Americans Speak Out on Race and Racism.

• Position: Brief Article - Polling Data - Statistical Data Included

What do Americans think about race? To find out, The New York Times polled 2,041 Americans--1,107 whites and 934 blacks--on the issue. These graphs reflect responses to questions 1 to 5, below. Black Americans' answers are reported in the top row of graphs, white Americans' responses in the bottom row.

Note: Percentages do not add up to 100 because respondents who did not know or who had no answer are not included.

Source: The New York Times. Telephone survey conducted during June 2000.

1. In order to make up for past discrimination, do you favor or oppose programs that make special efforts to help minorities get ahead?

2. Do you think the future of the next generation of Americans will be better, worse, or about the same as life today?

3. Compared to your parents' generation, do you think your opportunities to succeed in life are better than theirs, about the same as theirs, or worse than theirs?

4. How important do you think improving race relations is to the future of the U.S.?

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

1. Which group of Americans believes more strongly that race is but one component in a variety of economic and social issues facing the country?

2. Which group of Americans believes more strongly that they have a better chance to succeed in life than their...