4

 
 

Whites

28

5

63

4

 
 

Blacks

46

4

46

4

 
             
 

3/26-30/14

34

5

59

3

 
 

Whites

31

5

61

3

 
 

Blacks

44

4

51

2

 
             
 

8/7-11/13

32

6

56

6

 
 

Whites

29

7

60

4

 
 

Blacks

50

4

38

8

 
             

"Some people say that since the 1960s there has been a lot of real progress in getting rid of racial discrimination against blacks. Others say that there hasn't been much real progress for blacks over that time. Which do you agree with more? Would you say there's been a lot of real progress getting rid of racial discrimination or hasn't there been much real progress?"

 
    A lot
of real
progress
Hasn't been
much real
progress
Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

6/18-22/14

78

19

2

   
 

Whites

82

16

2

   
 

Blacks

59

38

2

   
             
 

3/26-30/14

79

20

2

   
 

Whites

81

18

1

   
 

Blacks

68

31

1

   
             
 

8/7-11/13

73

20

7

   
 

Whites

78

17

5

   
 

Blacks

55

39

6

   
             

"How much discrimination do you think there is against African Americans in our society today: a lot, some, only a little, or none at all?"

 
    A lot Some Only
a little
None
at all
Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

6/18-22/14

17

49

27

5

2

 

Whites

14

51

28

5

1

 

Blacks

41

47

9

1

3

             
 

8/7-11/13

19

49

22

7

4

 

Whites

15

52

23

8

4

 

Blacks

40

40

14

1

5

             

"The 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Do you consider passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act to be a very important event in U.S. history, somewhat important, not very important, or not at all important?"

 
    Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not very
important
Not at all
important
Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

6/18-22/14

76

19

3

2

1

 

Whites

77

18

3

2

1

 

Blacks

73

23

1

-

3

             
 

3/26-30/14

78

17

2

2

1

 

Whites

77

18

1

2

1

 

Blacks

79

17

2

2

-

             

"Thinking about the goals of Martin Luther King and the 1960s civil rights movement, do you think that all of their goals have been achieved, most have been achieved, only some have been achieved, or almost none of their goals have been achieved?"

 
    All Most Only
some
Almost
none
Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

6/18-22/14

5

38

52

2

3

 

Whites

4

39

52

2

3

 

Blacks

3

29

63

3

2

             
 

8/7-11/13

4

31

55

3

7

 

Whites

4

32

55

3

7

 

Blacks

5

27

62

4

2


 

CNN/ORC Poll. May 2-4 & May 29-June 1, 2014. N=2,011 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.5.

             

"In general, do you think race relations in the United States are very good, fairly good, fairly bad or very bad?"

 
    Very
good
Fairly
good
Fairly
bad
Very
bad
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

ALL

8

57

23

12

-

 

Whites

8

59

23

9

1

 

Blacks

9

45

25

21

-


 

CNN/ORC Poll. May 2-4, 2014. N=1,008 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"As you may know, the commissioner of the NBA has fined Donald Sterling, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, and banned him from any contact with that team in response to a recording of comments that Sterling made about blacks. Do you think the other NBA owners should force Donald Sterling to sell the Los Angeles Clippers, or don't you think so?"

 
    Should force
him to sell
Don't
think so
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

47

50

3

 

 

 

Whites

42

55

3

 

 

 

Non-whites

61

38

1

 

 

 

Democrats

63

36

1

 

 

 

Independents

42

54

4

 

 

 

Republicans

37

59

3

 

 


 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. April 30-May 1, 2014. N=1,054 adults nationwide.
Per CBS: "Additional interviews were conducted with African Americans, who had previously completed a survey as part of a random sample, to yield a sample size of 275. 660 whites were interviewed. The African American and non-African American samples were weighted separately to match their group's population characteristics such as gender, age, education, region, marital status and phone use based on recent U.S. Census estimates. The samples were then combined and weighted to the total U.S. adult population. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus three percentage points. ... The margin of error for the sample of whites is 5 pts and 8 pts for African Americans."

             

"It was recently revealed that Donald Sterling, owner of the basketball team the Los Angeles Clippers, made controversial remarks about African Americans. How much have you heard or read about this incident: a lot, some, or not much?"

 
    A lot Some Not much Nothing
(vol.)
 
