Racial Identity and Endorsements of Anti-Black and Anti-White Stereotypes

Using data from a 2023 YouGov survey of U.S. adults, we examine whether the strength of Black and White respondents’ racial identities are associated with their endorsements of anti-Black stereotypes that blame Blacks for their unequal position in society and anti-White stereotypes that blame Whites for their indifference to racial inequality and protection of their privilege. We find that, among Black respondents, a stronger racial identity—and especially importance and commonality—is associated with greater anti-White stereotyping but is not associated with anti-Black stereotyping. Among White respondents, a stronger racial identity is associated with greater anti-Black and anti-White stereotyping, with racial pride being the most important component predicting anti-Black stereotyping. These novel findings suggest that a strong racial identity is prevalent among two different groups of Whites: those who hold negative views of Blacks—views commonly described as symbolic racism—as well as those who hold negative views of Whites—views commonly associated with antiracism.