'U' study finds existing racism

With a cloud of controversy surrounding the use of race in the University's admissions procedures, the issue of race relations a popular discussion topic on campus.

But current surveys praising progress in race relations may be ignoring the reality of the sensitive subject.

In a study titled "I am not a racist but ...," sociology Prof. Eduardo Bonilla-Silva found that typical surveys are not representative of the racist attitudes white students may hold.

A comparison of results from recent and past surveys on public attitudes toward the black community and other minority communities implies that racial attitudes have improved dramatically.

Despite these survey responses, Bonilla-Silva and sociology graduate student Tyrone Forman found that hidden feelings of racial animosity toward minorities still exists.

"There is a decrease in the number of blacks experiencing overt forms of racism," Forman said, reflecting on his own experiences at the University. "It is much more subtle now."

"I see racism everywhere, just the way people talk to each other," said LSA first-year student Desirea Alvarez. "Whites talk about blacks. Blacks talk about whites. I think it still exists."

The survey of about 730 students at University of Michigan, University of Florida, Washington State University and Portland State University found that many respondents' answers to race-related questions were socially acceptable responses, instead of honest answers.

To obtain more detailed analyses of students' views on affirmative action, interracial relations and the significance of contemporary discrimination against minorities, a subsample of the students was interviewed.

"There was a significant discrepancy between the surveys and interview data," Bonilla-Silva said.

The result of the interviews was what Bonilla-Silva called an "arsenal of semantic maneuvers to conceal racial opinions.

"In the past, the Archie Bunkers were the enemies," Bonilla-Silva said, referring to those who singled out specific races.

In today's society, the phrase, "I am not a racist, but ...," is often used by whites to avoid being called a racist, he said.

A negative statement about the general character of minorities usually follows the phrase.

"These semantic moves are used to cover their behinds after they express racial views," Bonilla-Silva said.

When questioned in the survey about affirmative action programs, a University of Florida student identified as "Bob," said, "I oppose them, mainly because, I am not a racist but because I think that you should have the best person for the job."

Bonilla-Silva and Forman both said color-blind racism is the new enemy for minorities.

"Whites think that discrimination no longer has an impact on minorities because you don't see 'Whites Only' or 'No Colored People' signs anymore," Forman said.

Claiming that they think all races are equal "allows whites to look good," Bonilla-Silva said.

"In this post-civil rights time, most whites claim that they are all for equality," Bonilla-Silva said.

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