Majority of Americans Still See Racism Against Black People as a National Problem 

By Villij News Staff 

A new national poll shows that Americans continue to see racism against Black people as a serious issue across the country. In Gallup’s latest survey, nearly two out of three adults said racial discrimination toward Black people is “widespread.” This level of concern matches the highest point ever recorded since Gallup began asking the question in 2008. 

Who Sees It Most Clearly? 

Black respondents were by far the most likely to recognize racism as a pressing issue, with more than 8 in 10 saying it is common. Majorities of Hispanic and White participants also agreed, though at lower rates. These findings suggest that while most Americans acknowledge racism exists, Black communities experience and perceive it most directly. 

Where Bias Shows Up 

When asked about daily life, more than half of U.S. adults said Black people are not treated fairly in encounters with law enforcement, particularly during traffic stops. Other areas — including healthcare, retail shopping, workplaces, restaurants, and neighborhood businesses — also showed significant levels of perceived unfairness. 

Black adults consistently reported higher rates of discrimination than White and Hispanic adults. The biggest divide was in the workplace: almost 6 in 10 Black respondents said they are treated less fairly on the job compared with only 3 in 10 White respondents. 

Civil Rights Gains — With Limits 

Most Americans still believe civil rights for Black people have improved over their lifetime, though the sense of progress is weaker than in the past. Fewer people now say rights have “greatly improved,” while more describe the changes as only “somewhat better.” 

At the same time, fewer Americans support creating new civil rights laws than did in 2020, when the killings of George Floyd and others sparked a nationwide push for reforms. Black adults remain the most likely to call for stronger protections, with three-quarters saying new laws are needed. 

Jobs and Housing Equality in Question 

The poll also found skepticism about whether Black Americans have equal opportunities in employment and housing. Roughly 4 in 10 respondents said Black people face disadvantages in both areas. White and Hispanic adults were much more likely than Black adults to believe opportunities are equal, showing a persistent gap in perception. 

The Takeaway 

The numbers paint a complicated picture. On one hand, there is broad agreement that racism is a continuing problem in America. On the other, fewer people believe bold new policies are needed to address it. For Black communities, the statistics reflect realities that go beyond opinion polls — unequal treatment by police, at work, and in access to housing and healthcare remain part of daily life. 

As conversations about race and equity continue, the question for the nation is clear: will recognition of the problem lead to lasting change, or will progress stall at perception alone?