When it comes to views on immigration, racism, voting, and government, a new study by the Pew Research Center reveals the stark differences between college-educated white Republicans and non-college-educated white Republicans. How do these views affect us now? They can determine who wins elections. The can determine our next president.
Donald Trump, the leading 2016 Republican candidate appeals more to the white Republicans who never completed college. In their study, Samantha Smith and Carrol Doherty go into extensive detail on this subject. Here are just some of their findings.
The majority of non-college educated white Republicans think negatively about immigrants. They believe:
- America is burdened by immigrants: “they take our jobs, housing and health care.”
- America should deport all undocumented immigrants
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America should build a border fence along U.S. Mexican border.
When it comes to racial equality in America, the majority of non-college educated white Republicans see racism as less of a problem than do their college educated counterparts. In South Carolina, the majority of non-college educated white Republicans think it’s fine to keep a Confederate flag on statehouse grounds.
One of the most disturbing findings has to do with attitudes about voting. The majority of non-college educated white Republicans do not feel voting gives people a voice.
There is no doubt that ignorance and education play a tremendous part in the course of America. The problem comes when ignorance goes to the polls.
To see charts and read more on this story, visit: Pew Research Center.
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