    % % % %  
 

4/30 - 5/1/14

51

24

21

3

 
 

Whites

50

25

21

3

 
 

Blacks

55

21

21

2

 
             

"In response to Donald Sterling's controversial remarks about African Americans, the National Basketball Association, or NBA, has fined him $2.5 million and banned him for life from attending games and participating in NBA activities. Do you think this punishment is too lenient, too hard, or is this punishment about right?"

 
    Too lenient Too hard About right No
punishment
(vol.)
Unsure/
No answer
    % % % % %
 

4/30 - 5/1/14

9

25

55

2

10

 

Whites

8

28

52

1

11

 

Blacks

12

14

71

-

3

             

"Should Donald Sterling be forced to sell the Los Angeles Clippers, or not?"

 
    Should Should not Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

4/30 - 5/1/14

49

40

12

   
 

Whites

43

44

13

   
 

Blacks

71

21

8

   
             

"In general, do you think the attitudes about African Americans expressed by Donald Sterling are widespread among team owners in professional sports or don't you think those attitudes are widespread?"

 
    Widespread Not
widespread
Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

4/30 - 5/1/14

25

56

19

   
 

Whites

17

63

19

   
 

Blacks

54

33

13

   
             

"Donald Sterling made his controversial remarks about African Americans in a private conversation that was recorded and later made public. Do you think it is acceptable for Donald Sterling to be punished for these remarks he made in a private conversation, or not acceptable?"

 
    Acceptable Not
acceptable
Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

4/30 - 5/1/14

42

50

8

   
 

Whites

39

53

8

   
 

Blacks

60

36

3

   

 

CBS News Poll. March 26-30, 2014. N=1,017 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Do you think there will always be a lot of racial prejudice and discrimination in America, or is there real hope of ending it in the long run?"

 
    Will always
be a lot
Real hope
of ending it
None
now (vol.)
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

3/26-30/14

46

52

-

1

 
 

Whites

44

54

-

2

 
 

Blacks

61

39

-

-

 
             
 

8/7-11/13

42

52

1

5

 
 

Whites

41

54

1

5

 
 

Blacks

54

39

-

6

 
             

"Overall, do you think passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 was mostly good for the country, or mostly bad for the country, or don't you think it made much difference?"

 
    Mostly
good
Mostly
bad
Not much
difference
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

3/26-30/14

81

1

16

2

 
 

Whites

83

1

14

2

 
 

Blacks

78

-

20

2

 
             

"Overall, do you think passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 made things better for blacks in this country, worse for blacks in this country, or don't you think it made a difference?"

 
    Better Worse No
difference
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

3/26-30/14

84

2

11

3

 
 

Whites

84

2

11

3

 
 

Blacks

83

2

12

2

 

 

CBS News Poll. Aug. 7-11, 2013. N=1,006 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"In general, do you think the criminal justice system in the United States is biased in favor of blacks, or is it biased against blacks, or does it generally give blacks fair treatment?"

 
    Biased
in favor
Biased
against
Generally
fair
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

5

35

43

17

 
 

Whites

5

30

48

17

 
 

Blacks

8

61

19

12

 
             

"Was there ever a specific instance when you felt discriminated against because of your race?"

 
    Yes No Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

ALL

36

62

2

   
 

Whites

29

69

2

   
 

Blacks

62

37

-

   
             

"Do you approve or disapprove of marriage between blacks and whites?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure/
No answer
   
    % % %    
 

ALL

82

10

8

   
 

Whites

80

11

8

   
 

Blacks

88

7

5

   
             

"Overall, do you think Martin Luther King Jr. made things better for blacks in this country, made things worse, or don't you think he made a difference?"

 
    Better Worse Didn't make
a difference
Unsure/
No answer
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

85

1

7

6

 
 

Whites

86

2

7

6

 
 

Blacks

89

1

6

3

 

 

Pew Research Center. Aug. 1-11, 2013. N=2,231 adults nationwide (margin of error ± 2.5), including 1,471 non-Hispanic whites, 376 non-Hispanic blacks, 218 Hispanics.

             

"All in all, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with your community as a place to live in?"

