Americans Are Divided By Race, Age, And Politics

In the past few days, it has become apparent that this is very much a divided country. After the no-bill decision by the St. Louis County Grand Jury (thanks to a one-sided view presented to them by a biased prosecutor), we now know that the police officer who shot an unarmed black teenager while he was trying to surrender will not be punished at all. Many in this country think that's just fine, while many others (including me) consider it a miscarriage of justice. What cannot be denied is the broad split that exists in the United States.

The charts above show this split. They were made from a YouGov Poll done between November 14th and 17th of a random national sample of 1,000 adults (with a margin of error of about 4 points). While the survey was taken a few days before the Grand Jury decision was announced, it shows clearly the divide that exists in America.

Whites, older citizens, and Republicans are convinced that the shooting was justified -- and that it was just an isolated incident. Minorities, younger citizens, and Democrats tend to believe the officer should be punished -- and that this incident is indicative of a broader pattern of police abuse of minorities (especially black citizens).

I have heard a lot of talk about how this country needs to come together, but I see little chance of that happening. Blacks cannot move toward the white attitude, because that would be a denial of the unfair treatment they receive daily in this country from the police (and the courts). And whites won't move closer to the black attitude, because most of them don't suffer the same kind of justice system inequities that blacks do (and tend to believe everyone is treated as they are).

Until whites (and older people and Republicans) can see beyond their own limited experience with the police and courts, and recognize that blacks are treated differently (because of their race), nothing will be done to solve the serious racial problems that permeate our society. And sadly, I don't see that happening anytime soon. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think I am.