America's Changing Attitudes Toward Black-White Relations, 1958-2001

National public opinion polls conducted from 1958 to 2001 found that Americans' attitudes toward Black-White relations in the United States had evolved, although some traditional attitudes remained the same. This article examines Black-White opinions regarding four contemporary issues. Respondents were asked to report their attitude toward job satisfaction, willingness to vote for a Black president, satisfaction with their standard of living, and whether Black and White populations are treated the same in their local communities. The findings reveal that, without exception, Black respondents held a less favorable view about their treatment in society than did White respondents. Studies indicate that even though many Americans embrace cultural diversity, sharp differences in attitudes between Blacks and White populations remain. (C) 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.