 
    Satisfied Dissatisfied Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

ALL

89

9

1

 

 

 

Whites

92

7

1

 

 

 

Blacks

82

16

2

 

 

 

Hispanics

88

11

2

 

 

             

"As you may know, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his 'I Have a Dream Speech' at a civil rights march in Washington almost 50 years ago. ... Overall, how much progress toward Martin Luther King's dream of racial equality do you think the U.S. has made over the last 50 years: a lot, some, a little, or none at all?" Options rotated

 
    A lot Some A little None
at all
Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

ALL

45

36

12

4

3

 

Whites

48

38

9

2

3

 

Blacks

32

39

22

5

1

 

Hispanics

43

28

17

6

6

             

"And how much more needs to be done in order to achieve Martin Luther King's dream of racial equality: a lot, some, a little, or none at all?" Options rotated

 
    A lot Some A little None
at all
Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

ALL

49

31

10

6

4

 

Whites

44

35

10

7

4

 

Blacks

79

12

7

1

1

 

Hispanics

48

29

11

4

8

             

"Now I have some questions about how some groups in our society get along … In general, how well do you think [see below] get along with each other these days? Would you say very well, pretty well, not too well, or not at all well? ... What about how well [see below] get along?"

 
    Very
well
Pretty
well
Not
too well
Not at
all well
Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

"Whites and Hispanics"

 

ALL

13

61

18

2

6

 

Whites

12

64

16

2

5

 

Blacks

13

51

22

2

12

 

Hispanics

18

55

20

3

3

             
 

"Blacks and Hispanics"

 

ALL

10

44

25

5

16

 

Whites

6

42

25

4

22

 

Blacks

22

56

18

1

4

 

Hispanics

16

44

30

7

3

             
 

"Blacks and whites"

 

ALL

13

63

17

3

4

 

Whites

12

69

14

2

4

 

Blacks

16

57

23

2

2

 

Hispanics

12

48

27

8

5

 

"All in all, compared with five years ago, do you think the situation of black people in this country today is better, worse, or about the same?"

 
    Better Worse About
the same
Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

35

12

49

4

 

 

Whites

35

12

49

3

 

 

Blacks

26

21

51

3

 

 

Hispanics

37

8

50

5

 

             

"Now thinking about the financial situation of blacks compared with whites TODAY, would you say the average black person is better off, worse off or just about as well off as the average white person in terms of income and overall financial situation?"

 
    Better
off
Worse
off
Just about
as well off
Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

ALL

10

41

41

8

 

 

Whites

10

39

43

8

 

 

Blacks

9

59

27

4

 

 

Hispanics

12

36

44

8

 

             

"Just your impression, are blacks in your community treated less fairly than whites in the following situations? First, [see below]? ... What about [see below]?"

 
    Yes,
less fairly
No, not
less fairly
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

"On the job or at work"

 

ALL

25

64

11

 

 

 

Whites

16

72

12

 

 

 

Blacks

54

38

8

 

 

 

Hispanics

40

50

9

 

 

             
 

"In stores or restaurants"

 

ALL

23

70

7

 

 

 

Whites

16

77

7

 

 

 

Blacks

44

48

8

 

 

 

Hispanics

35

58

7

 

 

             
 

"In getting health care from doctors and hospitals"

 

ALL

21

63

15

 

 

 

Whites

14

69

17

 

 

 

Blacks

47

48

6

 

 

 

Hispanics

36

49

15

 

 

             
 

"In dealing with the police"

 

ALL

44

45

11

 

 

 

Whites

37

51

13

 

 

 

Blacks

70

25

5

 

 

 

Hispanics

51

37

11

 

 

             
 

"In the courts"

 

ALL

35

49

16

 

 

 

Whites

27

56

16

 

 

 

Blacks

68

25

7

 

 

 

Hispanics

40

39

21

 

 

             
 

"In local public schools"

 

ALL

22

66

12

 

 

 

Whites

15

73

12

 

 

 

Blacks

51

37

12

 

 

 

Hispanics

32

56

11

 

 

             
 

"When voting in elections"

 

ALL

20

69

11

 

 

 

Whites

13

77

10

 

 

 

Blacks

48

47

5

 

 

 

Hispanics

30

52

18

 

 

 

"During the past 12 months, have you personally experienced discrimination or been treated unfairly because of your race or ethnic background, or not?"

 
    Yes, have No,
have not
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

ALL

16

84

1

 

 

 

Whites

10

90

-

 

 

 

Blacks

35

64

2

 

 

 

Hispanics

20

80

-

 

 


 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). July 17-21, 2013. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"In general, do you think race relations in the United States are very good, fairly good, fairly bad, or very bad?"

