January 30, 2006
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Republican Bias
The Washington Post reported a study that was presented at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology. According to the study, there was a link between Republicans and social bias against blacks: “That study found that supporters of President Bush and other conservatives had stronger self-admitted and implicit biases against blacks than liberals did.” The study found that if a person was voting Republican, he/she was more likely to have negative images concerning blacks.
Are republicans more likely to have a bias against blacks?
Comments (144)
Depends where you are.
I would have to say its half and half….i would end up writing a book if i attempted to explain
mighty powerful statement — hope it’s not true
I also believe it depends where you are.
Everyone is likely to have a prejudice against everyone. Human nature basically dictates that all of us are going to hate someone else. It plagues Republicans, yes, but Democrats are probably just lying in the name of tolerance and progressivism.
I don’t think that is true I think it is just an individual thing.
Um…I don’t think so. just another attempt to make conservatives look like some kind of heartless monsters.
assuming that the study was conducted properly, then obviously the answer is
yes.
I absolutely agree! And I believe the bias is not limited to just blacks. I’d like to read that study for myself.
Huh. Weird.
I take that kinda stuff with a grain of salt, more like a large boulder of it. It’s statistics.
Yes.
depends on where you are but overall yes
I would hope not.
yes
I don’t believe republicans tend to be more bias. I think that there are republicans with race issues, yes. I think that some conservatives confuse the idea of being conservative with the idea of refusing to ever be modern. Likewise, some liberals hide their racism in the ideas of tolerance. Accept minorities! Unless they aren’t the popular ones. This is proven in studies about whites vs blacks… is black the only minority that matters? Why do they want to focus so much on the physical differences we have in the first place?
hahahahahahahahahahhahahha no WAY!
I large number survey can me very misleading. If more rural whites are Republican than Democrat and they are ignorant about racial issues, then it is almost expectant that a large, all-encompansing survey will show more Republicans are racist than Democrats. There is a huge differnce between making the statement “racists are more likely to be Rebuplican” and “Repubicans are more likely to be racist.” I’m neither Republican, nor Democrat, I’m just not a big fan of surveys.
Umm, no. That’s one of the silliest things I’ve ever heard.
I think it’s more of a correlation with the high concentration of Republicans in Southern states and the racism that is so rampant there. Correlation does not equal causation. And, if I may say so, I think that those who may call themselves liberals or Democrats will be reluctant to report any bias of that kind, because it violates some of the principles they claim to support. Self-reported data is not to be trusted completely.
Good God. What a loaded question. I operate with the baseline assumption that we’re all a little racist and that we all ought to be working on being less so. *shrug* If I spoke in generalities, then yes. I guess I’d assume that Republicans are more likely to be more racist.
Of course, not everyone who voted for Bush is a Republican… but I guess that’s another issue…
depends on where you live, i guess
yes, partly because a majority of blacks are “liberals”.
im democratic, but i dont think so. i think it all depends on the person and the person’s character. not political party.
thats rediculous.. racism comes in all forms. republicans are just the ones that get loaded down with everything “against” the Republican’s conservative label so they look like hypocrites. thats like saying all democrats are white trash living in Arkansas, which I have heard before. It’s a bunch of labeling I think. But i do agree with Hope a few comments before me… we all are a bit racist or biased against one another.
I’m split on the issue.
I would hope not!!!!!!!
RYC: Well, I got my original xanga because it was something that nearly everyone on my campus had/has one, just another method of keeping in touch. Back in the day, everyone who read my site knew me in real life. Now, it would seem, hardly any of them do.
Not the ones I rub elbows with. Depends entirely on your geographic area.
yes definetly….i live in georgia and see it everyday….believe me i know…
I hope not
Of course not! Your political part has nothing to do with how how respond to different races!
Right Winger
As if there’s not enough divison in the world, much less our own country. It’s hard to respond to such a generalized statement.
we cant say that, because that would be a generalization. and generalizations is what causes prejudice.
RYC: Thank you
I am all warm and fuzzy now 
republicans, it seems are more biased toward everyone that is not them.
No, I don’t think so. Bias has to do with ones environment, along with how they were raised in general, not what political party they are affiliated with.
