According to a new Gallup Poll, some 64 percent of all Americans believe racism against Black people is widespread throughout the U.S., tied with 2021 for the highest figure recorded in Gallup’s periodic measurements of this topic since 2008. Black adults are the most likely racial group to say racism against Black people is prevalent throughout the country, with 83 percent holding this sentiment. In comparison, 64 percent of Hispanic adults and 61 percent of White adults say the same.
When Gallup first posed this question in 2008, 56 percent of U.S. adults thought racism against Black people was widespread. Following President Obama’s election, this figure dropped to 51 percent. In 2015, it jumped to 60 percent.
Conversely, the share of Americans’ who think racism against White people is widespread is at a record-low since 2008. Currently, 29 percent of American adults hold this belief – a notable decrease from the 41 percent reading in 2016. Today, Black (26 percent), Hispanic (29 percent), and White (28 percent) adults have similar viewpoints in this area.
When asked about specific scenarios, Americans have differing opinions on the prevalence of racism against Black Americans. About 77 percent of Black adults think Black Americans encounter racism in dealing with the police, compared to 57 percent of all U.S. adults and 54 percent of White adults. An even larger disparity was found in Americans’ perception of racism in the workplace. While 59 percent of Black adults think they face racism while on the job, only 34 percent of all U.S. adults and just 30 percent of White adults agree.
Overall, most adults in the U.S. believe civil rights for Black Americans have at least somewhat improved over the course of their lifetime. However, not all Americans agree that new civil rights laws are needed. Today, 74 percent of Black adults believe the country should implement new laws to reduce discrimination against Black people, compared to 53 percent of Hispanic adults, 46 percent of the overall population, and 40 percent of White adults.
Americans’ attitudes also differ on their opinions regarding civil rights in employment and housing. Today, 42 percent of all U.S. adults think Black Americans do not have as a good a chance at getting any kind of job they want, while 41 percent think they do not have an equal opportunity to secure affordable housing compared to White Americans. Notably, White and Hispanic Americans are about twice as likely as Black Americans to say Black people have the same access as White people to jobs and housing.