 
    Very
good
Fairly
good
Fairly
bad
Very
bad
Mixed (vol.)/
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

ALL

4

48

28

16

4

 

Whites

3

49

32

13

3

 

Blacks

6

32

25

33

4

 

Hispanics

3

57

22

13

5

             

"Please tell me whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the following statement: America is a nation where people are not judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

 
    Strongly
agree
Somewhat
agree
Somewhat
disagree
Strongly
disagree
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

ALL

20

34

23

22

1

 

Whites

21

38

24

16

1

 

Blacks

9

10

25

54

2

 

Hispanics

26

28

24

20

2


 

Quinnipiac University. June 28-July 8, 2013. N=2,014 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.2.

             

"Do you think public universities should be allowed to use race as one of the factors in admissions to increase diversity in the student body or not?"

 
    Should
be allowed
Should not
be allowed
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/28 - 7/8/13

21

74

5

 

 


 

Pew Research Center. June 27-30, 2013. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.7.

             

"From what you've read and heard about the Supreme Court's decision on the Voting Rights Act, would you say you strongly approve, approve, disapprove, or strongly disapprove of their decision?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

6/27-30/13

33

25

43

 

 

             

"Did the Supreme Court's decision on the Voting Rights Act keep the law in effect as it has been, or overturn parts of the law?" Options rotated

 
    Keep law in
effect as it
has been
Overturn
parts of
the law
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

6/27-30/13

23

34

43

 

 


 

USA Today Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. June 27-30, 2013. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.6.

             

"Let me read you two brief statements on affirmative action programs, and see which one comes closer to your point of view. Affirmative action programs are still needed to counteract the effects of discrimination against minorities, and are a good idea as long as there are no rigid quotas. OR, Affirmative action programs have gone too far in favoring minorities, and should be phased out because they unfairly discriminate against whites." Options rotated

 
    Still
needed
Should be
phased out
Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

6/27-30/13

53

37

10

 

 

             

"Now I would like to ask you a few more questions about two rulings made by the Supreme Court this week. As you may know, the Supreme Court struck down a part of the Voting Rights Act that required nine states, mostly in the South, to have federal approval for any changes to their election laws. Because of this week's ruling, those nine states can now change their election laws without prior federal approval. Do you favor or oppose the Supreme Court's ruling in this case?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure/
Refused
   
    % % %    
 

6/27-30/13

40

49

11

 

 


 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. June 26-30, 2013. N=1,005 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Overall, do you approve or disapprove of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision striking down a key part of the federal law overseeing voting rights for minorities?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/26-30/13

33

51

15

 

 


 

CNN/ORC Poll. June 11-13, 2013. N=1,014 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Do you approve or disapprove of affirmative action admissions programs at colleges and law schools that give racial preferences to minority applicants?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/11-13/13

29

68

3

 

 


 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. June 5-9, 2013. N=1,007 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Overall, do you support or oppose allowing universities to consider applicants' race as a factor in deciding which students to admit?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

6/5-9/13

22

76

2

 

 


 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). May 30-June 2, 2013. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Now let me read you two brief statements on affirmative action programs, and ask which one comes closer to your own point of view. Affirmative action programs are still needed to counteract the effects of discrimination against minorities, and are a good idea as long as there are no rigid quotas. OR, Affirmative action programs have gone too far in favoring minorities, and should be ended because they unfairly discriminate against whites." Options rotated

 
    Still
needed
Should
be ended
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

5/30 - 6/2/13

45

45

10

 

 

 

1/10-14/10

49

43

8

 

 

 

6/12-15/09

63

28

9

 

 

 

1/19-21/03

49

43

8

 

 

 

3/00

54

37

9

 

 

 

9/95

50

43

7

 

 

 

3/95

52

40

8

 

 


 

Public Religion Research Institute. May 15-19, 2013. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"In order to make up for past discrimination, do you favor or oppose programs which make special efforts to help blacks and other minorities get ahead?"

 
    Favor Oppose Other
(vol.)
Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

5/15-19/13

68

24

2

6

 

             

"Thinking specifically about college admissions, do you think blacks and other minorities should receive preference in college admissions to make up for past inequalities, or not?"

 
    Should Should
not
Other
(vol.)
Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

5/15-19/13

29

64

1

6

 

             

"Do you think you were helped or hurt in the college admissions process because of your race or ethnicity, or do you think it did not make a difference?"