I don’t think all republicans are that way. I think it depends on that particular person and their character.
two problems with that last post, first was using the Washington Post for your information, the newspaper was found to be in the top 5 of most liberal media outlets in the country. your second was using a single source for statistics, given timee and resources, anyone could prove the exact oppisite of your question is true and anyone who answers this quetion should get the voting record of both houses of Congress
No
Politics. I say yes and no. Depending on who they are. If they’re black and rebublican, why would they be bias aginst themselves?
umm maybe…yea i guess so
I hope not.
Well, historically, the South and rural communities have more people with a racial prejudice. Since the 60s, the political power base for Republicans has moved south and into the more-rural areas. My politics and religion professor’s best friend, Bill Moyers, was in LBJ’s office right after he delivered a speech on the white house lawn for Black and White pastors to come together to work for racial equality. After walking in side, LBJ turned to Moyers and said, “Well, the Democrats have lost the South to the Republicans for as long as either of us will live. Was he wrong?
Well, I wouldn’t say that. Well… Republicans ARE biased against homosexuals, so I don’t know.
Edit: “Well, the Democrats have lost the South to the Republicans for as long as either of us will live.” Was he wrong?
correlation does not equal causation. Rule 1 of statistics.
However, if opposing things like AA is labelled anti-black I could see how the study came to its erroneous conclusion.
Another factor mighjt be the fact that blacks in general vote for democrats and liberal causes that republicans abhor.
I hope not. I do think that most republicans are more judgemental than democrats. There are tons of exceptions.
Robert Byrd
Democrat
Former KKK member
Well, i don’t want to generalize…. we do that too much as a society already.
disagree… i judt think republicans speak the truth more often, i would sayy that while i personally do not have a bias against blacks, i sometimes catch myself looking down on people because of how they dress or compose themselves
It depends on where you are. In the southern part of the United States, yes, republicans probably are baised against blacks.
What the fuck?? No.
Follow up on this! Are democrats more likely to have a bias for blacks? (aka give them preferential treatment over whites aka discrimination against whites due to guilt or what-have-you. I’m not kidding. It happens.)
Be fair, dude, ask both sides of the question. This is just like the woman staying at home question.
the washington post is a rag. it depends where the republican is from and his upbringing too.
Bullshit
republicans are more known for admiting it, and admiting it only. the only reason for this is that republicans tend to be much more realistic about their thoughts and feelings than liberals do, which causes their openess.
i am a republican. i am not racist, but sometimes i have racist thoughts. does that mean i’m a racist pig or does that just mean that i’m human?
If you take in to consideration that the majority of liberals are minorities then yes. Otherwise. No, racism is based on education and culture.
this whole issue stems from the lie that the north actually cared about blacks during the civil war. and sense republicans now dominate the south, it is expected of them to be racist. the truth is that racism is spread equally throughout the united states, despite party lines.
Maybe it is best to look at it for what it really is, they’re both racists. Politicians all stem from the same lilly white tree.
Um, I would have to say no.
maybe because a lot of republicans are from the South, where there is still more racism against blacks than in other areas?
I think it’s a safe assumption that all republicans are racist.
NO.
That’s kind of a stupid question. It soley depends on the person. My mother’s family are all firm Democrats, and they are racist to the core.
As conservatives, I think we often reffer to ghetto culture as black culture. That’s a mistake. I have many serious issues with ghetto/rap culture. I have nothing against a skin color.
Only if they’re ignorant, just like anyone else…
Statistics are statistics, but this one probably only serves the purpose of fueling stereotypes.
I know plenty of republicans who are socially liberal but fiscally conservative.
yeah totally.
A famous man once said that there are “lies, damned lies, and statistics.” I’m gonna agree with him.
Of course they have a bias against blacks, as do all white people.
Thank you captain obvious for that study.
Perhaps it’s b/c I spent so much time in the south, but this seems blindingly obvious to me. Let’s look at the evidence:
- Southerners are more likely to be republican than democrats
-Southerners are more likely to be racist than people from other (more liberal) areas of the country.
Put those 2 together and guess what you get.
There’s also the fact that poor, uneducated folk (the ones most likely to still hold stereotypical and racist ways of thinking) are also much more likely to be republican. Republicans generally hold to ideas that are more old-fashioned and less liberal… that goes right along with prejudices against blacks (and hispanics, gays, women, etc etc etc).
I know my comment will be unpopular and people may say I’m a racist idiot for saying this, but this just seems like one of the ugly truths that people like to shield their eyes from. Republicans are generally more racist than democrats. I’m not saying it’s everyone– clearly there are some very enlightened and open-minded republicans, as there are some absolutely idiotic democrats as well. But, it is a generalization that holds some truth to it.
they must be, since all the blame are towards THEM!
