Informed Opinions on Today’s Topics : Poll Shows Hardening of Racial Views

A nationwide survey released by the Times Mirror Center for the People & the Press involving a telephone poll of 3,800 adults--18 years of age or older--revealed that white Americans’ views toward black Americans have hardened so much that 51% of thewhites surveyed agree with a statement that equal rights have been pushed too far in this country.

That figure represents the first time in the seven-year history of the center’s polling that a majority of white Americans have held this opinion. In 1992, 42% agreed that equal rights had gone too far, and in 1987 only 16% felt that way.

A poll conducted earlier this year by ICR Survey Research Group of Media, Pa., for the Associated Press found that six out of 10 whites believe that blacks and other minorities now have the same opportunities as whites, but that seven out of 10 blacks disagree.

*

“Is the gap between blacks and whites widening?”

Los Angeles City Councilman Nate Holden:

“In my view, no. The perception is that it might be, but in fact it is not, because there is a much more integrated community today . . . there is a better understanding and relationship between people. I don’t see blacks going around with a lot of hatred. If they did, this country would not survive. I know because I was born in the South and now live in this community. I can see the difference and things are not getting worse between blacks and whites. They’re getting better. Blacks and whites may be different in terms of ethnicity, but they have the same philosophy in terms of life.”

State Sen. Tom Hayden:

“The gap certainly has not narrowed. Los Angeles is deeply segregated. The old electoral coalition of Jews and African Americans is no longer decisive. A new coalition must be built along new lines. We must recognize the fault line that continues to fester between haves and have-nots. Investments are drying up in the inner city, bus service is deteriorating, schools are dying, and college has become more expensive. Reversing these trends is in the interest of the middle class as well as the poor. All the communities of Los Angeles will benefit from more decentralization of government functions. Community-based policing is a start. So is site management in our schools.”

Verne Bryant, professor of Pan African Studies, Cal State Northridge:

“Obviously, yes. . . . The fall in incomes that Europeans (whites) are experiencing is being blamed on African Americans. That perception seems to mostly be among European Americans, especially men. They base their views on the fact that they are losing privileges to African Americans.”

Jim Browder, assistant vice president, civic and community affairs, USC:

“Yes. But it’s based more on the state of the economy than simply based on race. The relationships between whites and blacks has become worse . . . these feelings seem apparent among the African American community, and their not having access to a quality life and being denied opportunities based on race.”

David Hilliard, former chief of staff, Black Panther Party:

“Of course, the gap is widening. I believe that there are two separate societies: one white and one black. There has been no coming together. We are still separate and still unequal. Racism is a permanent structure in America . . . in our schools, jobs, housing . . . the youth of America is the only hope we have.”