An American dilemma: black-white relations poll shows a lot of gray areas. (Facts & Figures).W.E.B. DuBois once said, "The problem of the 20th century is the problem of the color line color line n. A barrier, created by custom, law, or economic differences, separating nonwhite persons from whites. Also called color bar. Noun 1. . "With many colleges and universities pondering the demise of their affirmative action affirmative action, in the United States, programs to overcome the effects of past societal discrimination by allocating jobs and resources to members of specific groups, such as minorities and women. and diversity programs, the question of race relations race relations Noun, pl the relations between members of two or more races within a single community race relations npl → relaciones fpl raciales between black and white Americans The term white American (often used interchangeably with "Caucasian American"[2] and within the United States simply "white"[3]) is an umbrella term that refers to people of European, Middle Eastern, and North African descent residing in the United States. continues to be a chief concern in the 21st century. Conducted between March 23 and May 16, 2001, the Gallup Poll Gallup Poll Noun a sampling of the views of a representative cross section of the population, usually used to forecast voting [after G H Gallup, statistician] Gallup poll n → Social Audit: Black-White Relations in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , which included 2,004 randomly selected adult participants--895 white and 1,003 black--showed that black and white Americans differ on various issues regarding affirmative action, racial profiling The consideration of race, ethnicity, or national origin by an officer of the law in deciding when and how to intervene in an enforcement capacity. Police officers often profile certain types of individuals who are more likely to perpetrate crimes. , and opportunities in education and housing. In response to a question about how blacks are treated in the United States, 38% of whites said the same as whites, whereas 51% said not very well. In contrast, only 9% of blacks believed they received equal treatment to whites, with 71% believing the treatment to be less than favorable. Milton Little, executive vice president and COO of the National Urban League, believes as long as race continues to be a crucial factor of political and social dialogue in the U.S., polls like Gallup will always be significant. As the complexion of this country's population becomes darker, Little believes people have to reach beyond racial boundaries and focus on issues that concern all Americans, such as strong, healthy families and safe communities. "That's what people, regardless of race and ethnicity, want--safe and effective schools and to be able to live and work where they choose," he says. Although Little isn't sure whether the race issue will be resolved in this country, or globally, in the next 100 years, he remains hopeful.
Percentage of People Who Say Black-White
Relations Have Improved Over the Last Year
1997 1998 1999 2001
NATIONAL 31% 28% 29% 30%
WHITES 31% 27% 28% 29%
BLACKS 31% 34% 36% 33%
SOURCE: THE GALLUP ORGANIZATION
Note: Table made from bar graph.
Percentage of People Who Say Racial Profiling
of Certain Racial or Ethic Groups Is Widespread
1999 2000
NATIONAL 59% 58%
WHITES 56% 55%
BLACKS 77% 83%
SOURCE: THE GALLUP ORGANIZATION
Note: Table made from bar graphs.
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