I say that a generalization that has a lot of truth in it would be that all democrats and liberals are idiots. Not saying you all are, as it is a generalization. Anyone who voted for John Kerry though is obviously an idiot. I’ll debate this to kingdom come if you want.
I dunno. I have a lot of Republican friends who would cringe at the idea of insulting anyone because of their race, but I also know plenty of Republicans (and Democrats too) who would be fine with it.
I don’t think there’s a particular party more likely to have racial biases, because it really all comes down to the people.
I would hope not..but idk, thank you very much for the comments lately
(ps- I am a democrat)
i think that if you live in a certain area where there is more racism then yes, but not all Republicans are Racist, and not all Liberals are Anti-Racist, statistics are just that, statistics, they can only be used for a certain point in time for a certain area, therefore… whos to say whats what, and anyway, what about the Hispanics, and the Asians, or the other minorities that we see so much more of now-a-days
To all of you saying that it’s about the individual, I’ll say this — politics are individual too.
The fact is that the worldview of republicans tends to be more “old-fashioned” and some still hold to the old-fashioned idea of white supremacy. Most people’s views are sociopolitical, as they ought to be. Racism is a mindset, just as politics is.
ummmmmmmmm the washington post is liberally biased so how do they have the right to talk? but i believe that’s not true cause i’m Republican and I love all kinds of people no matter what the color
Did this survey include black republicans too? lol.
Probably. It said more republicans “admitted” having predjudice, right? That’s the thing with studies.
damn, dan, what a touchy question! are you tryin to start a riot up in here? hahahaha!
this sounds like a fascinating study; right up my alley. can i get the citations for it? i’m hesitatnt to answer your question. now that i know it’s based on a psychological study, i’d prefer to critique it first. there are so many reasons why the results came out the way they did. it’s dangerous to assume causation cuz there way be other factors too, such as what population the study examined, where they were located, etc, but you can assume correlation.
it’s funny how a lot of folks are like, “i hope not!” it’s like, admit it, prejudice is everywhere. why are people so afraid to admit that they have stereotypes?
omigosh, i can’t wait to read it! (i’m such a nerd.) i just tried googling it and i don’t know which one it is…
ummm no just the ppl they did studies on LOL
hahaha. i duno
Probably, but this study likely overlooks two key problems. First, it’s completely unacceptable for liberals (read: Democrats and Greens) to say anything remotely criticizing the African-American community, even when it’s warranted, so they aren’t likely to admit to having an implicit or hidden bias. Second, and probably more important, blacks themselves vote Democratic in about an 85-15 split. If this survey was done color-blind, then of course more Republicans than Democrats have issues with blacks, because a good chunk of the Democratic constituency is black, and they’re far, far less likely to worry about black people.
no
Man, who doesnt have a bias against black people? There is always some drama …
@Valentine’s Day: make a mix CD of romantic or favourite songs for your wife. It’s a sweet, personal gift. Also, write her a long love note.
no
Trent Lott and Rush Limbaugh teach us all we need to know about Black people.
damn, you’re fast…thanks!
No way! I consider myself pretty conservative…and I despise racism.
Republicans are not more likely to have a bias against blacks. The Washington Post is more likely to have a bias against Republicans.
first of all the washington post generally has a liberal point of view, but i see where they are comming from. Republicans want America to remain the great country that it is, and America was built by hard working people who believed in self reliance. I am not saying that blacks are not hard working people, its just that they were brought over and taken care of by whites. they never had to work to make money, there wasnt opertunity to make money. But even a 150 years after the emancipation proclamation freed the slaves, they are still living in the past and letting the liberals feed them. where as republicans generally believe that you should keep the paycheck that you earned. instead of taking from the hardworking and giving it to the lazy or (racialy disadvantaged).
the reason people think republicans are raceist is because we want to encourage them to get a job and be a productive citzen. for their good and their nation’s.
so in reality the liberals like finacialy dependant citzens, and promote lazyness until we are a socialist contry.
No, depends on the person.. but I do have to say that Bush is a little … un-blackish.
