Racial Beliefs Among Blacks and Whites

The belief structure that blacks and whites have of each other influences day-to-day relations between them. Frequently, for instance, blacks and whites must interact in a variety of situations which involve at least a minimal level of communication and cooperation. However, awkwardness, misunderstanding, hostility, and distrust often make the relations between them unproductive. Many laymen and social scientists argue that these complications occur because blacks and whites see themselves through different social perspectives. In consequence, social scientists have devoted considerable attention to some of the important aspects of this argument (e.g., Campbell, 1971; Gordon, 1964; Himes, 1973; Ladner, 1973; Pettigrew, 1975; Pinkney, 1975; Rose et al. 1973; Wilson, 1973). The thesis of different social perspectives refers to one or the other of several different elements which might influence