The inauguration of the United States first Black President has prompted mass discussions of race relations in America. It is often articulated that America is now in a post-racial society. However, the question still remains: does the election of a Black president demonstrate that America is now a “color-blind” society? To answer this question, we rely on data collected by PEW (2007). Our results suggest that white and African Americans differ significantly in the extent to which they express post-racial attitudes. Specifically, we find that whites more commonly express post-racial attitudes, claiming that racism and discrimination are rare, in opposition to African American views. On the other hand, blacks are more likely to believe that discrimination still occurs. We further find that whites' post-racial beliefs are significant determinants of their attitudes towards race-related policies, such as affirmative action.
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Research Article|
January 01 2012
Free Your Mind: Contemporary Racial Attitudes and Post Racial Theory
Lakeyta M. Bonnette,
Lakeyta M. Bonnette
Georgia State University
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Sarah M. Gershon,
Sarah M. Gershon
Georgia State University
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Precious D. Hall
Precious D. Hall
Truckee Meadows Community College
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Ethnic Studies Review (2012) 35 (1): 71–87.
Citation
Lakeyta M. Bonnette, Sarah M. Gershon, Precious D. Hall; Free Your Mind: Contemporary Racial Attitudes and Post Racial Theory. Ethnic Studies Review 1 January 2012; 35 (1): 71–87. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/esr.2012.35.1.71
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