I’d want to see the data from the study before I drew a conclusion like that – including how they found the people surveyed, how many people were surveyed, and what the questions were. For example, what if the wording of the questions was confusing? What if the sample (the people surveyed) was not random and consisted of people who volunteered themselves or were only from a certain area (a surefire way to get an inaccurate or misleading response)? What if more Republicans than Democrats, or blacks than whites, or vice-versa, were surveyed? What if only a small number of people were surveyed? I could go on and on. don’t trust “studies” like this when you don’t have clear-cut data to back it up.
If you can’t tell, I’m in AP Statistics this year. lol.
what is (or who) a republican?? I is ‘australian…and confused. Oops.. that shouldn’t be in one sentence. Oh well! LOL. Sara
you can make statistics say what ever you want them to,lol.
but just cus you repub, dosn’t mean your racist
I think not. It varies where the republicans may be.
However, I wouldn’t know.
I hope not…but I think the answer may be yes.
And it is important to note that the Washington Post is a raging liberal publication. But I love it
Maybe maybe not….I’m Republican. I don’t feel as though I am racist. If I was I think I would get beat going to a almost half black school
I do believe so…no matter where they are.
It probably is true; however, republicans are the only party to put two different blacks as sec of state amoung other key high level positions. I think the key in the article is admitted bias. How many liberals/democrats are going to admit a bias against blacks? I think another key question would be how many liberals have a bias against caucasians?
Did they poll the Klan?
yup its in their ideology of wanting to keep things the same or make small changes. Thats why conservatism is all messed up for black people…Then you look at the leaders who claim they speak for black america such as Clarence Thomas or Booker T Washington. All fell into a conservative ideology, ended up screwing black people worst than the white conservates ever could have….
Depends where they live, and in that case democrats just as likely.
Maybe those who are conservative to the point where they are very closed minded and self absorbed…but I have several beliefs that are on a more conservative end and I am most definitely not racist… neither are many other conservatives I know. I think that’s labeling people… racists are racists and it has nothing to do with your political party. That just comes down to ignorance.
i’m defenitely a republican.
where i’m from we are seperated (blacks & whites)
no, we don’t have seperate doors or fountains anymore, but we are seperated all the same.
I think so, but that doesn’t mean that every Republican is a racist (well, more so than the average person, anyway), or that every liberal isn’t racist. I know I can be racist. Pretty much everyone’s racist. The thing is, you have to try and break down the stereotypes, give everyone a fair chance, and try to recognize when you’re being racist and quit it.
I guess it’s something that I have to work on, not seeing all Republicans as chauvinists, racists, sexists, and several other things that end with “ists”. People are people, and I forget that sometimes.
I hope not…I don’t think it’s that simple.
Every single Rebublican I know, has NO biased what-so-ever against blacks in any way shape or form. I don’t think Republicans are biased against blacks at all. Interesting how everyone loves to single out Republicans eh? (I’m not referring to you, I’m talking about The Post)
TO answer your question, not really. Depends on the person and their environment they grew up in as well as the experiences they had with blacks. In order to not like something, you have to experience it. However, I fall into the category you are speaking about. I am a Republican and I have lots of bad things to say about blacks. I dont care if ppl call me a racist, because damnit, I am a bit racist. No point in denying how I feel.
Seems like a survey with an agenda within itself.
Gabriel
A partial yes, and don’t forget the bias against the poor and homeless too! Europeans (some) think America is crazy–spending millions on space exploration, when we have so many homeless and poor.
hmmm . . .
I can see how it correlates but I am unsure as to the way most republicans feel. I can only state that I am neither.
Welcome back, retirement didn’t last too long…
I don’t know about all of this. I would have to read the study. I’m a republican but I don’t think I have a bias against anyone at least based on race, gender, sexuality, etc.
Absolutely.
Think of it this way… republican’s are what I consider.. regressive (liberals progressive, this can’t be argued), and to regress would be, in defenition, to go back to how things were, i.e. blacks not in the way of white people.
I’m not talking slavery of course.
I’m talking imprisonment in projects and ghettos where they have no way to get out for generations.
When I hear someone is republican or ‘right wing’ I assume white trash/racist.
But I’m a hatta’
uggggh. i consider myself a republican, i understand the plight of blacks and minorities, i just wish they’d quit whining, they have just as equal of a chance to succeed and be happy as whites. their past repression isn’t an excuse for them to blame white people today. i think it’s human nature to be prejudice. your political preference really isn’t a determining factor.
i agree with p8indme: “just another attempt to make conservatives look like some kind of heartless monsters.” i really think that data can be manipulated, intentionally or unintentionally, to reflect the beliefs of the person/s doing the study.
i’m a republican, and i love all races of people.
