Researchers at Gallup have found that U.S. adults' positive ratings of relations between Black and white Americans are at their lowest point in more than two decades. This year, 42% of Americans believe that race relations between Black and white Americans are "very" or "somewhat" good. In contrast, Gallup found that 57% of Americans feel that race relations between the two groups are somewhat" or "very" bad.
Gallup's most recent findings are a continuation of a trend that was cited last year. Last year, only 44% of survey participants indicated that race relations between Black and white Americans are "very" or "somewhat" good. Over the last two years, the nation has endured a number of racially heated events like the Capitol Hill riots, the 2020 Presidental Election and the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.
Adding to their study, researchers at Gallup began asking participants if they believe there is a pathway forward to repairing the further damage done to race relations over the last two decades. Sixty percent of white Americans believe there is a potential solution to racial discord in U.S. society, but Black Americans are far less optimistic. After experiencing the election of Donald Trump, an uptick in high profile police brutality and much more, only 40% of Black Americans believe there is a potential solution to racial discord in U.S. society. Moreover, a Gallup poll of all U.S adults found that 40% of Americans believe that race relations will always be an issue in this country.
"As the nation continues to grapple with racial equity, Americans rate the state of Black-White relations more negatively now than at any time in over two decades. Overall, however, they believe there is still hope for an eventual solution," Megan Brenan of Gallup wrote.
"However, just one-third of Black Americans now view race relations positively, and the optimism and hope for a solution to the racial discord that existed last year have since dissipated."
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