 
    Helped Hurt No
difference
Not
applicable
(vol.)
Unsure/
Refused
    % % % % %
 

5/15-19/13

6

7

80

4

3

             

"All in all, do you think you have been helped or hurt in your job or career because of your race or ethnicity, or do you think it has not made a difference?"

 
    Helped Hurt No
difference
Unsure/
Refused
 
    % % % %  
 

5/15-19/13

7

11

80

1

 


 

CNN/ORC Poll. Jan. 14-15, 2013. N=814 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Martin Luther King gave his famous 'I Have a Dream Speech' at a civil rights march in Washington in 1963. In your view, do you think the U.S. has fulfilled the vision King outlined in that speech, or don't you think so?"

 
    Has
fulfilled
Don't
think so
Unfamiliar
with speech
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

1/14-15/13

50

47

1

2

 

 

Whites

51

46

1

2

 

 

Non-whites

49

50

-

-

 

 
 

1/14-16/11

48

49

1

2

 

 

12/16-20/09

51

47

1

1

 

 

1/12-15/09

49

49

1

-

 

 

3/26 - 4/2/08

34

59

4

3

 

             

"Martin Luther King gave his famous 'I Have a Dream Speech' at a civil rights march in Washington in 1963. In your view, do you think the U.S. has fulfilled the vision King outlined in that speech, or don't you think so?" If hasn't fulfilled King's vision: "Do you think the U.S. can eventually fulfill the vision in King's speech, or don't you think so?" Combined responses

 
    Has
fulfilled
Hasn't yet,
but can fulfill
Hasn't yet,
cannot fulfill
Unfamiliar
with speech
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

1/14-15/13

50

27

22

1

-

 

Whites

51

25

23

1

-

 

Non-whites

49

31

19

-

-

 
 

1/14-16/11

48

26

23

1

1

 

12/16-20/09

51

31

17

1

-

 

1/12-15/09

49

33

16

1

-

 

3/26 - 4/2/08

34

41

19

4

2


 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Aug. 4-7, 2011. N=1,319 adults nationwide (margin of error ± 4), including, with an oversample, 796 non-Hispanic whites (margin of error ± 5) and 376 non-Hispanic blacks (margin of error ± 6).

             

"Do you think that relations between blacks and whites will always be a problem for the United States, or that a solution will eventually be worked out?"

 
    Always a
problem
Eventually
worked out
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

8/4-7/11

46

52

2

 

 

 

Blacks

55

42

2

 

 

 

Whites

44

54

2

 

 

 
 

10/16-19/09

40

56

4

 

 

 

6/5 - 7/6/08

38

58

3

 

 

 

5/1-3/08

42

54

4

 

 

 

6/4-24/07

43

54

4

 

 

 

6/8-25/06

42

54

4

 

 

 

6/6-25/05

46

50

4

 

 

 

6/9-30/04

45

51

4

 

 

             

"How much of a role, if any, do you think the government should have in trying to improve the social and economic position of blacks and other minority groups in this country: a major role, a minor role, or no role at all?"

 
    Major role Minor role No role Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

8/4-7/11

27

46

26

1

 

 

Blacks

59

32

8

1

 

 

Whites

19

50

30

1

 

 
 

6/6-25/05

37

44

17

2

 

 

6/9-30/04

40

45

14

1

 

             

"Thinking back over your lifetime, how do you feel civil rights for blacks have changed in this country? Would you say the situation has greatly improved, somewhat improved, stayed pretty much the same, somewhat worsened, or greatly worsened?"

 
    Greatly
improved
Somewhat
improved
Pretty much
the same
Somewhat
worsened
Greatly
worsened
    % % % % %
 

8/4-7/11

50

39

8

1

2

 

Blacks

29

56

9

4

2

 

Whites

53

37

8

1

1

             

"Do you think new civil rights laws are needed to reduce discrimination against blacks, or not?"

