Brookings Review

While surveys have concluded that a large majority of white Americans oppose affirmative action, a deeper examination of this research reveals the opposite, reports the Brookings Review in the following viewpoint. Many whites claim, for example, that affirmative action hurts other whites; however, they also maintain that they themselves have not been harmed by it. When asked to think about the specific affirmative action programs at their own workplaces, most Americans actually support such programs. However, the authors conclude, Americans often misrepresent their opinions on affirmative action because the media have led them to presume that it is a controversial and divisive issue.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to a National Opinion Research Center poll, what percentage of Euro-Americans claim to have been personally affected by...