The Political World: Voting, Tolerance, and Civility - Are Things Getting Better?

Are things improving in some areas? The Public Agenda survey asked respondents in what areas they thought things had gotten better, worse, or stayed the same when compared to the past.

We have made some progress in being more respectful to segments of our population. Blacks, Hispanics, gays and handicapped people have become powerful forces in our society, influencing our culture and shaping political debate and policy. What accounts for our improving attitudes? Some may argue it is simply a case of political correctness or "thought police." There may be some element of this. But perhaps we are more tolerant because the diverse elements of society mix more. More African-Americans and Hispanics are attending college and working at higher-paying jobs than in previous years. Gays are increasingly open and visible, with many of us having a gay friend or coworker. In short, we are learning about and from each other.

Some people in the survey saw great improvements. Over 60% rated the treatment of the handicapped as good or excellent compared to their treatment in the past. Some attitudes are still in transition, however: only 31% of the respondents felt Americans' treatment of gay people was good or excellent.

While respondents were willing to give Americans good marks in some of their attitudes, members of these minorities felt that they were not given reasons to be so charitable. For example, only 26% of African-Americans felt the respect and courtesy given to them by their fellow citizens was excellent or good. Sixty-four percent claimed that demonstrations of respect and courtesy "needed improvement." Many confessed to experiencing chronic racial-bias issues: from being followed in stores to prevent shoplifting to racial profiling.

There are some issues we have yet to address. We still disrespect our planet with litter and pollution. Many of us still don't value our seniors. Cases of road rage seem to be getting deadlier.

Where are things headed? Are things better? Are we getting angrier as a society? Will we get along with each other in public, but not in private?

Source: Public Agenda. Aggravating Circumstances: A Status Report on Rudeness in America. Online. Available: http://www.publicagenda.org. April 28,2002. Figures come from a random survey of 2,013 adults conducted January 2002.