Black Feminist Voices in Politics

APPENDIX C: Race Consciousness

APPENDIX C Race Consciousness All of the variables were coded on a 0 to 1 scale with 1 indicating greater race consciousness. GROUP IDENTIFICATION COMMON FATE WITH BLACKS: Do you think what happens generally to black people in this country will have something to do with what happens in your life? [If yes] Will it affect you a lot, some, or not very much? POWER DISCONTENT “The next few questions deal with the economic conditions of your family, black Americans, and the nation.” BLACK ECONOMICS: We are interested in how blacks are getting along economically. Would you say that blacks are getting along very well, fairly well, not too well, or not well at all? BLACK VS. WHITE ECONOMICS: On a whole, would you say that the economic position of blacks is better, about the same, or worse than whites? Is that much better or somewhat better? Is that much worse or somewhat worse? 163 SYSTEM BLAME “Next we will ask a few questions which deal with your attitudes and opinions about racial change in America. Again, please tell me whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree.” UNFAIR OPPORTUNITY: American society has provided black people a fair opportunity to get ahead. UNFAIR DEAL: American society just hasn’t dealt fairly with black people. “Please tell me which choice is most true for you.” SOCIETY UNFAIR: American society is fair to everyone OR American society is unfair to black people. UNFAIR LEGAL SYSTEM: Generally, the American legal system treats all groups fairly OR the American legal system is unfair to blacks. COLLECTIVE ACTION ORIENTATION BLACK MOVEMENT: Do you think that the movement for black rights has affected you personally? [If yes] Did it affect you a lot, some, or not very much? BLACK ORGANIZATION: Are you a member of any organization working to improve the status of black Americans? (Yes was coded 1, and no was coded 0.) 164 Appendix C ...