 
    Are
needed
Are not
needed
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

8/4-7/11

21

76

2

 

 

 

Blacks

52

48

1

 

 

 

Whites

15

83

3

 

 

             

"Do you approve or disapprove of marriage between blacks and whites?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

8/4-7/11

86

11

3

 

 

 

Blacks

96

2

2

 

 

 

Whites

83

14

3

 

 

 
 

9/7-8/07

79

15

6

 

 

 

6/4-24/07

77

17

6

 

 

 

9/18-20/94

48

37

15

 

 

 

4/29 - 5/2/83

43

50

7

 

 

             
 

For comparison:
"Do you approve or disapprove of marriage between whites and non-whites?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

7/21-24/78

36

54

10

 

 

 

10/13-16/72

29

60

11

 

 

 

6/26 - 7/1/68

20

73

8

 

 

             
 

For comparison:
"Do you approve or disapprove of marriage between white and colored people?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

9/24-29/58

4

94

3

 

 

             

"How do you view Barack Obama's election as president in terms of progress for blacks in the United States -- as the most important advance for blacks in the past one hundred years; as one of the two or three most important advances for blacks in the past one hundred years, but not the most important; important, but not among the most important advances; or not that important?"

 
    Most
important
One of most
important
Important,
but not
among most
important
Not that
important
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

8/4-7/11

15

27

30

26

3

 

Blacks

34

31

23

9

3

 

Whites

10

27

32

29

2

 
 

10/16-19/09

20

38

24

16

2

 

11/5/08

33

38

15

10

4

             

"As a result of Barack Obama's election, do you think race relations in this country have gotten a lot better, gotten a little better, not changed, gotten a little worse, or gotten a lot worse?"

 
    A lot
better
A little
better
Not
changed
A little
worse
A lot
worse
    % % % % %
 

8/4-7/11

7

28

41

16

7

 

Blacks

14

34

27

16

8

 

Whites

6

25

45

16

6

             

"In the years ahead, as a result of Barack Obama's presidency, do you think race relations in this country will get a lot better, get a little better, not change, get a little worse, or get a lot worse in the long term?"

 
    A lot
better
A little
better
Not
change
A little
worse
A lot
worse
    % % % % %
 

8/4-7/11

12

40

35

8

3

 

Blacks

24

40

21

10

4

 

Whites

9

39

39

7

3

 
 

10/16-19/09

15

46

25

7

6

             

"Next we have a question about a president's policies to help improve the standard of living of blacks in the United States. Do you think the policies of Barack Obama will go too far, will be about right, or will not go far enough in promoting efforts to aid the black community?"

 
    Go too far Be about
right
Not go far
enough
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

8/4-7/11

25

43

23

10

 

 

Blacks

5

47

43

5

 

 

Whites

29

42

18

12

 

             

"Thinking back to Dr. Martin Luther King and his dream of racial equality, do you think that dream has now been realized in the United States, or not?"

 
    Has been Has not      
    % %      
 

8/4-7/11

51

49

 

 

 

 

Blacks

54

45

 

 

 

 

Whites

49

51

 

 

 

             

"Thinking back to Dr. Martin Luther King and his dream of racial equality, do you think that dream has now been realized in the United States, or not?" If has not been realized: "Do you think the United States has made major progress toward realizing that dream, minor progress, or no progress at all?" Combined responses

 
    Has been Has not:
Major
progress
Has not:
Minor
progress
Has not:
No progress
at all
 
    % % % %  
 

8/4-7/11

51

23

23

3

 

 

Blacks

54

13

28

4

 

 

Whites

49

26

23

2

 

             

"As you may know, a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is being opened in Washington, D.C., this month. Do you approve or disapprove of having a memorial to Martin Luther King there?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

8/4-7/11

91

5

4

 

 

 

Blacks

99

1

-

 

 

 

Whites

89

6

4

 

 


 

Washington Post Poll. July 28-31, 2011 (N=1,001) and Aug. 4-7, 2011 (N=88), for a combined sample of 1,089 adults nationwide (margin of error ± 3.5), including 743 non-Hispanic whites (margin of error ± 4), and 187 blacks (margin of error ± 8).

             

"Martin Luther King gave his famous 'I Have a Dream Speech' at a civil rights march in Washington in 1963. In your view, do you think the United States has fulfilled the vision King outlined in that speech, or don't you think so?"

 
    Has Has not Unfamiliar
with speech
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

ALL

34

55

1

10

 

 

Blacks

36

56

-

7

 

 

Whites

30

57

2

11

 

             
 

If has not been fulfilled:
"Do you think the United States can eventually fulfill the vision in Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech, or don't you think so?"

 
    Can Cannot Unsure    
    % % %    
 

ALL

52

39

9

 

 

 

Blacks

48

46

6

 

 

 

Whites

52

38

10

 

 


Race and ethnicity continued
 


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