Well…I’m a republican and I don’t have any bias against black people. Growing up in California may have helped. It’s like the melting pot within the melting pot.
Washington post?
My answer to your question… no.
i dont think that the subjects are connected
I vote by the standing record of the actions of the candidate, not by my petty desire. Frankly, I skipped the slot for selection of president ’88,’92,’96,’00,04…. because I did not like ANY of the candidates because of their actions, stances or offerings. They all, collectively, offered only a continuation of the staus quo. Secret line items and/or support on legislation, cronyism n secret agendas, cheap shots at most candidates in federal elections, and inciting more division in the American public than at any time in history. For god’s sake, people and sir (our host), how many of you know the last time, before President Clinton, that we had a balanced budget and even a surplus?? That last item is a true sign of true, country-wide prosperity of the people. Racism is NOT tied to party affiliation. IT IS and always will be a personal choice of the individual. Blame the media and certain politicians (Newt) for the notion of racial bias by whichever party.
I think you have it the wrong way around. People who have strong self-admitted biases against blacks tend to be Republican. It does not necessarily follow that all Republicans have negative biases against blacks.
Well, you know if you live where those idea’s are encouraged and supported I could see that impacting your beliefs. Me? I love you no matter what the color of your skin is. How silly is that???
heh, I think some of those studies can be bias themselves so…
i think so.
I think it depends on the person, Judi
Not really sure.
Sounds like someone was wasting time and money doing surveys again…
Any prejudice comes from the individual, but I suppose it is possible that since Republicans tend to be more conservative, some might hold to some old fashioned, dead ideas, while Democrats, tending to be more liberal, seem to want to embrace everybody and live lives of tolerance.
Aside: “Tolerance” sounds great, but sometimes it is better to not always sit on the fence. Take a stand for something you believe in. That is why Christians are usually lumped in with conservative Republicans.
I’ve learned to not trust anything the Washington Post prints.
rebublicans hate evil (i.e. nazis and such) the left hates inequality. remember that.
my question is, what about black republicans?
No. Isn’t there a national Black Republican Caucus or something like that? Is Connie Rice a Democrat?
No, there is not basis in fact for that assertion.
L,r
If you are Republican in rural areas, regardless of what region, you are far more likely to have a bias. I actually think that if you are white and live in a rural area(including small towns of less than 10,000) then you are more likely to be biased against not only blacks, but also against hispanics and asians. I think that living in a diverse urban culture helps to temper and even eliminate(in some cases) the likelyhood of racism or bias.
I don’t think so… Perhaps in the past it was quite certain that republicans and racism went hand in hand and this has been passed on through the generations subtly but I think you can’t decide a persons personality on whether they vote democrat or republician.
*mutters* bunch of rednecks *unmutters*
I think it’s the liberal media and the democatic agenda that wants everyone to *think* that republicans are bias against minorities in general… Do I think it’s true though? No!
Studies can be unreliable and biased themselves. Most of my family is Republican, but I consider myself to not be apart of any party. My opinions differ from issue to issue and would rather just have my own beliefs rather than categorizing them.
But anywho, most of my family members are Republicans, and none of them are at all biased against any person.
I think it is wrong to be judgemental and group people into stereotypes.
>Ariana
Depends on where they live, how they were brought up, etc. etc. That’s a very powerful statement.
i think it’s purely unintentional. it’s not that republicans are anti-black…that’s ridiculous. but there are a lot of untrue stereotypes about blacks that deal with issues republicans don’t like to deal with. like crime, welfare, drugs, government aid, etc. the truth is that these issues are a national issue affecting people of every race and every walk of life. but unfortunately, there’s the belief that these are black issues or “urban” issues. which, to be honest, is pretty sad.
so no…it’s not a republican thing. it’s a stereotype thing. and it’s crap.
Gah. I hate politics.
With a passion.
I believe that Republicans simply have an easier time admitting that they have a bias, and the simple fact that they can admit that proves that they are farther along in the battle against it than those who do and have not admitted it.
How can you fight an enemy whom you do not believe to exist?
I dont believe that to be true at all. What an odd study. I wonder what the reason was behind the study.
Completely True
And Democrats Are More Likely To be Giant Twats
(La Dee Da Da Da)
nope, but libs are to whites…