Americans Now See Hispanics As More Frequent Targets of Discrimination Than Blacks: Pew Research Center

In a study released yesterday the Pew Research Center found that nearly one in four (23%) Americans believes Hispanics are frequent targets of discrimination, while less than one in five (18%) believe African Americans are frequent targets of discrimination. This represents a significant shift in perceptions. In the past Americans have consistently identified African Americans as more likely to be targets of discrimination. Among whites, only 13% see a lot of anti-black bias, compared to 20% in 2001. In general, the study shows that black Americans have become significantly more optimistic about racial progress since the election of President Obama.

In New Mexico hispanic per capita income was 51% of white non-hispanic income in the three-year period from 2006-2008, while black income was 55% of white non-hispanic income, according to U.S. Census ACS data. Nationwide the gap is even more pronounced, with hispanic per capita income at nearly 50% of white non-hispanic income compared to 57% for black per capita income compared to white non-hispanic per capita income. Native Americans in New Mexico trail New Mexico hispanics in per capita income by more than $3500, although nationwide Native Americans are ahead of hispanics by just over $1000.